{"id":33975,"date":"2018-11-13T17:30:16","date_gmt":"2018-11-13T22:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/project-dreamcatcher-can-generative-design-accelerate-additive-manufacturing\/"},"modified":"2018-11-13T17:30:16","modified_gmt":"2018-11-13T22:30:16","slug":"project-dreamcatcher-can-generative-design-accelerate-additive-manufacturing","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/submission\/project-dreamcatcher-can-generative-design-accelerate-additive-manufacturing\/","title":{"rendered":"Project Dreamcatcher: Can Generative Design Accelerate Additive Manufacturing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In May 2018, the computer-aided design (CAD) software maker Autodesk announced the alliance with General Motors (GM) to explore the use of generative design and additive manufacturing (AM) in developing future vehicles [1]. Dubbed Project Dreamcatcher<\/em>, Autodesk\u2019s generative design algorithm utilizes machine learning techniques to generate thousands of design options based on the designer\u2019s input such as functional requirement, material, manufacturing method and other constraints [2]. The outcomes can be optimized for weight or other performance criteria which often result in complex geometry suitable to be manufactured using AM techniques (see Figure 1 for example).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Figure 1: GM seat bracket design using Autodesk’s generative design tool [3]<\/figcaption><\/figure>For GM, this is a logical next step into 3D printing as they look to move beyond rapid prototyping, even if it is approached with cautious optimism as they acknowledge that it will take years before it makes financial sense to produce many of the 30,000 parts making up GM cars using AM [4]. For Autodesk, however, this is an important step towards commercializing their generative design solution as the industry move towards CAD product that can cater for increasing prevalence of 3D printed components.<\/p>\n

Pathway to Commercialization<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indeed, critics of additive manufacturing have pointed out the lack of suitable software tools for AM [5][6]. Furthermore, engineers are still trained to design according to conventional manufacturing method. A McKinsey report identified this lack of 3D design knowledge as one limitation to current progress of AM [7]. To that end, software makers have attempted to integrate the capability to create AM friendly design to their product offerings.<\/p>\n

Project Dreamcatcher is the first one to utilize machine learning techniques to generate design options. This would mean that improvement of the tool is partly dependent on increased usage. Autodesk has released Dreamcatcher features to the latest release of their flagship CAD product \u2013 Fusion 360 \u2013 which has garnered interest from early adopters in the field. More importantly perhaps is creating proof of concept via alliances with companies such as GM. In addition to partnership in the auto industry, Autodesk has also partnered with Airbus to create lightweight partition for airplane cabin [8]. More than just proof of concept, these early efforts also help build credibility for generative design tools and gain wider traction across industries.<\/p>\n

Taking a broader view, much of the promise of 3D printing have been, among others, about increasing efficiency through weight reduction and streamlining supply chain through reduction in number of parts [9]. In the aerospace industry, for instance, GE managed to drastically reduce the number of parts in its propeller from 855 to only 12 while reducing weight by 5% and thereby gaining 20% fuel efficiency [9]. This kind of innovation is also what GM and Airbus are seeking for through the application of generative design. Therefore, Autodesk\u2019s value add in the long run aligns very well with the general direction industries are heading with AM, in that its customer promise aims to allow exploration of novel and efficient designs that go against the current intuition of conventionally trained engineers.<\/p>\n

Beyond Software<\/strong><\/p>\n

Autodesk\u2019s long run strategy with Project Dreamcatcher, however, seems to depend almost entirely on the diffusion of AM beyond its current niche usage for prototyping or rare components. Whether AM could eventually fulfil its potential is anyone\u2019s guess at this point. Indeed, naysayers of 3D printing could argue that the Dreamcatcher is nothing but a gimmicky attempt, riding on the additive manufacturing and machine learning hype, to design components that would never make commercial sense to mass produce.<\/p>\n

There are at least two ways in which Autodesk could play a more proactive role in ensuring the success of Dreamcatcher in the long run. First, it needs to move from being just a software provider to a trusted advisor for companies in harnessing new technologies. Autodesk could proactively work with companies such as GM to identify opportunities where novel designs generated by Dreamcatcher can be applied to its current and future product, process, and supply chain management. Second, Autodesk needs to build strategic alliance beyond their software users to tap into the wider AM ecosystem. This includes the industry leaders in production of 3D printer and its feedstock such as Desktop Metal. This is crucial because Autodesk needs to ensure its software stays relevant with the progress of AM and could also present opportunities to package its offerings.<\/p>\n

The question remains, however, about Autodesk\u2019s readiness to jump beyond a software provider into active influencer in the AM industry. Do they have the right capabilities to provide such advisory services to their clients? Or should they instead hedge their bet by finding alternative usage of Dreamcatcher beyond additive manufacturing, such as in the architecture and urban planning field? (786 words)<\/p>\n

References:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. How GM and Autodesk are using generative design for vehicles of the future. Autodesk News. https:\/\/adsknews.autodesk.com\/news\/gm-autodesk-using-generative-design-vehicles-future. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  2. Project Dreamcatcher | Autodesk Research. Autodeskresearch.com. https:\/\/autodeskresearch.com\/projects\/dreamcatcher. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  3. Advanced Software Design Technology Leads GM into Next Generation of Vehicle Lightweighting. media.gm.com. https:\/\/media.gm.com\/media\/us\/en\/gm\/news.detail.html\/content\/Pages\/news\/us\/en\/2018\/may\/0503-lightweighting.html. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  4. Marshall A. GM’s 3-D Printed Seat Bracket and a Future of Cheaper, Better Cars. WIRED. https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/general-motors-auto-industry-3d-printing-additive-manufacturing\/. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  5. The limits of 3D printing. 性视界 Business Review Digital Articles (June 23, 2015).<\/li>\n
  6. Roca et al., Getting past the hype about 3-D printing. MIT Sloan Management Review 58, no. 3 (Spring 2017): 57\u201362.<\/li>\n
  7. Bromberger J, Kelly R. Additive manufacturing: A long-term game changer for manufacturers. McKinsey & Company. https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/business-functions\/operations\/our-insights\/additive-manufacturing-a-long-term-game-changer-for-manufacturers. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  8. Pioneering bionic 3D printing. Airbus. https:\/\/www.airbus.com\/newsroom\/news\/en\/2016\/03\/Pioneering-bionic-3D-printing.html. Published 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018.<\/li>\n
  9. Chain reaction: Why additive manufacturing is about to transform the supply chain. Mechanical Engineering 140, no. 10 (October 2018): 30\u201335.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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