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SEER-MFG 8.1 with Aero 5.1 Release Notes

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SEER for Manufacturing 8.1 with Aerostructures 5.1

Release Notes

Welcome to the SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG) 8.1 with Aerostructures (Aero) 5.1 release.

This version includes:

A new Additive Manufacturing Work element with 7 new processes.

A new Ribbon interface, and new Chart and Report Print Engine

New Report, Chart, and Set Path Dialogs.

A new Isostatic Pressing operation in the Mold Cast Forge work element.

Maintenance updates and other useful information are listed toward the end of the r elease

notes.


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Contents

Program Enhancements ...................................................................................................... 3 Ribbon ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Choose Available Reports Dialog ............................................................................................................... 17 Choose Available Charts Dialog ................................................................................................................. 18 SEER-MFG Paths Dialog ............................................................................................................................ 18 NDT Dialog ................................................................................................................................................ 19 User-Defined Function ............................................................................................................................... 20 Multiline Expression Editor ........................................................................................................................ 21 Autosave ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Tag Selected Item Color Pallet .................................................................................................................. 22 Format Outputs ......................................................................................................................................... 23 License Path .............................................................................................................................................. 23

Additive Manufacturing Work Element ............................................................................ 24 PROCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 25 MATERIAL .................................................................................................................................................. 27 ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 30 PROCESS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 31 MANUFACTURING DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 41 OTHER COST DESCRIPTION (OPTIONAL) .................................................................................................... 42 Detailed Analysis Report ........................................................................................................................... 43

Mold Cast Forge – Isostatic Pressing .............................................................................. 45 ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 45 PROCESS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 45

Servermode Script Updates .............................................................................................. 48

INI File Updates ................................................................................................................. 48 MFGData.INI .............................................................................................................................................. 49 MATERIAL.INI ............................................................................................................................................. 54

Maintenance Updates & Useful Information ................................................................... 56 Beta Release (MFG 8.1.14 with Aero 5.1.6) .............................................................................................. 56

Upgrade Information ......................................................................................................... 58


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Program Enhancements

The SEER-MFG 8.1 UI has been updated with a new Look and Feel.

SEER-MFG Ribbon UI

Ribbon

Previous menu options and tool bars are now organized into a new Ribbon layout. The ribbon

layout is customizable, so you can organize icons, commands, and options according to your own

preferences.

Quick Access Toolbar

The quick access toolbar can be modified to include options that you want handy regardless of the

currently selected ribbon.

Quick Access Toolbar


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To add more Commands, click on the Pull Down Arrow and select More Commands… this

opens the Options dialog where you can add commands as required.

Customize the Quick Access Toolbar Dialog

You can also minimize the ribbon to provide a larger viewing area for your SEER project.

File Tab

The File Tab lists the options related to working with Projects such as Save, Save As, Print,

Collaboration etc. It also contains options to customize the Ribbon.

New Options

New :

• Create New Estimate


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Open Estimate Options

Open Estimate :

• Open estimate from .mfg file

• Open estimate from SEER-DB

• Recent Documents: Lists

recently opened Files and

projects from the SEER-DB.

• Optionally to Pin / Remove

documents from the list


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Save Estimate Options

Save Estimate :

• Save Estimate to .mfg file

• Save Estimate to SEER-DB

Save Estimate As… Options

Save Estimate As :

• Save estimate to .mfg file

as…

• Save estimate to SEER-DB

as…

• Save as Knowledge Base

Template


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Print Options

Print :

• Print

• Output to PDF

Settings :

• Select Elements

• Select Reports

• Select Charts

Options :

• Collate by Element / Report :

Sorts the reports by element

or report type

• Print Logo : Opens a dialog to

point to a custom logo

• Custom Footer Text – opens

dialog to add custom Footer

Text


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Print Preview Window

Print selected reports and charts :

Opens the Printer options dialog


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Output to PDF :

Creates a PDF file of the print preview

Select Elements to Print :

Opens the Select Elements to Print

options dialog


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Choose Reports to Print :

Opens the Choose Reports to Print

dialog

Choose Charts to Print :

Opens the Choose Charts to Print

dialog


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Collaboration Options

Collaboration :

• Project Attributes

• Notify Recipients

• Project Permissions

• Release Project Lock

Help Options

Help Resources :

• SEER-MFG Help

• Search Help

• FAQs

• SEEE-Aero Help

• About SEER-Aero

Web Resources :

• SEER University

• SEER Support Docs

About SEER-MFG :

Technical Support :

• Tel / Fax / Email


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SEER Suite Options

SEER Suite Applications :

• SEER-SEM

• SEER-IT

• SEER-SYS

• SEEE-H

• SEER-HAD

• SEER-Space

• SEER-MFG

• SEER-Compare

• SEER-Metrics

• Integration with MS Project

• SEER-3D

Ribbon Options Options

General :

• Customize the look and feel

of UI and Ribbon


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Customize Ribbon :

• Change Options to appear on

different ribbon tabs

• Import/Export Custom

Ribbon configurations

Quick Access Toolbar :

• Choose Options to appear on

the Quick Access toolbar


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Home Tab

The Home tab contains commonly used commands when working with SEER projects. For

example; Copy, Paste, Insert, Delete, moving work elements, adding Notes, Tagging, and Setting

references.

Work Elements Tab

The Work Elements tab contains commonly used commands related to working with work

element. These include commands for Insert, Delete, Exclude, Include, Promote, Demote,

Expand/Collapse, Viewing Attachments, and merging work elements from other projects..

