Easy-to-learn Process Orientated Interface

Easy-to-learn Process Orientated Interface 3D printing of metal components offers companies a way to rapidly create near net-shape components without the cost and lead-time involved in the creation of complex tooling.3D printing of metal components offers companies a way to rapidly create near net-shape components without the cost and lead-time involved in the creation of complex tooling.

The nature of the manufacturing process also allows the production of components that might be impossible to make by any other means offering the designer lighter weight options.

As a relatively new technology there can be a lot of trial and error in the set-up process laying out the orientation and support structures for printing a part and the high temperature nature of the selective melting process can result in parts with residual stresses and distortion.

Simufact animated gifEach failed run costs money and time, so having a way to simulate the process steps of printing a part, heat treating it, removing the support structure and hot isostatic pressing to consolidate it would have benefits both technical and commercial to companies using this technology.

At Desktop Engineering we can deliver you a software tool, based on a state-of-the-art FEA solver, with an easy to learn process-oriented GUI (Graphical User Interface) that can be used to improve your 3D metal printing process.

This solution is appropriate to all powder bed fusion type processes.

Technical Benefits

Calculate the deformation of the final part to reduce distortion and improve tolerances

Minimise residual stress to improve strength and fatigue life

Find the best build-up orientation

Develop the right support structure

Model the post-build processes – heat treatment, support removal and porosity reduction with a HIP process

Commercial Benefits

Reduce the learning process and associated costs dramatically

Run more variations digitally prior to production to reduce costs

Reduced time-to-market

Increase machine/manpower availability and productivity

Reduce material and energy consumption costs

Reduce scrap and aborted runs

Ease of use

While this technology is based on one of the most powerful FEA systems on the market, you do not need to be an FEA specialist in order to use this tool.

A workflow based environment leads you through defining the orientation and support structure as well as the post-production processes.

Download the video:

http://info.dte.co.uk/additive-manufacturing-simufac