--- title: Design Engine slug: software/design-engine description: Carbon Design Engine is a cloud-based design software that creates production-ready lattices, textures, and more, saving engineers significant time and effort in designing breakthrough products. docTags: createdAt: 2024-06-27T22:05:01.608Z --- Carbon Design Engine is a cloud-based design software that creates production-ready lattices, textures, and more, saving engineers significant time and effort in designing breakthrough products. ::::LinkArray{contentSource="CUSTOM"} :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/jobH7OZgp_eFcLnIAGWZU_voronoi-epu-41.png"} [Quick Start Guide](docId\:JjWZIDzC2ZD7yo0ABsfGu) ::: :::: # Benefits of Design Engine ## Lattices In Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology, a **lattice** is a structural framework composed of interconnected elements that provides strength while minimizing material use. This approach enables the creation of lightweight, robust designs that optimize performance and reduce costs in additive manufacturing, making them crucial in advanced product development across various industries. Using a **Carbon Design Engine lattice** in your application offers a number of unique benefits, especially when using Carbon's engineering-grade elastomer [materials](docId\:qsOQBEdCnaBfdx656tlY6). ### Conformal Lattices A conformal lattice fully adapts to its assigned shape along its outer surfaces and edges, filling every curve without breaking structural integrity. Some lattice design software will generate non-conformal lattices and allow you to adjust them manually to become conformal, but this is a tedious, error-prone manual process. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Other Software** A structural and performance breakdown is a common problem with lattices in traditional software. The structure of the lattice is cropped at the edges and surface of the design space, breaking the integrity of the structure. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem **Carbon Software** Carbon Design Engine lattices are conformal. At the edges and surface of the design space, the structure simply adapts to the shape, filling every curve without breaking the structural integrity. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/MzWBsP-2hAhePwcMc7zg-_image.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/GlkPatnBWMMGpdcnruvO3_image.png) ::: :::: ### Customizable Performance How do you want your lattice to behave? Adjusting [Lattice Parameters](docId\:f-f8ROxDabcRrBEUDh6Q1) allows you to fine tune your product's performance. Carbon's engineering-grade elastomer materials, in particular, offer a wide range of performance potential. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Energy Return or Impact** Two variables influence the energy return or impact of a lattice, which determines how absorptive or springy the lattice performs. - **Material**- resin selection - **Lattice Type **- pattern selection ::: :::VerticalSplitItem **Compressive Strain** Two dimensional variables affect the compressive strain of a lattice, which affects how compressible or stiff the lattice performs. *Some materials and lattice types are also stiffer than others.* - **Strut Diameter **- direct relationship - **Cell Size **- inverse relationship ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1721438500/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Quick-Start-Guide/Drop_AdobeStock_359911739.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1721438483/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Quick-Start-Guide/Squeeze_AdobeStock_78614137.png) ::: :::: ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1721438482/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Quick-Start-Guide/Performance-lattice-parameters_EPU46.gif) ### Multi-zonal Lattices A [Zone](docId\:eFk8RIevt0JGCmQHe2IFV) is an area of a lattice with a single lattice type, cell size, and strut diameter. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Single-Zone Lattice** Single-zone lattices are best when performance needs are simple, such as creating a basic cushion or lightweighting a part that doesn’t have stringent mechanical requirements. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem **Multi-Zone Lattice** More demanding applications can require a lattice with multi-zones that seamlessly blend together to achieve a precise mechanical response. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/jqTduf0Ql7rnq9W4wDrk6_pro-single-sml.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/x-rDhW1MOQH0YVl81tJjt_pro-multi-sml.png) ::: :::: ### Thermal Management Lattices allow for comfort with **thermal management **by means of natural air circulation. Elastomer lattices create a unique opportunity for foam replacement. Unlike foam, which can retain heat and become uncomfortable, lattices are breathable. This benefit can be especially powerful in athletic applications. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/796Fj2dtE69uZ3kYpopqn_image.png" size="80" width="1680" height="1232" position="center" showCaption="false"} ## Other Benefits Carbon Design Engine does more than create lattices. ### Textures Design Engine offers the ability to apply textures to your mesh parts. Two categories of texture are available: random [noise textures](docId\:kZYsdZ5GGoWa_aJxP-az2) or [tile textures](docId\:kZYsdZ5GGoWa_aJxP-az2) that apply a decorative pattern. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/wJ8ViN3uTPqlxNAIBr1C4_image.png "Example Tile Texture") ### Combine You are not limited to exporting a printable lattice mesh on its own. You can [Combine](docId\:tSKaFppSuI9_X5xWyNu7K) the lattice with any other connecting geometries to create a single, comprehensive part. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![Lightweighting in a housing](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Lightweighting_drill_circle-bkg_transparent.png "Lightweighting in a housing") ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Skin on a cushion lattice](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Software/Design-Engine/skin-on-cushion_IMG_1701_edited_transparent.png "Skin on a cushion lattice") ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![Flat surface on a name plate for text](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Name_plate_IMG_0340_transparent.png "Flat surface on a name plate for text") ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![COVID testing swabs with solid handle](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/Education/Software/Design-Engine/Swabs_trans.png "COVID testing swabs with solid handle") ::: :::: ### Cloud Processing ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/1mJHDPpu6oGnw9cwZCDM2_image.png) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem **Processing in the Cloud Saves Local Resources ** Producing a complex lattice structure is computationally demanding and requires a lot of processing power. Carbon Design Engine does not require that processing power from your local hardware. Your STL models are uploaded to the Carbon cloud and uses cloud services to generate lattices. ::: :::: # Application Potential The case study examples below represent a range of performance applications for lattices. *Click on the link to read the case studies.* ### Energy Return & Support ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/jkGw1yBKvkViwA7F4bSHs_alphaedge-blackbright-trans.png" size="90" width="1000" height="500" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [adidas 4D Shoes](https://carbon3d.com/resources/adidas/) Printed midsoles on high performance running shoes. Created with adidas' proprietary lattice design. ::: :::: ### Energy Absorption & Impact ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/h8HKEEwVM3WHNeYcSW2_N_12-20-18-carbon-riddell3369-trans.png" size="90" width="800" height="700" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Riddell - Speedflex Diamond Helmet](https://carbon3d.com/riddell/) Printed protective padding in NFL football helmets. Select helmet pad sections use multi-zone lattices. ::: :::: ### Comfort & Minimal Wear Fatigue ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/VGWnPEwuYC5uxCTbfCR-9_cs-specialized-figure1-trans.png" size="90" width="900" height="462" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Specialized - S-Works Power Saddle](https://carbon3d.com/resources/innovation-at-2x-the-speed/) Printed padding on bike saddles. Saddle uses multi-zone lattices. ::: :::: ### Functional and Flexible ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/2qN_1ZFZ8-j9Q0-ofIFK7_swabs-trans.png" size="70" width="700" height="700" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem [Resolution Medical - Lattice Swab Crafted with Carbon™](https://www.carbon3d.com/resources/the-lattice-engine-that-could-how-a-new-covid-19-testing-swab-went-from-concept-to-launch-in-20-days/) Printed COVID-19 testing swabs. Single-zone lattice created with Carbon® Design Engine. Lattice merged with a with solid handle and printed in KeySplint Soft® Clear. ::: ::::