Parameters Tab

The Parameters tab contains commonly used commands related to working with parameters.

These include commands for Changing values in multiple parameters, copy and paste into

multiple parameters, moving parameters, locking, hiding, adding expressions, links, and

highlighting changed parameters.

Tools Tab

The Tools tab contains commands for creating user defined script functions, custom calculation

templates, and a calculator.


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Reports Tab

The Reports tab contains commands related to working with reports. Here you can choose

available reports to display and turn reports on and off from view.

Charts Tab

The Charts tab contains commands related to working with charts. Here you can choose available

charts to display and turn charts on and off from view.

Export & Import Tab

The Export & Import tab contains commands related to exporting data via the Flexible Export

engine and exporting and Importing servermode scripts. It is also where you can refresh any

catalogue linked items.


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Options Tab

The Options tab contains commands related to setting up SEER preferred default settings. Here

you can change auto recalculation options, and auto save options. You can set and save project

level settings such as unit of measure, inflation tables to use, default currency to use and more.

You can set the paths for configuration files, and point to the SEER Enterprise Database for

retrieving and saving SEER projects.

View Tab

The View tab contains commands related to setting window view options. Here you can arrange

windows, turn on / off work element icons, show multi-color tabs, show / hide note tooltips,

increase/decrease font size, change font and back-ground colors.


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Choose Available Reports Dialog

The choose available reports dialog command, located on the Reports ribbon, has been updated

with a new expandable/collapsible checkbox list control. A description of each Report is also

provided.

Choose Available Reports Dialog


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Choose Available Charts Dialog

The choose available charts dialog command, located on the Charts ribbon, has been updated

with a new expandable/collapsible checkbox list control. A description of each Chart is also

provided.

Choose Available Charts Dialog

SEER-MFG Paths Dialog

The SEER-MFG Paths dialog command, located on the Options ribbon, has been updated with a

new list control. A description of each Path Location is also provided.


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After making path changes, you can choose to Make changes default for all future SEER-MFG

sessions.

SEER-MFG Paths Dialog

NDT Dialog

The Add Next NDT Operation Dialog was updated to include a Scan / Point choice. Selecting either

option will disable inputs not required for that selected choice.

Note. If older files happened to use both scan and point rates for the same operation type, these

will be upconverted as two individual operations.

Add Next Here NDT Dialog


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User-Defined Function

A User-Defined Function option has been added to the Tools ribbon tab. It is used for running

servermode scripts from within SEER. Click the User-Defined Function button, or menu option, to

run a defined script.

User-Defined Function Options

Scripts can be pasted into the Define Function Dialog. You can Save and Load Functions as

required.

Define User Function Dialog


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Multiline Expression Editor

The expression editor Expression entry field has been expanded to allow for line breaks within the

expressions.

Expression Editor Dialog


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Autosave

The Autosave option, on the Option Ribbon tab, turns the autosave option on or off. When you turn

autosave on, you can set the number of minutes between each autosave.

Set Autosave Minutes Dialog

When the autosave time limit occurs a temporary project file is created, in the same directory as

the open project file, with the prefix: !AS_. If the project file is successfully closed, the temporary

!AS_ file is automatically deleted.

Tag Selected Item Color Pallet

The Tag Selected Item color pallet has been expanded from 8 to 12 colors.

Tag Color Pallet


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Format Outputs

A Ratio/Factor option has been added to the Format Outputs dialog. Use this to control how many

decimals you want to view in reports and exports.

Format Outputs Ratio/Factor

License Path

You can now define a path to the SEER-MFG License file. When you receive the License Expiration

Warning, you’ll be presented with an option to ‘Browse’ to the new license file location, which

incidentally can be stored locally or on a network connected server.


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License Expiration Warning

After Browse, the license Path is automatically saved in the SEER-MFG Settings.ini file, in the

[SEER-MFG] section. The following format is used:

[SEER-MFG]

AltLicFilePath=[PATH TO LICENSE]

Example, the path does not need the license file name:

AltLicFilePath=C:\Program Files\SEER\SEER-MFG 8.1\

Additive Manufacturing Work Element

Additive manufacturing, also known as rapid prototyping or 3D printing, is a process that

creates a physical object from a digital design. It is a method of manufacture where layers of

a material are built up to create a solid object. Broadly speaking, the main steps in the

process include:

1. Producing a digital model using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application.

2. Preparing the digital model for printing, this can include part orientation, slicing, and

adding support structures.

3. Printing. Involves calibrating and setting the machine parameters as well as preparing

the materials. Most additive manufacturing machines require minimal monitoring after


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the print has begun. The machine will follow an automated process and issues generally

only arise when the machine runs out of material or there is an error in the software.

4. Removal of Prints. For some additive manufacturing technologies, removal of the print is

as simple as separating the printed part from the build platform. For other more

industrial 3D printing methods the removal of a print is a highly technical process

involving precise extraction of the print while it is still encased in the build material or

attached to the build plate. These methods require complicated removal procedures and

highly skilled machine operators along with safety equipment and controlled

environments.

5. Post Processing. Procedures vary by technology. SLA requires a component to cure

under UV before handling, metal parts often need to be stress relieved in an oven, or Hot

Isostatic Press, while FDM parts can be handled right away. For technologies that utilize

support structures, these are also removed during the post -processing stage. Most 3D

printing materials are able to be sanded and other post -processing techniques including

tumbling, high-pressure air cleaning, polishing, and coloring are implemented to prepare

a print for end use.

SEER-MFG is used to estimate the time and costs of manufacture from steps 3 through 5.

The main printing technologies available are:

• Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)

• Stereolithography (SLA)

• Jetting

• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

• Direct Energy Deposition (DED)

PROCESS

The main process selection loads process specific inputs relevant to the selected process.

Board Description Parameters

Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) In the Powder Bed Fusion process, thermal energy using lasers

selectively fuses regions of a powder bed.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This process produces objects from powdered materials using

one or more lasers to selectively fuse or melt the particles at

the surface, layer by layer, in an enclosed chamber. It is also

known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Liquid Phase Laser Sintering (LPS)


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This process produces objects from mixed powdered materials

using one or more lasers to selectively melt particles at the

surface with the lower melting point. Thus, layer by layer, the

wetted particles fuse the solid particles.

Stereolithography (SLA) In the Stereolithography process, liquid photopolymer in a vat is

selectively cured by light-activated polymerization. In the SEER-

MFG Additive Manufacturing model, Stereolithography includes

all processes of the VAT Polymerization type.

Jetting Jetting combines two families of Additive Manufacturing:

Material Jetting and Binder Jetting. Both Jetting processes

create 3D objects in a similar method to a two-dimensional ink

jet printer. Inkjet printer heads deposit precise drops to create

the object. Machine performance is often measured in dpi (dots

per inch).

Material Jetting (MJ)

A Process in which droplets of build material are selectively

deposited. (e.g. materials include photopolymer and wax.)

Material is jetted onto a build platform using either a

continuous or Drop on Demand (DOD) approach. A print head

moves along the X & Y axes and deposits precise drops of the

material.

Binder Jetting (BJ)

Process in which a liquid bonding agent is selectively deposited

to join powder materials.

The binder jetting process uses two materials; a powder based

material and a binder. The binder is usually in liquid form and

the build material in powder form. A print head moves

horizontally along the x and y axes of the machine and deposits

alternating layers of the build material and the binding material.

Fused Deposition

Modelling (FDM) In Fused Deposition Modeling, thermoplastic parts are

manufactured through heated extrusion and deposition of

materials layer by layer. Also known as Material Extrusion.

Direct Energy Deposition

(DED) In the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) process, focused thermal

energy is used to fuse materials by melting as they are being

deposited. Focused thermal energy means that an energy

source (e.g., laser, electron beam, or plasma arc) is focused to

melt the materials being deposited.


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Sintering Process

Available with the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process. Select the sintering process. Options

are:

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This process produces objects from powdered materials using one or more lasers to

selectively fuse or melt the particles at the surface, layer by layer, in an enclosed chamber. It

is also known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Liquid Phase Laser Sintering (LPS)

This process produces objects from mixed powdered materials using one or more lasers to

selectively melt / wet particles at the surface with the lower melting point. Thus, layer b y

layer, the wetted particles fuse the solid particles.

Print Mode

Available with the Jetting process. Set the mode of printing. Options are:

Binder Jetting (BJ)

In the Binder Jetting process, the print head deposits a binder onto selected regions of a

powder bed. The piece produced by this process is made of the material (from the powder

bed) held together by the binder.

To build each slice of the piece, a blade first moves across the powder bed, depositing a new

layer of powder. The print head then sweeps over the powder bed, depositing binder in the

appropriate locations. After the piece has been built, the excess powder must be removed.

Material Jetting (MJ)

In the Material Jetting process, the print head deposits droplets of material in order to build

the piece. The material may need a support material (which is removed later) during the

build.

MATERIAL

Material Parameters

Material Select the material used in the Additive Manufacturing process from the

pull-down menu. The list of available materials wil l depend on the

process.

This parameter is available for all processes except Direct Energy

Deposition (DED), which has its own set of Material inputs.

Materials can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the


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MATERIAL.INI file:

• [MATERIAL-JETTING]

• [BINDER-JETTING]

• [POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]

• [SLA-MATERIALS]

• [FDM-MATERIALS]

Raw Material

Cost The cost of the material used to manufacture the piece per unit of

measure (cubic in/mm or lb/kg).

You can accept the default cost, or override it by entering a new cost.

Available for all processes except Direct Energy Deposition (DED), which

has its own set of Material-related inputs.

Material costs can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the

MATERIAL.INI file:

• [MATERIAL-JETTING]



• [SLA-MATERIALS]

• [FDM-MATERIALS]

Binder Select the binder used in the Additive Manufacturing process from the

pull-down menu. The list of available binders will depend on the process.

Available for Jetting - Binder Jetting and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) - Liquid

Phase Laser Sintering (LPS).

Binders can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the

MATERIAL.INI file:



Binder Cost The cost of the binder used in manufacturing the piece per unit of

measure (cubic in/mm or lb/kg).

You can accept the default cost or override it by entering a new cost.




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Binder costs be edited or added in the appropriate section of the

MATERIAL.INI file:



Binder Volume

Fraction % The amount of binder in the part, expressed as a percentage of the Part

Volume. A least/likely/most range may be entered.



Material

Utilization Factor A multiplier used to calculate the total material usage and thereby costs

within a process. The Material Utilization Factor is the ratio of the amount

of material purchased to the amount used as a finished part or assembly.

Your input should include materials usage items such as scrap/excess

material, rework material, cook-off, etc. All material costs will be

multiplied by the Material Utilization Factor.

Note: For rough machining operations, material removed by the operation

is already considered in the material cost and does not need to be

factored into this input.

The Material Utilization Factor can be entered as a Least/Likely/Most

range.

See Also: Detailed Composites Material Utilization Factor.

Add Next

Material Here You can add up to 10 materials using the 'Add Next Material Here'

parameter, which opens up the Add next Material Here dialog box entry

box. Each material entered requires the following choices:

Parameter Description

Material Select the material used in the DED process from the pull -

down menu.

Materials can be edited or added in the appropriate section of

the MATERIAL.INI file:

• [DED-MATERIALS]

Cost The cost of the material used to manufacture the piece per

unit of measure (lb/kg).

You can accept the default cost or override it by entering a

new cost.

Material costs can be edited or added in the appropriate

section of the MATERIAL.INI file:

• [DED-MATERIALS]

% Part

Volume

Enter the % volume required of each material type in relation

to the overall Part Volume. If multiple materials are entered,


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the sum of entered material volumes should equal 100%.

Material Form Select the Material Form as either Wire or Powder. The Choice impacts

the final part density, computed Build Speed, and Excess Powder

Material.

ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION

Engineering Description Parameters

Envelope Size The envelope is an imaginary box which fully encompasses the piece. I t is

similar to the raw stock outline in machining; in additive manufacturing,

however, the envelope represents volume of space in which the piece will

be built up, rather than a volume of stock from which excess material will

be removed.

You can enter the dimensions of the envelope directly in the Envelope

Size input dialog box, or as individual parameters, which can be

displayed by clicking on the plus + sign to the right of the Envelope Size

parameter:


Length The length (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can

also be entered directly in the Envelope Size parameter dialog

box.

Width The width (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can


box.

Depth The depth (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can


box.

Solid Part

Volume Enter the solid volume of the finished part here. The value can either be

entered directly or computed based on the Envelope Length x Width x

Depth. If the exact part volume is unknown, a Use % of Envelope value

can be entered to best estimate what % of the total Envelope is

consumed by the finished part.

Include Finished

Weight in Rollup

Calc

Enter the cost per area (in square feet or square meters, depending on

the Units of Measurement selected for the project.

The default cost per square foot is stored in the [PCB-SUBSTRATE-

MATERIALS] table in the MFGData.INI file.


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PROCESS DESCRIPTION

Process Description Parameters

Parts Per Build The number of same type parts per build. A least/likely/most range may

be entered.

Note. If a printer contains many different part types, use a separate work

element to describe the quantity of each part type in the build. And use

the Load% parameter to describe how much space and costs should be

allocated to each part type.

Setup Minutes All Processes

The number of setup minutes per build. A least/likely/most range may be

entered.

Note: Once the build file has been loaded to the machine, typical setup

time can take as much as 90 minutes. Setup times of 60 minutes are

common for average users. Setup can be a very lengthy and labor

intensive process.

Powder Bed Fusion

Typical activities involved in setting up a PBF machine include platform

cleaning, platform leveling, raw material powder preparation and loading,

laser lens cleaning, lens cover cleaning, chamber pump down and others.

Used by all processes.

Print Resolution The resolution (accuracy and level of detail) in the XY plane and along the

Z (thickness) axis.

VLow represents a process optimized for build time minimization; VHi

represents a process optimized for part quality, precision or accuracy.

The following Parameters can be controlled by Print Resolution:

• Layer Height % - Increasing Resolution will decrease Layer

Height.

• Infill % - Increasing Resolution will increase Infill %.

• Support Infill % - Increasing Resolution will increase Support Infill

%.

A least/likely/most range may be entered.


Layer Height The height (thickness) of each layer. Greater height reduces print time,

but results in lower resolution; this may be suitable for prototyping.


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Thinner (lower) layers can produce higher quality, with better resolution

of detailed features, but they increase print time.

Fused Deposition Modeling

This setting specifies the height of each filament layer in the print.

When it is available, a 0.06 mm (0.0024in) layer height will produce a

high-resolution print. For many FDM printers, however, this set ting may

not be practical, and the following layer heights may be advisable:

0.4 mm (0.0158 in) nozzle:

• Fine = 0.1 mm (0.0039 in)

• Average = 0.2 mm (0.0078 in)

• Rough = 0.34 mm (0.0134 in)

0.35 mm (0.0138 in) nozzle:

• Fine = 0.1 mm (0.0039 in)

• Average = 0.2 mm (0.0078 in)

• Rough = 0.3 mm (0.0118 in)

Another approach is to make sure that the extrusion width is at least 1.5

times the layer thickness.

The initial value displayed is based on the Print Resolution table of

values stored in the MFGData.ini file. A least/likely/most range may be

entered.

Wall Thickness Used to calculate the shell volume. It assumes that regardless of any

infill pattern, there exists some volume of 100% density around the

exterior perimeters, or skin, of the part. This input determines how thick

that skin or shell is.

As Min Wall Thickness increases, the total build time is also increased.

This is because:

For parts with less than 100% infill, it increases the total volume being

built at full density, which takes more time.

For all parts, it increases the total volume being built at a rate factored

by the Perimeter Factor, which directs the model to increase the amount

of time it takes to build the exterior features.

The initial value displayed is based on values stored in the Material.ini

file. A least/likely/most range may be entered.


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Infill % This is also referred to as the infill density. In Additive Manufacturing, it

is not required to make fully dense parts. Components that are required

by the constraints of traditional subtractive manufacturing to be solid,

can now be light weighted and built faster. This input allows the user to

control how dense the parts are on the inside, but not the actual density

of the material. An increase in infill % causes and increase in Build Time.

If an object is printed with 100% infill, it will be completely solid on the

inside. For display-only items, 10-20% infill is recommended. For

functional items requiring structural strength, 75-100% infill is more

appropriate. Printing software such as the open-source Cura can

produce a grid-like pattern inside the object which gives the top layers

more support.

The initial value displayed is based on the Infill % table of values stored

in the MFGData.ini file. A least/likely/most range may be entered.


Support Content

% The support content as a percentage of the total.

Extra support structures (material not included in the finished part) are

often required in the various processes of additive manufacturing. They

are normally calculated as a % of the finished part volume. If these

support structures are not included by the user in the initial assessment

of the part in question, they should be captured here.



Trace Width The width of the trace deposited by the process.


Used by Direct Energy Deposition (DED).

X-Axis Sweeps

Per Slice The number of sweeps on the X-axis (length) per slice.


Used by the Jetting Process

Y-Axis Sweeps

Per Slice The number of sweeps on the Y-axis (length) per slice.


Used by the Jetting Process

Laser Diameter The diameter of the laser beam, in inches or millimeters. The initial value


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is computed based on layer height. A least/likely/most range may be

entered.

Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).

Laser Power The laser power, in Watts (W) for PBF and mili -watts (mW) for SLA. A

least/likely/most range may be entered.


Nozzle Diameter The diameter of the nozzle, in inches or millimeters.


Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process.

Hatch Style The hatch style is the scan pattern used to provide even coverage within

the boundaries of the part. Selections are:


Weave A Y-axis scans followed by X-axis scans, both with close

spacing. Depth of the Y-axis scans is less than the thickness

of the scan layer.

Star Weave A more elaborate variation of the WEAVE hatch style. From

one layer to the next, the order of X-axis and Y-axis scans

alternates, and the scan pattern itself is offset. A given scan

line will touch one edge of the contour's border, but not the

opposite edge; this retraction prevents uneven shrinkage.

ACES The ACES hatch style provides a uniform cure by using two

scans per layer. The first scan is relatively shallow, so that the

lower part of the layer is initially uncured and still fluid,

allowing the upper part of the layer to shrink during the cure

process. The second scan is deeper, allowing the lower part of

the layer to bond with the underlying material.

User

Defined

A user-defined hatch style. If you select this option, you should

manually enter the Hatch Overlap %.

Used by Stereolithography (SLA).

Hatch Overlap Laser Based Additive Manufacturing processes employ various different

hatch styles and scan strategies which determine the patterns the laser

spot follows when scanning material. The combination of these styles

and strategies will determine the total distance traveled by the laser

spot, in order to sufficiently cover the entire surface area of each

individual layer. The patterns and styles result in a certain amount of

overlapping.


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Examples of Hatch Styles

Ss = Distance between Laser Spot Centers or Hatch Spacing

Dx = Laser Spot Diameter

%Ss = Hatch Overlap

A Hatch Overlap of 100% would mean that each square inch of the layer

surface area is covered by the laser spot twice. 0% means that each

square inch is only scanned one time.

Note: Hatch Overlap of 0%, or a Single Track, is rare as it tends to result

in warped or deformed parts. Hatch Overlap percentages of 100% - 200%

are common inputs.

This value will be automatically set by the Hatch Style selection (unless

you select User Defined), although you can override it manually.



Laser Quantity The number of lasers used per build. When this parameter is set to a

value greater than 1, the Laser Concurrency parameter becomes visible

and available for entry.



Laser This factor describes how efficiently multiple lasers work together to


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Concurrency build a part.

Often times, laser based AM machines will utilize more than one laser to

build their parts. This will usually reduce the build time of the part.

Typically, one laser will scan the perimeter while the other scans the

internal surface area of the layer.

Multiple lasers will not reduce build time if the Concurrency factor is less

than (1 / laser qty).

If you have 2 lasers, make them at least 51% efficient.

Note: This parameter is only available when the Laser Quantity is greater

than 1.



Nozzle Quantity The number of nozzles used per build. When this parameter is set to a

value greater than 1, the Nozzle Concurrency parameter becomes visible

and available for entry.


Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Energy

Deposition (DED) processes.

Nozzle

Concurrency This factor describes how efficiently multiple nozzles work together to

build a part.

Machines may utilize more than one nozzle head to build their parts.

They are often used to lay down different materials (different colors,

supports, etc.). Nozzles assumed to be working in perfect efficiency will

have a 100% concurrency Factor.

Multiple nozzles do not always reduce build time. Concurrency factor

must be greater than 1 / nozzle qty to reduce build time.

If you have 2 nozzles, and one of them is dedicated specifically to

support material, make the nozzle concurrency equal to the Support

Content %.

Note: This parameter is only available when the Nozzle Quantity is

greater than 1.


Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Energy

Deposition (DED) processes.


37

Powder Bed Pre

Heat Temp The temperature to which the powder bed will be pre-heated, in °f or °c.


Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process.

Powder Bed Heat

Up Rate The rate at which the powder bed will be heated, in °f or °c per minute.



Build Speed Also referred to as Scan Speed; this is the velocity (distance / time) with

which a laser spot (or energy beam) or nozzle moves across the surface

of the powder-bed or build plate.

Build Speeds are a controlled machine setting. They are generally

defined by the machine or suggested by the equipment manufacturer.

Build Speed settings are dependent upon the material properties of the

powder being scanned, the layer height and the laser power. Often,

machines will allow for a range of speed settings that allow the user to

optimize for build time or quality.

You can accept the computed value or override it by unchecking Use

Computed Value and entering a new value. A least/likely/most range may

be entered.

Note: You should not input the equipment manufacturer's published

maximum build speed. If you know the maximum build speed for the

machine / equipment you are modeling, set this input to 50% (half) the

maximum build speed listed on the OEM datasheet.

Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Stereolithography (SLA), Fused

Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Direct Energy Deposition (DED).

Soluble Support Does the estimate include soluble support? Enter Y for Yes or N for No.

The default is No.

If the Support Content % parameter is set to greater than zero, a

computed Support Cleaning time will be included by default in the total

time. If Soluble Support is set to Yes and the Support Cleaning parameter

is set to use the computed value, Support Cleaning time is reduced.

When a part requires support during the build process, the support must

be removed after the build. Soluble support can be removed by cleaning

in an aqueous bath which dissolves the support material.

Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process.

Recoat Rate per

Layer The time required for recoating a layer, or preparing the liquid polymer


38

for the next pass of the laser, in seconds.


Used by the Stereolithography (SLA) process.

Powder Recoat

Rate The rate at which the powder will be recoated, in seconds per layer. This

parameter accounts for the process of depositing a layer of powder to be

fused into the powder bed, before scanning with the laser.


Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process and the Binder Jetting (BJ)

mode of the Jetting process.

Part Cool Down

Rate The rate at which the part cools down, in °f or °c per minute.


Delay Time Per

Layer The delay time per layer. This parameter may account for any delays

between deposition of layers, not already captured by the Recoat

parameters. It may include UV curing, cooling, warming or pre-heating,

allowing the liquid photopolymer to settle, and various other process

specific delays.



Other Build

Delays Enter the total number of minutes for all build-related steps not

otherwise accounted for, which add time to the process.

Note that you can use the Additional Items inputs to account for time

required by non-build processes included in the work element.



Jetting: Binder Jetting

The actual build process results in wet, green parts. Before parts can be

removed from the powder bed, they are often allowed to dry for several

hours at room temperature. Once powder is removed, they are allowed

further drying time in a temperature and humidity-controlled

environment. This is all done prior to any form of post -processing,

including sintering or infiltration.

Powder Bed Fusion

Extended Builds (75+ hours) result in various build delays for routing

support activities. These can include:


39

• Pausing builds part-way through to clean the lens

• All build pauses require re-establishing the inert environment, and

returning to bed pre-heat temp

• The build may need to be paused to refill the dispenser bin with

powder for extremely tall, large builds.

Operator

Attendance % The operator attendance time as a percentage of the total.

The operator will not need to be in permanent attendance while the parts

are built. The operator will likely only be required to make occasional

visits to check on the process. During the remainder of the time, the

operator can be working on other tasks.

Use the Operator Attendance Factor to apportion the appropriate

percentage of the cycle time to the component being costed. The

operator attendance factor is entered as a Least/Likely/Most range,

which allows you to input a range of possible values to capture any

uncertainty. Reducing the Operator Attendance Factor will reduce the

allocated cycle time/cost.


Load % For most AM process runs, multiple parts are being built at the same

time, to maximize process utility and minimize cost per part. This can

result in a wide variety of parts being nested into a powder-bed, liquid vat

or build table. The Load % describes a fraction of the total part load per

process run (e.g. If no other parts are being built during the process run,

Load % is 100%).



Jetting Print Parameters

Printer Head

Quantity The number of printer heads used per build. When this parameter is set

to a value greater than 1, the Printer Head Concurrency parameter

becomes visible and available for entry.


Used by the Jetting process.

Printer Head

Concurrency This factor describes how efficiently multiple printer heads work together

to build a part.


40

Jetting AM machines may utilize more than one printer head to build their

parts. This will usually reduce the build time of the part.

Note: This parameter is only available when the Printer Head Quantity is

greater than 1. Multiple printer heads will not reduce Build Time if the

Concurrency factor is less than (1 / Printer Head qty).



Printer Head

Length The length of the printer head(s)



Printer Head

Speed The speed of the printer head(s). Printer head speed can affect both

build time and build quality.



Powder Recoat

Rate The rate at which the new layer of powder will be deposited prior to

binder deposition, in seconds per layer.


Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process and the Binder Jetting (BJ)

mode of the Jetting process.

Part Handling Parameters

Part Handling

(mins) Enter the number of minutes required for handling the part. An initial

value is computed based on the part size which can be overridden. A



Clean Machine

The number of minutes required to clean the machine after the build is

complete and the part has been removed.

An initial value is computed based on the part size which can be

overridden. A least/likely/most range may be entered.


Part Clean The time required to clean the part after the build is done.

Powder Bed Fusion


41

The time it takes to clean the un-sintered powder from the completed

parts following a build depends mostly on the part height, since this will

determine the height of the powder on top of the build platform. The

complexity of the parts themselves is also a factor, since parts with

features such as holes will require more detailed cleaning.

For reference, the clean-up time after the build of a test part that was 17

mm tall (0.6693in), with a volume of 101,000 mm3 (6.1634 in3), and a

lateral surface area of 9,000 mm2 (13.95 in2) was an hour.




Support Cleaning The process of removing extra support materials not required for the

finished part. It can involve manually tearing away support structures,

using manual or CNC machining to remove a build plate, or an ultrasonic

water bath to remove soluble materials.



Used by all processes except Direct Energy Deposition (DED).

Excess Powder

Removal The number of minutes required to remove excess (unused) powder from

around the build.

In all PBF work elements and Binder Jetting, parts must be removed from

a full enclosed powder bed. This process can be expedited with special

shaking and powder reclaiming tools, air guns or vacuums. Often powder

must be removed from complex and fragile shapes using a light brush or

even a wipe. Part height and shape complexity are major drives for this

parameter.



Used by Jetting / Binder Jetting (BJ), Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), and Direct

Energy Deposition (DED).

MANUFACTURING DESCRIPTION

Manufacturing Description Parameters

Shape

Complexity Factor to account for any additional time to prepare and/or finish

resulting from the geometrical complexity of the part / assembly. Shape

complexity can be subjectively modeled through the use of this factor.

Multiple faces, detailed contours, hard to reach areas or other similar


42

processing limitations can be included here.


Very High Multiple faces, and many contours, with hard to reach areas

or details.

High Multiple faces, and some contours, with hard to reach areas

or details.

Nominal Multiple faces, simple contours, with no hard to reach areas

or details.

Low Multiple flat surfaces with no hard to reach areas or details.

Very Low Flat surface with no hard to reach areas or details.

Setup Complexity Rates sophistication and complexity corresponding to the

machine/tooling process.

This parameter input is used to adjust the setup labor output of the

model. It should be similar if not the same as the MACHINE/Tooling

Process Capability input; often multiple tools may be used. Therefore,

setting a range for the least likely and most entries is recommended.

Machine Tool

Process

Capability

Use this setting to adjust the extent to which the process cycle is

automated. Deviation from the default should only be made if the actual

process is significantly different from the standard automated process

environment.

Note: A higher tool process capability setting will decrease touch labor

time. Conversely, if the tool process capability setting is lowered the

touch labor will increase.

OTHER COST DESCRIPTION (OPTIONAL)

Manufacturing Description Parameters

Other Cost / Hr You can use this input to account for the cost of running a machine. The

costs entered here should be be separate from labor costs. This input

can account for costs such as:

• Initial purchase price

• Power (electricity) usage

• Inert Gas consumption

• Cost of environmental controls (air temp, humidity, etc.).


43

Detailed Analysis Report

Additive Manufacturing Additional Data

The Additional Data section of the Detailed analysis report shows additive manufacturing

process data. The items and their descriptions are provided below.

Output Name Description

Calculated Slice Count Estimated using the input for layer thickness and part height (z).

Envelope Volume The part’s theoretical envelope volume.

Part to Env. Volume Ratio A computed value based on the part volume and part envelope

value.

Solid Part Volume This is the volume of the finished part, assuming a 100% density. If

the actual part volume is unknown, it is calculated using the

Envelope to Part Ratio. It does not include the Support Volume.

Part Shell Volume This calculation is used to capture a more detailed estimate of the

actual finished part volume. It assumes that, regardless of any

internal light-weighting (captured as infill%), there is an external

wall around the perimeter of the part which is 100% dense. It

requires the input of Min. Wall thickness to determine the volume

of this shell, or ‘skin’.

Part Infill Volume This is the volume of the inside of the finished part. Many parts do

not require a 100% density, and the build time can be significantly

reduced by reducing the infill%.

Support Volume Calculated using the user input for Support Content % and the

Solid Part Volume. The same factors for ‘Shell Volume’ and ‘Infill

Volume’ are accounted for.

Total Build Volume The sum of Part Shell Volume, Part Infill Volume and Support

Volume.

Part Slice Perimeter A distance measurement (in or mm) for the average perimeter of

the various layer geometries. The perimeter is also defined as

critical part dimensions and the speed at which they are build is

generally reduced.

Part Slice Build Area The average surface area of the individual layers for the finished

part.

Support Perimeter A distance measurement (in or mm) for the perimeter or critical

dimensions of the support features.

Support Area The average surface area of the individual layers for the part’s

support features.


44

Build Speed Also referred to as Scan Speed; this is the velocity (distance /

time) with which a laser spot (or energy beam) or nozzle moves

across the surface of the powder-bed or build plate.

Laser Concurrency Factor This factor describes how efficiently multiple lasers work together

to build a part.

Perimeter Build Time (min)

Total time (minutes) for the build of the finished part’s critical

features (external dimensions, or perimeters) – adjusted by the

Perimeter Build Factor.

Area Build Time (min) Total time (minutes) for the build of the parts interior, non-

exposed, layers – adjusted by the Infill % parameter.

Recoat Time (min) The amount of time dedicated to recoating layers, estimated using

the Recoat per Layer and the Calculated Layer Count.

Delay Time (min) Sum total of all delay time per layer & other delay times.

Support Build Time (min) The amount of total build time dedicated to building support

features; Adjusted by Support Infill %

Total Build Time (min) Total amount of time dedicated to machine building up of the part.

This value includes the Total Perimeter Build Time, Total Area Build

Time, Recoat Time, Delay Time and Support Build Time.

Build Rate A description of the build process in volume over time, informing

the user how quickly the material was deposited.

Side Note – Many OEMs will describe the Build Rate of their

equipment in a material spec sheet. It should be noted that both

Build Speed and Build Rate are highly contingent upon a slew of

other parameters and machine settings and can only be generally

estimated for controlled scenarios.

Vertical Build Speed A description of the process build speed driven by the overall build

speed and the part’s vertical dimension (Z-axis).

Heat Up Time (min) The time required to Heat up the build chamber ready for sintering.

Cool Down Time (min) The time required for the Part and build chamber to cool down

ready for removal from the build chamber.

Part Weight The computed finished part weight.


