Fusion Blog: Generative Machine is a startup company developing an open-source Desktop 5-axis FFF/FDM 3D printing platform. The machine’s structure was designed entirely using Autodesk’s Generative Design suite, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to quickly generate a wide range of design alternatives based on parameters, such as material, manufacturing method and performance requirements.
2 comments:
It is rare these days that I see a use case for AI that actually feels justified and not like it’s been shoehorned in by the Overinflated Expectations of the hype cycle peak. So this seems like a really cool project! It totally makes sense to automate the process of scaling a machine to different dimensions or to generate prototypes. I also really appreciated the idea that generative design could build on tools which create “dynamic relationships” between critical components of a machine to change performance characteristics while skipping the manual process of tweaking your design. Also, I didn’t really have a feel for how 5-axis 3D printing could work until coming across this article, and I was surprised to see that apparently one method is to be actively tilting the build plate during the printing process. This admittedly seems like it could have some pretty obvious faults or at least be susceptible to user error (I have definitely had normal old 3 axis prints that did not maintain grip on the build plate). All that said, damn, they really need to update their website!
I have been a big fan of Autodesk’s Fusion 360 CAD software for a while, but I had no idea that they were prototyping fascinating inventions with the help of AI. When given proper parameters I believe that AI can be the perfect tool for creating things like this printer. This can also be used to figure out the most efficient way to use supports for 3D printing and the most efficient paths for subtractive manufacturing machines like laser cutters and CNCs. New multi-axis machinery will be a boon for the prototyping phases of projects, 3D printing is a great way to create something without the waste that other multi-axis tools create by virtue of being subtractive tools. I wonder if the 5-axis printer will be scalable for bigger projects. The issue of scalability might be another factor in which AI can be used to figure out how to scale the fixture without affecting the tolerances and alignments.
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