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FreeTO

github.com

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Spec score 6.8 #18 of 20 in Generative Design Software

What it is

FreeTO is free, open-source MATLAB software for initializing, optimizing, and post-processing free-form 3D topology optimization problems. It accepts STL files for a design domain and load-carrying subdomains, together with mesh controls and a target volume fraction. A structured hexahedral mesh is used, and optimized structures have smooth boundaries. Inputs can define supports, force magnitudes, up to nine additional load cases, and regions that must remain unchanged. SIMP is the documented default optimization method, and SEMDOT is also supported. Topologies can be mirrored across up to three specified symmetry planes. Results include compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, element counts, optimization histories, visual topology displays, and an optional STL file. Sample problems cover a GE bracket, airplane bracket, human hand model, and quadcopter. The repository uses an MIT license and other open-source codes. Its available optimizer is optimality criteria; the MMA implementation is commented out, with code available by email request.

Spec sheet

Purpose
FreeTO is open-source MATLAB code for initializing, optimizing, and post-processing free-form 3D topology optimization problems.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
GitHub identifies the repository as open source and links an MIT license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Founded
2024Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Maker
The repository owner profile identifies the maker as Osezua Ibhadode.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Citations
The maker asks users who find the code helpful to cite an open-access paper linked from the repository.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Dependencies
The README says FreeTO uses other open-source codes, including intriangulation.m, modified top3D.m, SEMDOT.m, and phi2stl.m.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Examples
The repository includes sample problems for a GE bracket, an airplane bracket, a human hand model, and a quadcopter.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input
The main function accepts STL files for the design domain and load-carrying subdomains.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input format
The function takes STL files for the design domain and load-carrying subdomains, plus mesh control and a target volume fraction.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Loads and constraints
Inputs include support conditions, load magnitudes, up to nine additional load cases, and regions that should remain unchanged during optimization.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Loads and supports
Inputs can specify support conditions and force magnitudes, and the code documents up to nine additional load cases.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mesh and boundaries
It performs 3D topology optimization through structured meshes with smooth boundaries.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optimization methods
The README lists SIMP and SEMDOT as optimization method options, with SIMP as the default.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optimizer limit
The repository version uses the optimality criteria method; the MMA implementation is commented out, and the README says users must request the relevant codes from Prof. Krista Svanberg by email.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optimizer limitation
The repository uses the optimality criteria method; its MMA implementation is commented out, and the maker says users can request the required code from Prof. Krista Svanberg by email.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Outputs
Documented outputs include compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, optimization histories, a topology display, and an optional STL file.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Results
Outputs include topology compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, element counts, visual displays, and an optional STL file.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Symmetry
The code can mirror an optimized topology across up to three symmetry planes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan and open-source MATLAB code
  • STL domains and load-carrying subdomains
  • Supports SIMP and SEMDOT methods
  • Up to nine additional load cases
  • Optional STL output and three symmetry planes

Limits

  • MMA implementation is commented out
  • Requires other open-source code dependencies
  • MATLAB software is required

Who it suits

It suits MATLAB users working on free-form 3D topology optimization with STL-based domains, multiple loads, constraints, or symmetry. Sample models may help users exploring bracket, hand, or quadcopter cases.

Verdict

FreeTO covers a defined 3D topology-optimization workflow with STL inputs, several load cases, symmetry, and documented outputs. Users needing MMA must request that implementation separately.

Where Specifiction places it

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