3D World speaks to those using CG software and technology to analyse, engineer and manufacture the tools of the future

Far from the action-packed world of media and entertainment, 3D software has found a plethora of uses in the realm of engineering and manufacturing. The same tools being used to make otherworldly vistas and super-powered characters in film, TV and video games are also aiding the design and manufacture of vehicles and appliances, as well as providing everyday tasks such as building management. In an ongoing effort to showcase all corners of the CG community, 3D World spoke to some of the individuals behind these engineering innovations. They discuss their various uses of 3D software and technology, how it improves on more traditional methods, and how their respective industries could be changed by it.

BAC co-founder and design director Ian Briggs pictured alongside the BAC Mono supercar

SUPERCHARGING AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN

British supercar manufacturer, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), recently teamed up with Autodesk to apply generative design methods to its design and manufacturing process. The move was made in a bid to further boost the performance of the BAC Mono, a light, high-performance, single-seater supercar. In March 2020, BAC unveiled the new-generation Mono, a product of its forays into generative design.

BAC’s co-founder and director of product development, Ian Briggs, spoke to 3D World about the thinking behind generative design and how it applies to the industry. “Powered by Autodesk Fusion 360, generative design has established strong use cases for innovating the automotive industry,” he explains. “It uses a combination of artificial intelligence and cloud-computing to create design possibilities that take into account performance criteria and manufacturability requirements, allowing designers to explore thousands of designs in less time than they could deliver a single concept using traditional processes.”

He continues: “The tool accelerates the design and manufacturing process, giving vehicle manufacturers a proven way to improve fuel economy by replacing components with a variety of lightweight, recyclable materials. It also enables manufacturers to consolidate components into less parts.”