Niall O'Dowd, PhD

This week at the Automate Show I had a really great conversation with Alvin Clark, a Sr. Developer Relations Manager at NVIDIA. My connection to NVIDIA is actually not new; they used to be my customer when I was the Silicon Valley Sales Manager at CST (now part of the Dassault Systemes - Simulia Software Portfolio) and also a partner for the development of high-performance engineering simulation using GPUs. I joined the NVIDIA Inception Program while developing supply chain AI at Algo - this program has now grown to a global network of over 18,000 technology startups! Fast forward a few years, after some twists and turns, now I get to partner with NVIDIA to learn and share ideas about innovation in robotics and AI for supercharging the manufacturing and automation industries, which I love! Based on Alvin's recommendations I managed to visit a few NVIDIA partner booths to see the practical applications being developed with their tech and it's a mix of industry heavy weights and newer startups: Universal Robots - dare I say the King of Cobots? Siemens - needs no intro Intrinsic - an easy to use developer platform for robotics & automation Axiomtek USA - IPC vendor Apera AI - 4D Vision for Robotic Automation A few that I missed that I am interested in learning more about: Instrumental Inc. - Find and fix manufacturing issues with Data and AI Invisible AI - an on-premise computer vision platform that captures data from manual assembly work Dori AI - an AI-powered video intelligence platform who I realize I also missed last week in Nashville at the Assembly Show South 🤦🏻‍♀️ Anna-Katrina Shedletsky I would love to invite you to the Automation Ladies Podcast and anyone else from these companies interested in having a conversation please reach out 😊 #automationcommunity #aiinmanufacturing #aiinrobotics #smartmanufacturing #automate2024 #partnerships NVIDIA Robotics

140

12 Comments

One of the side-effects of parametric modeling with implicits is that your designs update in real-time. Useful for not just interactivity but also simulation. Also, the new rendering in nTop is a major lifestyle upgrade.

64

8 Comments

Ever tried to design parts from a 3D scan? Either work with super heavy stl conversion or spend a lot of time create a clean model. I never knew how powerful STL to SubD conversion was until I tried this out in Ansys Discovery! What a powerful tool for working with faceted data! #ansys #stl #3dprinting https://lnkd.in/gHQQuv8V

23

This week I continue to post about #AdditiveManufacturing papers that may be interesting for my network. This week I will focus on review papers, one that really "took off" is this - Metal additive manufacturing in aerospace: A review (full paper here https://lnkd.in/d4ZTBiGi). This was a great collaboration with Michael Brooks, Glen Snedden and Jean Pitot from the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), Paul Gradl from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Elena López from Fraunhofer IWS, Martin Leary from RMIT University, Filippo Berto at the time at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Byron Blakey-Milner who was at the time still a student. It was a great collaborative effort and it shows: it is the nr 1 highest cited paper in the journal Materials & Design (>1400 citations since publication in 2021), and the nr 2 most-downloaded of the last 90 days. https://lnkd.in/deRrGzHf If you are interested to learn more about metal additive manufacturing and its application in aerospace, this is the paper to read. Further reading in subsequent book chapter: Metal Additive Manufacturing in the Space Industry https://lnkd.in/dnuB4wgA in the ASM handbook 21A: https://lnkd.in/dZ4YdkqB #Metal #Additive #Manufacturing #aerospace #space #rockets

78

2 Comments

Did you know you can now adjust simplified beam lattices using the Warp feature in Creo?

2

Could genAI understand complex objects and model them in 3D? That would open up a realm of possibilities for manufacturing… Not quite there yet … but it looks like building in a visual feedback loop would help. Kevin Weil suggestion for next release! #genai #3d #manufacturing #cad

10

Is the Additive Manufacturing hype really over? Key insights from BreakPoint Labs at RAPID + TCT 2024. As AM enters the "trough of disillusionment," it's time to pivot. The key to future success lies in two areas. Want to know more? Read our key insights and takeaways from #RAPIDTCT24 https://lnkd.in/djXBwQZq #AdditiveManufacturing | #AM | #3DPrinting #TeamBreakPointLabs | #BuildProtectLearn

8

I’ve spent most of my career advocating for the adoption of #additivemanufacturing and #3dprinting. You could argue I’m biased in favor of this technology. With all the advantages and (past?) hype associated with AM, is it now replacing traditional methods like CNC machining or not? My co-founder Ward Ripmeester and I constantly speak to European manufacturers who wonder which manufacturing methods to invest in. Here at MakerVerse, we see that the future lies in co-existence. 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡: Customers love that AM excels at creating complex geometries and rapid prototypes. However, CNC machining remains a workhorse for high-volume production of precise parts. That means the key is to leverage both! 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: Collaboration between established manufacturers and AM experts fosters faster innovation. These younger AM-focused companies bring fresh ideas and agility, while established players provide experience and resources. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible. 𝐀𝐌 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐂𝐍𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭: In some industries, strict regulations make it difficult to fully adopt additively manufactured parts, so machining and other production methods are still the standard. However, additive manufacturing during the initial design and prototyping phase can save time and money before production begins. AM and traditional manufacturing are allies. By fostering collaboration, European manufacturers can unlock a future of innovation, efficiency, and a thriving manufacturing sector.

