October 5, 2022
This fall, Twikit will be launching a new version of Laddy. Pending the next step in design engines for custom lattice structures, let’s update you on the current functionalities of Laddy.
Laddy is a cloud-based design engine enabling design automation for mass customization with front-end visualization and automated exports of unique manufacturing files. The software allows you to fill any object with lattices and dynamically change them based on consumer-specific- or data input, expanding design freedom for engineers. In collaboration with partners, the solution ensures that lattice changes correspond with the desired mechanical properties.
Before focusing on the new version in an upcoming blog, let us take you through the current availability of functionalities, some of which are a first in the space of additive manufacturing and design automation.
Introducing Laddy: design automation for mass customization of lattice fills
Replacing foam and other performance parts with better-performing lattices
Lattice structures are the way forward for several industries such as consumer, automotive, aerospace, and medical. It allows product engineers to create new and higher-performing products while reducing weight, increasing shock absorption, and decreasing the amount of material. Think of products such as insoles, helmets, and seats. The list goes on and on. Because of these dramatically impactful characteristics, the nature-inspired design possibilities bring benefits to many brands and products.
Additive manufacturing and lattices are a perfect marriage, as these fine-detailed and organic shapes cannot be manufactured with traditional technologies. On top of this, the lattice part acts as an improved replacement for conventional foam and can make the fit and functionality of a product personal.
Connecting engineering and commercial roll-out
Laddy gives those who aim for a one-of-a-kind product, not only by optimized performance but also by dynamically changed lattice structures based on consumer-specific input, a chance to realize this through a seamless flow. It enables the product engineering phase and the actual commercial roll-out.
Users can create products with validated lattice structures that guarantee mechanical properties. These unit cells are collected in a database, including certified unit cells created by eco-system partners. Each cell can be tweaked further, resulting in a high-performing and reliable product through an automated design flow.
Continue reading to discover the ins and outs of how Laddy revolutionizes product engineering for mass customization.
From customer experience to finished product with lattice infill: a seamless end-to-end workflow
An industry first: real-time front-end 3D visualization
Laddy enables brands to create mass customized products with personalized lattices through digital manufacturing and an easy-to-use cloud-based design automation solution. The software takes care of front-end 3D visualization, in other words, the real-time browser-based visualization of latticed shapes as well as the automated export of individual manufacturing files.
API-driven
The key drivers are its API-driven architecture and the flexibility to add new and proprietary lattice unit cells. This means that engineers with their own proprietary unit cells can import them and apply them in Laddy.
Twikit personalization platform
Laddy does not stand on its own. It is part of the comprehensive Twikit personalization platform. It is a differentiator compared to other software because it facilitates an end-to-end customization solution capable of individualizing outer shapes and lattice infills. A bonus is that the platform (including Laddy) can fully integrate into external solutions. This feature allows users to combine Laddy with other shackles in an existing workflow.
Implicit representations
On a technical level, the Laddy geometry kernel works with implicit representations to describe the geometries compared to meshes. It allows the engine to calculate, store and efficiently process highly complex 3D shapes – exactly what is needed when working with high-volume lattices.
Laddy enables personalized products with lattice parts manufactured on demand and at scale
Besides all these characteristics, what does Laddy practically mean for commercial brands? By including Laddy in a more comprehensive and feature-rich personalization platform, brands can easily offer their customers hyper-personalized products with lattice parts manufactured on demand and at scale. On the front- end, consumers can experience an immersive customer experience either in a retail or online environment through a qualitative customizer.
It enables brands to cater to every customer’s particular need and provide them with a high-value product made for them while also improving the desired performance of the product through lattice structures.
Automating the design process for customized products
With Twikit’s focus on enabling any company to offer personalized products easily, manufactured on-demand and at scale, expanding Laddy’s capabilities was a clear roadmap. These will be announced and launched soon.
The solution will bring the design process of custom lattice structures to a new level and include features that will become necessities for product engineers. Creating products with personalized lattice fills will never have been this straightforward to launch commercially.
This does not only benefit engineers but also R&D, product managers, and brands as an entirety: new (and personalized) products, new markets, and new revenue.
Connect with us for more information on how Laddy can create opportunities for your brand!