Optimizing 3D Printed Parts with Generative Design (Patreon)

Every now and then, people look for ways to hollow out their parts to save weight and material. Thanks to a one-year license for a generative design tool I received at FormNext, which runs optimizations on local hardware, I decided to do a little experiment for you all.

I compared two parts: one optimized using the generative design and one created with a simple design approach. Both were printed with 5 walls and 30% infill. As you can see, with 62g vs 58g the differences aren’t exactly drastic.

This comparison also answers a common question: why are the frame components of the printer so bulky, while the toolhead and extruder appear much more delicate? This is why.