3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / AM Lattice Software Company Gen3D Acquired by Altair
qidi

AM Lattice Software Company Gen3D Acquired by Altair

June 7, 2022

UK-based lattice design software Gen3D has been acquired by simulation giant Altair.

This is interesting to fans of topology optimization and other geometric optimization tools, because users of Altair’s software have previously been using Altair’s Inspire topology optimization solution. Now with the acquisition of Gen3D, it will be integrated within Altair Inspire. So your Inspire functionality will be enhanced, as well as your Gen3D functionality. It’s a great two-for-one as far as topology optimization is concerned.

I have also used Gen3D and can confirm that it’s an easy to use option for this type of work. And let’s look at that type of work in more detail.

Gen3D

Gen3D are based in Bath, UK, and are a spinoff from the University of Bath.

Their current DfAM software, Sulis, is used to generate all manner of lattice-like geometries for the lightweighting of additive manufacturing components. And if you’re not particularly fussy about practical lightweighting benefits offered by the software, you can always just create pretty looking models. Because topology optimization is nice, but great looking topology optimization is even better.

gen3d
Make AM heat exchangers with relative ease. (Image credit: Gen3D)

Sulis has two different modules, named as Sulis Lattice and Sulis Flow, with the former being for the optimization of structures and the latter being for the optimization of fluid flow paths for hydraulic systems. Both are geared towards additive manufacturing, naturally, as traditional manufacturing methods will struggle to create these complex geometries.

Both Sulis Lattice and Sulis Flow can be used together to create optimized structures and optimized flow paths within those structures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oj4U-ilHYg

Heat Exchangers

One interesting use case for the Sulis Flow software is the generation of heat exchangers for additive manufacturing.

The image below shows an actual printed heat exchanger which was the result of a project focusing on multi material printing. The heat exchanger, printed by Aerosint, features a stainless steel exterior and a copper interior, as you can see from the little cutout in the picture.

aerosint
Printed multi material heat exchanger. (Image credit: Gen3D)

Why are heat exchangers such a popular topic among AM engineers?

Because traditionally, a heat exchanger is made from multiple components, such as the exchanger core and manifold. Think of a car radiator. Obviously, more components equals more cost in terms of both manufacture and assembly.

With AM in general and with Gen3D in particular, designing these parts as one is simplified.

In addition, metal AM can produce incredibly thin walls, which is what you want for heat exchange. Sulis Flow helps to create these thin walls with a focus on manufacturability.

Other features of the software include fractal generation (for splitting flow paths into smaller flow paths), spline/helical based cooling channels, freeform path editing, and very importantly, export to a wide range of CAD formats (including STEP).

You can learn more about how Sulis Flow is used to build heat exchangers here.

Structures

The structural lattice module offers solutions to help with the design of devices in the domains of energy absorption, heat transfer, filtration and many more.

Users can benefit from the one-click lattice generation and can choose between multiple lattice types including surface, strut, stochastic and planar lattices, and can combine different lattice types in a single part.

And I can confirm personally that it is one-click. It’s much easier to use compared to other topology optimization methods. I’m looking at you NTopology.

The lattice cells themselves are highly adjustable and can be varied in terms of strut size and other parameters to ensure that the design process is flexible to the needs of the designer. Cells sizes for example can be graded across different multiple axis, and the resulting lattices can be blended with other structural components to create radii and reduce stress concentrators in the final part, which is nice.

If you’d like to download a trial of Gen3D’s Sulis software, then you can get it over on their site at this link.

You can never have too many options for topology optimization, and for sure we are looking forward to seeing how the integration with Inspire will enhance the user experience for engineers using both platforms.

medical-topology
Related Story
Topology Optimization for Compliant Medical Devices
Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

Trek has introduced its first 3D-printed saddle series, the Aeolus AirLoom, featuring what the company calls AirLoom lattice technology. The new design updates... read more »

News
Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

QuesTek Innovations has partnered with a global niobium producer to develop a high-temperature alloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project targets aerospace and... read more »

3D Printing Metal
QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

Autodesk Research and Additive Tectonics Develop 3D Printed Floor System with Alternative Materials

Autodesk Research has partnered with Additive Tectonics to develop a new approach to concrete floor construction using 3D printing technology. The collaboration combines... read more »

Construction

NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has installed a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at its Flatirons Campus to support marine energy device... read more »

3D Printing Metal
NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

Apple Adopts 3D Printing for Titanium USB-C Ports in New iPhone Air

Apple’s latest smartphone release marks a quiet but notable step in consumer electronics manufacturing: the company has confirmed that its new iPhone Air... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Apple Iphone 17 air

GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility to include a new production line for additively manufactured Fan Case Mount Ring... read more »

Aerospace
GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

UltiMaker has introduced its Secure Line of 3D printing products specifically designed for defense and high-security environments. The initial lineup includes the UltiMaker... read more »

News
UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has completed production of its largest additive manufacturing metal component to date - a 90kg suspension and differential... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

Designer Creates Modular Sneakers with 3D Printed Soles and Climbing Rope Laces

Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer based in Kazakhstan, has developed UDRB, a pair of modular sneakers designed to address environmental concerns in the footwear... read more »

Fashion

Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Nestlé has implemented standardized 3D printing processes across its UK manufacturing facilities over the past year. The company uses a team of three... read more »

News
Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing