Recently we introduced the concept of geometric modeling using an implicit representation, which permits robust operations and the ability to work with many sources of input data. Our flagship product, nTop Platform, uses implicit modeling to generate functional designs from CAD geometry, simulation output, and topology optimization results, generating precise geometry and toolpath data for additive manufacturing and CAM.
As we've been working on nTopology Element Pro's advanced features (mainly our FEA and DFM tools), a lot of users (including our friend Kenneth Nai) asked for a very simple enhancement: The ability to measure things in the scene.
Recently we released Element Pro's fifth big feature: our Stochastic Structures module. This allows engineers to create random and pseudorandom lattices with tuned densities and pore sizes, and is targeted at applications in medical implants, chemical processing, and filtration.
This post will take you through the CAD design of this pressure vessel. The vessel is composed of a solid outer shell reinforced with a lattice on the underside. With two halves bolting together to create the entire vessel, each screw hole is also reinforced with a lattice of its own.
Last week we released Element 0.13.0, which brought with it a few big improvements to our user interface. We think they'll help users learn the lattice design process much more quickly, and I wanted to run them down here.
Last week we released a significant update to Element, our free lattice design software. In addition to a major change to our windowing system, we also changed the lattice generation workflow a bit and added the first Element Pro module.