Breakthrough in engineering design optimization with release of LimitState:FORM
Established engineering software provider LimitState today launches its LimitState:FORM software package, which promises to revolutionize the work of design engineers needing to reduce the weight and material consumption of components. Launched at the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre, home of the National Additive Manufacturing Centre, at a meeting of the Innovate UK supported ANVIL Project, the software promises to significantly ease the transition to advanced manufacturing for many design engineers. For the first time, LimitState:FORM enables design engineers to generate high fidelity optimized forms directly, while accelerating their optimization workflow. For many, this breakthrough will unlock the potential of additive manufacturing, while also representing a step forward for designers using traditional manufacturing methods.
LimitState:FORM is a conceptual design tool which excels in identifying entirely new component designs that are often much lighter and more efficient than traditional forms. It is unique in performing layout and geometry optimization in combination, and also in enabling users to directly manipulate the solution obtained. Rather than generating a “mesh” as traditional tools do, the software creates an optimized parametric geometry form that can be inspected and edited directly. This is straightforward as the software incorporates powerful direct modelling technology from ANSYS SpaceClaim. The optimization technology used means that LimitState:FORM tends to get closer to the mathematical optimum than other methods. It is also unique in reporting just how close a solution is to the likely mathematical optimum, taking a great deal of guesswork out of the optimization process.
The software is already in use at advanced manufacturing research centre The Mercury Centre, where it has produced significantly more efficient component forms than was possible using other tools. LimitState has worked closely with a number of industry partners to develop the software, optimizing parts used in aero engines, automotive components and satellite construction.
“LimitState:FORM is the only tool to include both layout optimization and geometry optimization, generating a model that can be worked on immediately with standard CAD tools” commented LimitState Managing Director Matthew Gilbert. “Optimization is a crucial technique in next generation engineering design, targeting production methods such as additive manufacturing. Making optimization tools which are both more effective and easier to use represents a milestone for the industry.”
“Optimization is becoming a crucial addition to every design engineer’s armoury, and we’re delighted that our technology is helping to make this tool easy to use”, said Peter Kelly, Sales Director, Northern Europe at ANSYS SpaceClaim. “The inclusion of ANSYS SpaceClaim’s powerful geometry capabilities in LimitState:FORM means engineers can optimize their model and design and edit it in one fluid workflow. This is a breakthrough for any design engineer who wants to reduce the weight and cost of components and structures.”
“Optimization is crucial to advanced manufacturing and LimitState:FORM generates consistent, repeatable results, with no fudged parameters - and its easy to assess the lattice structures produced”, said Iain Todd, Director, Mercury Centre, Sheffield, UK. “It’s a genuinely ground-breaking tool.”
The software is now available direct from LimitState and will shortly be available from selected resellers.
About LimitState
LimitState Ltd was established in 2006 as an engineering software house specializing in encapsulating cutting-edge optimization techniques in engineering analysis and design software. With a track record of delivering class-leading software products, LimitState's tools are used by many of the world's largest and most innovative engineering firms, in over 30 countries worldwide. Visit www.limitstate3d.com for more information.
About ANSYS, Inc.
ANSYS is the global leader in engineering simulation. We bring clarity and insight to our customers’ most complex design challenges through the broadest portfolio of fast, accurate and reliable simulation tools. Our technology enables organizations in all industries to imagine high-quality, innovative product designs that are sustainable and have an accelerated time to market. Founded in 1970, ANSYS employs almost 3000 professionals, more than 700 of them with PhDs in engineering fields such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, electronics and electromagnetics, embedded software, system simulation and design optimization. Headquartered south of Pittsburgh, U.S.A., ANSYS has more than 75 strategic sales and development locations throughout the world with a network of channel partners in 40+ countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.
About the ANVIL project
Innovate UK is the UK's innovation agency. It works with people, companies and partner organisations to drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy. The ANVIL project aims to accelerate the exploitation of additive manufacturing, bringing together end user organisations with experts such as LimitState to generate case studies that can promote the effective use of AM. As part of the ANVIL project the LimitState:FORM software has been applied to a range of real-world component design problems, in the aerospace, automotive and space sectors. Industry partners for this project included K-Tech Suspension, Magna Parva, Rolls-Royce Controls and Data Services, 3T RPD, JRI Orthopaedics, The Manufacturing Technology Centre and TWI.