65

5 Comments

Tired of fighting with chaotic CAD files and endless revisions? We’ve been there too. That’s why IrisX exists—to transform the frustration into clarity. Automatically capture dimensions/GD&T, automate reports, and streamline your workflow like never before. Check out IrisX.tech and let the simplicity take over. Your future self will thank you! #CAD #CADAutomation #QualityEngineering #Designengineering #IrisX

8

Why should Gauging not be a part of your 3D measurement ecosystem? This insightful video demonstrates how modern 3D metrology software can help you take your gauging process to a whole new level. PS - Show it to your colleagues in QA and Production! ;-) What did I learn in the Bobcat case study video? - All Dimensional inspection data can be acquired in PolyWorks | Inspector (yes, including gauges) - Store and share the most relevant data with colleagues - Take more confident decisions based on your Dimensional Inspection data - First steps to Industry 4.0 are just a small step away Watch the video to know more and yes, I will be there at IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show starting Monday 9th Sep! Do drop by and say hi!

24

Shout out to Evan Pilz & Gabrielle Thelen for this computational model that generates a mask conforming to an individual's face in nTop! It takes as an input a mesh (from a scan) of a face and a few design parameters for the flange and automatically generates the final mask with flange linking the non-custom parts to a face. The mask can also be repositioned & sized based on input points or a target coverage area, or this can be setup to work with a number of different generic mask designs. I'm still impressed with the robustness in using nTop's underlying implicit model + the automation capabilities of the nTop notebook to enable these precise surfaces to just work across a range of inputs -- I guess you could also tweak this file to take in a dogs face if you happen to be designing masks for dogs :) Here's a link to the file: https://lnkd.in/gdrQjMYq

194

18 Comments

𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝟑𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Is metal 3D printing highly accurate❓ How to apply metal 3D printing technology to manufacturing❓ How does the quality of metal 3D printed products compare to traditional manufacturing❓ 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 💥 This article will summarize 10 frequently asked questions and detailed answers about metal 3D printing, helping you better understand this technology and make informed decisions when applying it to manufacturing.  Read the article now to explore answers to all your questions about Metal 3D Printing! 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/gdeEfQvB   ----------------------------------------  CONTACT INFOR:     ☎Phone number: (+84)905300382    📩Email: [email protected]    💻Website: https://vinnotek.com/    ⚡LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gwwaupm7    ⚡Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g7g2s6R3  

AutoCAD for Mechancial Engineers | Is it still relavant? AutoCAD, launched in 1982, remains a favorite among mechanical engineers despite the rise of advanced tools like SolidWorks and CATIA. Its user-friendly interface, cost-effectiveness, and seamless compatibility with multiple file formats keep it relevant. 🌟Why AutoCAD Still Shines: - Accessing and enhancing legacy design files with ease - Exceptional 2D drawing capabilities for intricate designs - Affordable for small businesses and individual professionals - Extensive plugins and customization options for tailored solutions Whether working on detailed technical drawings or collaborating on multidisciplinary projects, AutoCAD continues to be a reliable ally for engineers worldwide. Ready to explore what AutoCAD can do for you? Visit 🧑‍💻 https://lnkd.in/erzW2FGN #AutoCAD #MechanicalEngineering #CADSoftware #Innovation #EngineeringDesign #BKEngineering #SolidWorks #CATIA #2DDrawing #LegacyDesigns #CostEffectiveSolutions

6

🤔 Why invest heavily in tools when your product's market acceptance is uncertain? Leverage 3D printing to produce parts and test market fit first. Enjoy cost efficiency, faster prototyping, and flexibility in design adjustments. Validate your product idea before committing to expensive tooling! Reach us at [email protected] for more information. #3dprinting #MarketFit #Prototyping #Innovation #Startups #LeanManufacturing #Cubein

24

1 Comment

🔊📐 Additive Manufacturing – Voxel based models are made up of many unit volumes put together to make a 3D shape, and therefore look like minecraft models. The new voxel-based meshing allows non-CAE engineers to produce meshes capable of producing good quality models for most model types. Exceptions include models with thin walls and small features that will still require a more experienced CAE engineer. Siemens Digital Industries Software #3dprinting #additivemanufacturing #voxel #siemenspartner #CAE #3Dshape Sevan Davitian Fred Lauzus

4

1 Comment

Are you conflicted as to which of these solutions would be best for your company? We get it. They are both great tools and have a lot to offer businesses. Not all solutions are best suited to all companies. Let's take a closer look at Autodesk Inventor and Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks: https://lnkd.in/eT4Mfpvm #Autodesk #SolidWorks #EngineeringSoftware

1

Learn why it's often unnecessary to model threads in 3D and how to add thread callouts to your drawings to improve manufacturing efficiency. 📈 Today's Onshape Tech Tip covers everything from starting an external thread feature to adjusting thread options like chamfers and undercuts, as well as how to visualize threads in your drawings 👉 http://onshp.co/gS

57

In the world of Product Development, sometimes less is more. But how do you know what's truly necessary? 🤔 At Root3 Labs, we occasionally catch ourselves over-engineering a prototype. It’s easy to get sucked into meticulously modeling every component in CAD, or including intricate connector details. But, when we ask ourselves: "Is this necessary right now?" Spoiler alert: It usually isn't! 😅 That’s when we’ll switch gears to greatly simplify our early phase designs. This approach allows us to iterate faster and explore more ideas without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Key lesson: Always ask, "Is this work necessary to achieve our desired outcome?" It's not about cutting corners, but about being smart with your time and resources. How do you like to balance detail and speed in your design process? #ProductDesign #EngineeringEfficiency #DesignThinking #MedTech

8

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new method for detecting defects in additively manufactured components using deep machine learning. This technology addresses a challenging aspect of additive manufacturing by accurately identifying defects that were previously unseen. Read more to learn about this interesting research! #QualityControl #Innovation #EngineeringResearch

5