2 | MSC Software

SummaryMSC Apex Generative Design is the fully automated generative design solution built on the

most intuitive CAE environment in the world, MSC Apex. It exploits all the easy-to-use and

easy-to-learn features of MSC Apex while employing the most innovative generative design

engine in the background. The software delivers a new and innovative approach for design

optimization which overcomes the constraints of classical topology optimization techniques

and dramatically decreases the effort required in the design optimization workflow:

• Automatically generate multiple smooth structural design candidates that all satisfy the

design criteria while minimizing the weight.

• Import existing geometries or mesh, either in CAD, STL, or MSC Nastran BDF format,

find optimized design candidates, and perform design validation all inside a single CAE

environment.

• Export geometry from optimization result directly in a format that can be transferred

into common CAD platforms and used immediately without manual re-work.

• Read the resulting geometries in Simufact Additive or Digimat AM to significantly

reduce the time of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)

MSC Apex Generative Design Brochure

MSC Apex Generative Design’s innovative approach has been proven in practice. At the

heart of MSC Apex Generative Design lies our “Generative Design Engine”. It is based on

Finite Element Analysis but, unlike traditional methods, does not use a density field, rather

utilizes a very fine mesh with well-defined elements. This enables the algorithm to directly

evaluate the occurring stresses, as well as reliably derive distinct geometries that are truly

unimaginable by human mind. The advantages are compelling:

Advantages

• Automated meshing and no prior knowledge of finite element analysis required

• Multiple design candidates generated based on optimization settings

• The results are always smooth and, theoretically speaking, ready to print using Additive

Manufacturing

How does MSC Apex Generative Design Work?

4 | MSC Software

What does MSC Apex Generative Design do?MSC Apex Generative Design transfers a design space into an organic shaped part design – perfectly

adapted to its loads. Thus, material and consequently weight is reduced, enabling more cost-

efficienct production and operation.

• Design Validation: Validate Optimized Designs using MSC Apex or MSC Nastran

• Manufacturing Validation: Validate and Optimize printability for multiple design candidates

via Simufact Additive / Digimat AM technologies

• Multiple Geometry Export Options: One click export to STL/MSC Nastran BDF/NURBS

• Multiple Geometry Import Options: Import all CAD formats, STL, or Nastran BDF and extract

geometry for Generative Design

• Intelligent Smoothing: Smooth output always with consideration for manufacturability

• Multiple Design Candidates: Generate multiple design candidates that satisfy the user

defined criteria

MSC Apex Generative Design Brochure

MSC Apex Generative Design is designed specifically to generate the detailed and highly complex structures that

only additive processes can manufacture. The high resolution of the optimised designs ensure that the results can be

sent straight to print. However, in cases where further manufacturing and design validation is necessary, MSC Apex

Generative Design is interoperable with Simufact Additive, Digimat AM, and MSC Nastran.

MSC Apex Generative Design enables manufacturers to improve their utilization of expensive additive manufacturing

technology and improve their return on investment in equipment, because reducing design effort at the beginning of a

workflow drives down the total cost of manufacturing runs and the lead time per part.

Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)

6 | MSC Software

Significant time reductionMSC Apex Generative Design makes design for manufacturing smarter because it combines speed with

high levels of automation to significantly reduce the time required for optimization. The result is a fast,

cost-efficient and integrated process.

Stress constraint based optimizationStresses are usually the most important layout criterion for a part design. MSC Apex Generative Design

technology makes it possible to optimize in a stress-oriented manner. This approach enables a true bionic-

shaped design, with a very homogenous stress distribution to ensure high part reliability.

Optimization for Additive ManufacturingEvery manufacturing technology requires design rules to avoid quality issues manufacturing a part.

This is especially important to get Additive Manufacturing right first time. In contrast to most common

optimization solutions, MSC Apex Generative Design has integrated fully integrated these and applies them

functionally to optimization.

Automated retransition to CADConventional optimization software requires the use of additional retransition software to transition

computer-generated structures to CAD, and the know-how and experience to use it. MSC Apex Generative

Design incorporates this core functionality in a single environment and automatically transfers the design

for optimal CAD/CAM linkage.

Intelligent smoothingThe efficient transition into fine and smooth surfaces is automatically conducted by an intelligent algorithm.

A defect-free surface is inevitable , ensuring the high quality of every single part.

Automatic mesh generationThe mesh for the optimization model is automatically generated and error-free compared to a manual,

time-consuming process using conventional optimization software.

Optimization without design space possibleWhile the definition of the build space is a prerequisite in conventional software, MSC Apex Generative

Design can start the optimization process without a build space. This is much faster and more flexible.

Benefits MSC Apex Generative Design

MSC Apex Generative Design Brochure

Robust, automatic adjustment of resolutionMSC Apex Generative Design makes it possible to automatically adjust the resolution or geometry. Once

a rough geometry has been generated, the software increasingly refines the resolution until a finer, more

detailed structure is achieved.

One-shot optimizationWith conventional software, several different optimization approaches need to be tested and calculated.

Every iteration costs time and money. MSC Apex Generative Design enables the quick review of the first

optimization direction, which can be easily adapted for a fast and correct result.

Highest resolutionMSC Apex Generative Design is designed specifically to generate the detailed and highly complex structures

that only additive processes can manufacture. It is impossible to realize the necessary extent of calculation

effort with conventional optimization software.

Lattice Structure OptimizationLattice structures have a high potential for lightweighting. Yet, the transition from solid material to lattice

structures is usually critical and prone to a defect. With MSC Apex Generative Design, the complete

structure can be automatically optimised to generate a smooth stress-optimised transition so that the

structures optimally grow together.

About Hexagon | About MSC Software

Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications. Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

MSC Software, part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, is one of the ten original software companies and a global leader in helping product manufacturers to advance their engineering methods with simulation software and services. Learn more at www.mscsoftware.com.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that utilise data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. For more information, visit hexagonmi.com.

Copyright © 2019 Hexagon AB and/or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Hexagon, the Hexagon logo, and other logos, product and service names of Hexagon and its subsidiaries are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hexagon AB and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Hexagon shall not be liable for errors contained herein.