FreeTO
FreeTO is open-source MATLAB code for setting up, optimizing, and post-processing free-form 3D topology optimization problems.
What FreeTO is
FreeTO is open-source MATLAB code for setting up, optimizing, and post-processing free-form 3D topology optimization problems. Its main function takes STL files for a design domain and load-carrying subdomains, along with mesh controls and a target volume fraction. A structured hexahedral mesh is used to produce structures with smooth boundaries. The documented default method is SIMP; SEMDOT is also supported. Inputs can specify supports, force magnitudes, up to nine additional load cases, and regions to keep unchanged. Topologies can be mirrored across as many as three specified symmetry planes. Results include compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, element counts, optimization histories, and a topology display, with optional STL output. Sample problems include brackets, a human hand model, and a quadcopter. The repository includes an MIT license and uses other open-source code. Its current optimizer uses optimality criteria; the MMA implementation is commented out, and the maker says users can request the relevant code from Prof. Krista Svanberg by email.
Good
- Supports SIMP and SEMDOT optimization methods.
- Accepts multiple load cases and unchanged regions.
- Can mirror topology across up to three planes.
- Provides density arrays and optional STL output.
- Repository includes an MIT license.
Watch out
- MMA implementation is commented out.
- Uses the optimality criteria method.
- Depends on other open-source codes.
Who it suits
FreeTO suits MATLAB users working on free-form 3D topology optimization who can provide STL geometry and define loads, supports, and volume targets. It may also suit users who need topology outputs or optional STL export and are comfortable with its optimality-criteria optimizer.
Verdict
FreeTO provides a defined workflow for 3D topology optimization, with several input controls and useful output forms. Its optimizer limitation is important to consider if MMA is required.
The facts
Each one read from FreeTO's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Citations
- The maker asks users who find the code helpful to cite an open-access paper linked from the repository.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- The README says FreeTO uses other open-source codes, including intriangulation.m, modified top3D.m, SEMDOT.m, and phi2stl.m.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Examples
- The repository includes sample problems for a GE bracket, an airplane bracket, a human hand model, and a quadcopter.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Input
- The main function accepts STL files for the design domain and load-carrying subdomains.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Input format
- The function takes STL files for the design domain and load-carrying subdomains, plus mesh control and a target volume fraction.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License
- GitHub identifies the repository as open source and links an MIT license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Loads and constraints
- Inputs include support conditions, load magnitudes, up to nine additional load cases, and regions that should remain unchanged during optimization.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Loads and supports
- Inputs can specify support conditions and force magnitudes, and the code documents up to nine additional load cases.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mesh and boundaries
- It performs 3D topology optimization through structured meshes with smooth boundaries.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Optimization methods
- The README lists SIMP and SEMDOT as optimization method options, with SIMP as the default.checked 7 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Outputs
- Documented outputs include compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, optimization histories, a topology display, and an optional STL file.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FreeTO is open-source MATLAB code for initializing, optimizing, and post-processing free-form 3D topology optimization problems.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Results
- Outputs include topology compliance, volume fraction, density arrays, element counts, visual displays, and an optional STL file.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Symmetry
- The code can mirror an optimized topology across up to three symmetry planes.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2024checked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The repository owner profile identifies the maker as Osezua Ibhadode.checked 7 Oct 2026
