From requirement to part: state the load and how much it may deflect, and PolySim sizes the cross-section and chooses the material that meets the spec at minimum mass or cost.
Design OptimizerLive
state a spec → get the lightest part that meets it
Controls
Set the load and the requirement; PolySim sizes a cantilever cross-section and picks the material that meets the spec at minimum mass or cost.
Reading this result: To hold 500 N at the end of a 300 mm cantilever within 3 mm of deflection (safety factor 2 on yield), the lightest option is Pine (wood): a 30×40.5 mm section (182 g, ~$0.36), sized by deflection. Its actual safety factor is 2.2. Switch the objective to cost if budget matters more than weight. This is a first-cut sizing aid — verify with a full FEA and physical testing before relying on the part.
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How it works
Design Optimizer turns a performance requirement into a concrete, buildable part. Set the load, span, allowable deflection, and safety factor, and it sizes a cantilever cross-section for every candidate material — aluminum, steels, titanium, acrylic, wood, carbon fiber — using real beam mechanics (δ = FL³/3EI, σ = 6FL/bh², I = bh³/12), enforcing both the deflection and yield constraints, then ranks them by mass or cost and recommends the winner with its exact dimensions and true safety factor. Hand the result to Fabricate for the cut/print files and bill of materials. It's a first-cut sizing aid — always confirm with full FEA and physical testing before relying on a part.
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The math, the assumptions, real-world uses, or a code translation — explained for this exact simulation.
Is this design to spec beam optimization lightest tool really free?▾
Yes. Design Optimizer runs entirely in your browser using your device's own compute, so local use is free forever. You only pay Compute Tokens if you scale a job to the cloud.
Do I need to install anything?▾
No. Everything runs client-side in a modern browser — no downloads, no license, no account required to start.
Can I save or share my simulation?▾
Create a free account to save projects, and use a shareable embed or minted DOI to publish a live, interactive version anywhere.
How accurate are the results?▾
The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.