Static Load Optimization

1. Import Your 3D Model to Vixiv AI

• From the Home Page, click “Drag & drop or click to import a 3D model” or use the “Import new file” button in the upper right.
• File format: must be an STL file.

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2. Explore the Optimization Workspace

Once your file is open, you’ll see it displayed in a 3D workspace with grid and dimensions.

1. Navigation controls:
   • Left-click + drag → rotate your part
   • Scroll wheel → zoom in/out
2. Scene Visualization:
   • Toggle axes and grid on/off
   • Switch pivot axis (Global or Model)
   • Reset view to default (⟳)
3. Material Visualization:
   • Adjust STL color and opacity
   • Show/hide wireframe
   • Show/hide force arrows
4. Section View:
   • Enable/disable section cut
   • Choose a plane and clip position
   • Reverse the section view direction

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3. Apply Force and Constraints

Static load optimization requires selecting both a load surface and a fixed surface.

• Load (Green):
  • In the upper left, select Load.
  • Click on the surface where you want to apply force (highlights in green).
  • Optional: specify a force direction. If left blank, the force is normal to the surface.
  • Remove a load by clicking the same surface again.
• Fixed Face (Red):
  • In the upper left, select Fixed Face.
  • Choose the surface that represents attachment (e.g., bottom surface on a floor, side of an angle bracket attached to a wall).
  • Surface highlights in red.
  • Remove by clicking again.
• Tolerance:
  Adjust tolerance to capture more of a curved surface.
  • Low tolerance = fewer triangles selected
  • High tolerance = more triangles included

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4. Set Optimization Requirements

• Domain: Static loading (upcoming domains: Vibration, Thermal, Fluidics, Multi-physics).
• Printer: HP MJF 5200 (upcoming printers: FDM, SLA, and other manufacturing methods)
• Material: Currently trained on PA 12 (upcoming materials: more polymer materials, metallics)
• Shell Thickness: Default 1 mm (0.039 in). Maintains a perimeter “skin” for drilling or attachments. Toggle between SI and imperial units.
• Zero Thickness Direction: Allows powder removal (required for powder-based printers like MJF). Choose an axis or “None” for enclosed lattices.
• Optimization Goal: Optimize for Max Load or Stiffness.
  • Currently supported loads: 0–10,000 lbf (0–44,482 N)
  • Generated outputs will satisfy the inputed optimization goal

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5. Generate a Design

Click Generate to start optimization. Vixiv AI will generate a table of up to 21 unique solutions that all satisfy optimization goal.

• Est time: ~10 minutes.
• There is no token cost if zero designs are generated.
• Table color code:
  • Green → easiest to manufacture/unpack based on printer.
  • Yellow → moderately challenging based on printer.
  • Red → hardest to manufacture/unpack based on printer.
  • Note: “Red” doesn’t mean bad — it may provide the best stiffness or mass reduction depending on your needs.

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6. Review, Sort, and Export

• Sort designs by your priorities (mass reduction, stiffness, etc.)
• Preview output designs directly in Vixiv AI by selecting individual outputs.
  
  • Est time: <1 minute per preview.
• Export your chosen design as an STL file (triangulated mesh).
  
  • Est time: ~10 minutes per export.
  • Outputs with checkmarks indicate previously exported outputs.
• Slice the exported file with your preferred slicer and print immediately.