Generative design is an advanced engineering approach where software autonomously generates optimized, near-production-ready designs based on your defined parameters. Instead of starting from scratch, you specify goals (e.g., weight reduction, load conditions) and constraints (e.g., materials, manufacturing methods), and the software explores countless design alternatives—often uncovering solutions you might never have imagined. The result? Faster innovation, lighter and stronger parts, and a streamlined design process.
How It Works in Creo
Creo’s generative design integrates topology optimization and simulation tools to:
- Automate design exploration – Generate multiple manufacturable options.
- Reduce iteration time – Quickly refine designs based on performance data.
- Optimize for real-world conditions – Account for loads, materials, and production methods (e.g., additive or subtractive manufacturing).
Learn with Tutorials
Master Creo’s generative design tools with our step-by-step tutorials. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these guides will help you unlock the power of AI-driven design optimization—from setting up your first study to exporting production-ready models.
Design Criteria Essentials
For successful results, specify:
- Objectives: Minimize mass, maximize stiffness, etc.
- Constraints: Manufacturing method (3D printing, milling), geometric limits.
- Materials: Metals, plastics, or composites.
(Note: Family tables aren’t supported in generative studies.)
Key Benefits of Generative Design
✅ Lightweight, Optimized Structures
Generate efficient designs that maintain strength while reducing unnecessary material.
✅ Reduced Material Usage
Minimize waste and lower costs by optimizing part geometry for performance.
✅ Faster Iteration Cycles
Rapidly explore multiple design alternatives without manual modeling.
✅ Supports Additive & Traditional Manufacturing
Optimize for CNC machining, 3D printing, casting, and more.
Generative Design Workflow in Creo
1. Create a Base Model
- Start with a rough 3D model or design space.
- Define preserved regions (areas that must remain unchanged) and keep-out zones (where material can be removed).
2. Define Loads & Constraints
- Apply forces, fixtures, and boundary conditions to simulate real-world usage.
- Specify how the part will be used (e.g., fixed mounts, pressure loads, thermal effects).
Manufacturing and Geometric Constraints
You can add different manufacturing and geometric constraints to the design criteria. The following table describes the available constraints and the steps to add them to the design criteria:
| Constraint | Steps to Add the Constraint |
|---|---|
| Build Direction—This manufacturing constraint helps in reducing the amount of support needed at the time of 3D printing.You specify the direction of 3D printing and the value of the critical angle. Critical angle is the maximum angle value with respect to the print direction at which supports are not needed. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Build Direction. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.Click in the Build direction box. 3.In the graphics window, select a surface, a coordinate system, the Csys axis, an edge, or a datum plane as the reference. An arrow appears that shows the build direction. 4.To change the build direction, do one of the following:◦In the graphics window, click the arrow.◦In the Design Criteria dialog box, click  .5.In the Critical angle box, specify the value. |
| Parting Line—This manufacturing constraint can be used in casting and forging methods.You specify the type of the parting line, 2D parting line or 3D parting line. A parting line is a line on the part that indicates the contact between the base plate and the top plate. A 2D parting line lies on a datum plane while a 3D parting line is not restricted to any plane.You also specify the pull direction and the draft angle, the angle between the walls of the mold plates. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Parting Line. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.Click in the Pull direction box. 3.In the graphics window, select a surface or a datum plane as the reference. 4.In the Design Criteria dialog box, specify the Draft angle value. 5.To define the Draft line, do one of the following:◦Click 2D and select a plane in the graphics window.◦Click 3D.  After selecting the Parting Line constraint, you cannot select the Linear Extrude constraint. They are opposing manufacturing constraints. |
| Linear Extrude—This manufacturing constraint can be used in the 2-axis and 3-axis milling methods.This constraint creates a linear pull direction extrude, which is the direction of the tool used for milling.You can have a unidirectional or bidirectional linear extrude. A unidirectional extrude is flat on one side while on the other side, it is in free form for a 3-axis milling machine. A bidirectional extrude is flat on both the sides, which is for 2-axis cutting. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Linear Extrude. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.Click in the Extrude direction box. 3.In the graphics window, select a surface, an edge, a datum plane, or the Csys axis as the reference. An arrow that shows the extrude direction appears. 4.To change the extrude direction, do one of the following:◦In the graphics window, click the arrow.◦In the Design Criteria dialog box, click .5.In the Extrude angle box, specify the value. 6.To have a bi-directional extrude, select the Bi-directional check box. After selecting the Linear Extrude constraint, you cannot select the Parting Line constraint. Both are opposing manufacturing constraints. |
| Minimum Feature Size—This geometric constraint controls the feature size in the optimized shape.This constraint makes sure that the thickness of the resulting model, at any cross section, is always greater than the specified value. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Minimum Feature Size. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.In the Minimum Feature Size box, specify the value and select a unit from the list. Make sure that the specified value is higher than three times the element size. |
| Symmetry—This geometric constraint builds planar, rotational, or both types of symmetry.The planar and rotational symmetry constraints enforce shape symmetry regardless of asymmetric loading in the study. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Symmetry. The Design Criteria dialog box expands.You can add a planar constraint, a rotational constraint, or both types of constraint simultaneously. 2.To add a planar constraint, do the following:a.Click  .b.In the graphics window, select planes as the Symmetry planes. You can select up to three symmetry planes. Press Ctrl to select multiple symmetry planes.3.To add a rotational constraint, do the following:a.Click  .b.In the graphics window, select an axis as the Symmetry axis.c.Specify the number of rotational repetitions as the Instances.4.To add both, a planar and a rotational constraint, do the following:a.Click  .b.In the graphics window, select Symmetry planes.c.In the graphics window, select Symmetry axis.d.Specify the number of Instances. |
| Minimum Crease Radius—This geometric constraint can be used to smooth out the solved geometry and reduce the webs in optimization.This constraint makes sure that all the surfaces keep a curvature about a minimum radius. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Minimum Crease Radius. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.In the Minimum Crease Radius box, specify the value and select a unit from the list. |
| Material Spreading—This geometric constraint controls the spreading of material.The material spreading value ranges from 0 to 100. Increasing this value will result in fewer thick and solid regions, and more thin walls and struts. | 1.Click Add Constraints, and then select Material Spreading. The Design Criteria dialog box expands. 2.To define Material spreading, adjust the slider or specify the value in the box. |
3. Set Optimization Goals
- Choose objectives such as:
- Minimize mass
- Maximize stiffness
- Reduce stress concentrations
- Select materials and manufacturing constraints (e.g., 3D printing, milling).
4. Run Simulation & Generate Designs
- Creo automatically produces multiple design alternatives.
- Review simulation results (stress, displacement, factor of safety).
5. Export & Refine
- Select the best-performing design.
- Export as a manufacturable CAD model for further refinement.
Ready to Try Generative Design?
Explore our step-by-step tutorials to master Creo’s generative design tools and start creating optimized, high-performance parts today!
(Stay tuned for upcoming video tutorials!)
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