Is generative design AI?

Generative design is an iterative design process actually using Artificial Intelligence. The AI-driven software program’s role is to generate some variations of design solutions that meet a set of constraints, previously established by the user.

What is generative design software?

Generative design is a CAD engineering software function. The designer defines the goals and constraints of his project and the software uses AI to generate and evaluate hundreds of potential designs for a product idea. You can use software such as Fusion 360, Nodebox, or Octopus to generate your design ideas.

Where is generative design used?

Generative design can be used everywhere, from mechanical engineering to architecture. Every industry needing a 3D model to manufacture their product can benefit from this generative design technique.

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Home » 3D Learning Hub » Creating a 3D File » How are textures and patterns used in 3D printing?

Contents:

How are textures and patterns used in 3D printing?

Introduction

Textures and patterns exist within nature, from your fingertips to the bark of a tree. While they seem, at times, more about beauty, these textures are functionally essential features.

In 3D printing, texturing is a great advantage, and what once was a question of surface quality is now considered a feature of 3D printing that can make the most of surface textures in the design process. Custom textures can be designed directly into the CAD file allowing for more flexibility and infinite design possibilities.

Advantages of Texturing Parts

Aesthetics

Texture tools let you stylize your prints without having to do modeling work, simplifying the design process. Opaque materials with textures give more depth and character, while transparent materials can scatter light. With 3D printing’s flexibility to apply textures to any material, the design possibilities can be endless. Other benefits include:

Eliminate surface imperfections
Mass-customize personalized surfaces
Branding a recognizable pattern/logo into products
Mimic natural materials (i.e., leather, wood grain)
Add visual interest
Reduce glare or create matte surfaces

Strength and Function

Texture can also provide significant advantages when it comes to the function of a part—for example, improving a handle with a textured grip or creating “high-performance surfaces” that will enhance water or airflow, reduce surface tension, or optimize fluid distribution.

Texturing can add substantial strength and stiffness to thin-walled parts. It is possible to 3D print geometries that mitigate warping and collapsing, allowing structures to retain their shapes under load. These surface irregularities add stiffness to the 3D-printed parts. Other benefits include:

Grips for robotics applications
Traction wet environments or sliding surfaces
Lattice/grids for light or sound applications
Strengthen thin-walled parts without adding weight
Positioning/informational guides
Water/airflow optimization

What are the best 3D texturing tools?

You might be wondering how to create your own 3D textures, and what tools you should use in order to get the best result. The result of your texture will not depend on the texturing tool but more on how you will be using them. However, here is a little selection of the most used 3D software to create 3D printed parts with texture. These will certainly give you the opportunity to create the best appearances for your parts.

Mudbox

Developed by Autodesk, Mudbox is a well-known 3D sculpting program, including advanced texturing options. This software has a big community, which will be interesting for you if you are looking for tutorials or courses to start with your texturing work.

Blender

This open-source program is great for modeling, rigging, simulation, and can even be useful for video editing and 2D animation. Last but not least, Blender is also a strong texturing tool. As Blender is a free software, you will also find a big community around it which can help you if you need it while modeling your Blender part.

SelfCAD

A popular browser-based tools allowing you to create your projects from scratch. Its wide library will certainly be a great help to develop your projects.

ZBrush

ZBrush is a software created by Pixologic, it is widely used by professionals working on high-resolution 3D models such as an STL. ZBrush is a great sculpting tool and is offering good texturing options for your 3D printing projects.

Solidworks

This 3D modeling program is geared toward the modeling of industrial objects, but it can be used for much more than just that. It is a really complete software, meaning you can also add texture through it if you need to.

If you don’t want to bother with creating your own texture, then you still have two options. You can use a texture library and choose your prints with ideaMaker for example. Or you can ask Sculpteo’s designers from Sculpteo Studio to work on the textures of your 3D printed parts, then will help you to elaborate the best pattern for your project.

Recommended Materials and Technologies

Any 3D printing material can create textures on parts, but depending on your project and objectives, certain materials will be more advantageous than others. To help you get started, we’ve highlighted some excellent materials for highly detailed textures, strong mechanical properties, and general texturing. Consulting the design guidelines for each material or your design team for additive manufacturing is always recommended; you can request more information from our Design Studio team for the best texture, material, and design for your specific project and needs.

Resin Material

For a high level of detail, superb surface finish, and incredible accuracy, turn to resin 3D printing material. These materials are the perfect solution for creating injection mold-like prototypes or aesthetic parts for high fashion, for example. If the main objective of your part or project is to show details and complex geometries, resin materials are a perfect choice.

Want to learn more about this highly detailing and smooth material? Check out our Ultimate guide for 3D printing resin.

TPU Flexible Material

TPU is especially suited for lattice structures and creating flexible surfaces; it is the perfect manufacturing material to benefit from great design freedom. Creating complex geometries and intricate designs is possible and a significant advantage of this material. With TPU, 3D printing will help you get parts with varying flexibility. Depending on the different requirements within a part, you can have varying zones of thickness and flexibility. It is also possible to create flexible lattice structures to help develop orthopedic midsoles. What is TPU: Everything you need to know about these flexible materials.

We offer two TPU materials below:

Ultrasint TPU01 – Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder for HP Jet Fusion Printers; this material offers durable, strong, and flexible parts. MultiJet Fusion TPU is a perfect 3D printing material choice if you need to produce parts requiring shock absorption, high elasticity, and energy return. For flexible lattices and complex parts, this material is ideal.
Ultrasint TPU 88A – Offers a resistant, flexible, and rubbery material finished part for a variety of applications. With good resilience after deformation and high UV stability, this SLS TPU offers numerous advantages for your projects requiring an elastomeric material. Offering good hydrolysis resistance, great shock absorption, and a smooth white surface.

General Texturing to hide 3D printing layering or surface imperfections

In general, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technologies are great for creating textures and complex geometries for consumer products, architectural models, drones, robotics, special machinery, jewelry & watches, IoT devices, sports equipment, footwear, orthopedic technology, education, electronics housing, medical devices, sculptures, jigs and fixtures, promotional items, and more. These additive manufacturing technologies are a good choice for functional prototyping to production and can easily produce the textures and patterns necessary for each project’s objectives.

Are you ready to use texture for your next 3D printing project? Get in touch with our Design Studio to learn more about your individual projects’ full additive manufacturing potential.