45

Mold Cast Forge – Isostatic Pressing

Isostatic pressing is a forming process that applies equal pressure in all directions on a pre -

formed part, or powder compact to achieve maximum uniformity of density and

microstructure without the geometrical limitations of uniaxial pressing.

Isostatic pressing is performed “cold”, "hot”, or “warm”. Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) is used

to compact green parts at ambient temperatures. Warm isostatic pressing (WIP) differs from

CIP only in that shapes are pressed at warm temperatures around 100°C. Hot Isostatic

Pressing (HIP) is used to fully consolidate parts at elevated temperatures by solid -state

diffusion. HIP can also be used to eliminate residual porosity from a casting, sintered, or

Powder Metal parts.

ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION


Material Form Choose from either Pre Form or Powder material forms. This choice

changes the Process Description parameter inputs. If Powder is selected,

a Fill time parameter is displayed, and an initial estimate computed.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION


Method Choose from either Hot, Cold or Warm methods.


Hot

Isostatic

Press

(HIP)

HIP is a densification method for powders, compacts, or preformed parts

such castings. It applies a gas pressure of 100 to 200 MPa and

temperatures to 2200°C. An inert gas, most commonly argon, is used as

the pressing fluid. The goal is to improve the performance of critical parts

by eliminating defects and porosity resulting in fully dense compacts .


46

Schematic of conventional HIP

Two HIP methods are used today for compacting parts: direct HIP, which

applies to encapsulated powders, and post-HIP, which applies to pre-

sintered compacts without interconnected porosity. The HIP and CIP

processes can also be combined, sometimes called CHIP. In CHIP, loose

powder is cold-compacted, then sintered, then post-HIPed to achieve fully

dense parts.

The HIP process is rather slow, and a cycle may take 10 to 15 h,

depending on part size, material, and furnace design.

Cold

Isostatic

Pressing

(CIP)

CIP is mainly a powder-compacting process for obtaining 60 to 80%

theoretically dense parts ready for sintering. Because of the good green

strength obtained with this forming method, pre-machining before

sintering is feasible without causing breakage.

Low-cost elastomer tooling is used for isostatic pressing, but close

tolerances can only be obtained for surfaces that are pressed against a

highly accurate steel mandrel. Surfaces in contact with the elastomer

tooling may require post machining when tight tolerances and good

surface finishes are specified.

A typical cycle time for a production press ranges from 5 to 30 min,

depending mainly on size, powder volumetric compaction ratio, and pump

selected. This speed is rather slow but can be improved by higher-volume

pumps, better vessel use, and improved loading mechanisms.

Warm

Isostatic

Pressing

(WIP)

WIP follows the same path as CIP except the parts are compacted both at

pressure and low temperature around 100°C. The pressing fluid water

may be substituted with oil.

Batch

Quantity Enter the batch quantity of parts that will be loaded into the press. A


47


Note. If a press contains many different part types, use a separate work element

to describe the quantity of each part type in the press. And use the Press

Loading % parameter to describe how much space and costs should be

allocated to each part type.

Cycle Time

(Hrs) The time the part(s) spend in the press. The cycle time is entered as a

Least/Likely/Most range, which allows you to input a range of possible values to

capture any uncertainty. Default values are presented based on the press

method chosen, but you can override these values.

Op.

Attendance

%

The operator will not need to be in permanent attendance while the parts are in

the press. Depending on the press method, the operator will likely only be

required to make occasional visits to check the process. During the remainder of

the time, the operator can be working on other tasks.

Use the Operator Attendance Factor to apportion the appropriate percentage of

the cycle time to the component being costed. The operator attendance factor is

entered as a Least/Likely/Most range, which allows you to input a range of

possible values to capture any uncertainty. Default values are presented based

on the press method chosen, but you can override these initial values. Reducing

the Operator Attendance Factor will reduce the allocated cycle time/cost.

Cycle Cost

Per Hour Optionally enter the cost of energy required per hour to run the press. Long

press cycle times with minimal operator attendance, may need to be captured

separately but included as part of the final part costs. A least/likely/most range

may be entered.

Load/Unload

(mins) The time required to load parts ready for inserting into the press, and unloading

them after the press cycle. You can override the computed value. A


Fill (mins) The time required to fill a predefined mold with powder ready for load ing into the

press. You can override the computed value. A least/likely/most range may be

entered.

Insert Time

(mins) The time required to insert the entire batch into the press. You can override the

computed value. A least/likely/most range may be entered.

Press

Volume

(Optional)

(in³/ mm³)

Optionally enter a press volume to compute a press loading %. If a press volume

is entered, press loading % is computed based on the (Envelope Part Volume *

Batch Quantity) / Press Volume. You can override the computed value. A


Press

Loading % Press loading % represents the percentage of press operator/process time to

attribute to an individual part based on the specific loading situation expected.

With press loading at 100%, all time and costs associated with running the


48

press will be amortized across the batch quantity specified. A press loading of

50% will amortize half the time and costs associated with running the press.

If a press volume is entered, an initial press loading % will be computed based

on the (Envelope Part Volume * Batch Quantity) / Press Volume. You can

override the computed value. A least/likely/most range may be entered.

Servermode Script Updates

A RunVBSScript command was added so you can run external VBS scripts from within

servermode scripts.

By way of example, you can use the FlexportOutput data command to get data from SEER,

followed by a RunVBSScript command to parse the SEER output into another application of

your choosing. The VBS script can be elaborate as the user is capable of creating them.

The command format is as follows:

RunVBSScript [TAB] …\[PathToVBSFile]\[VBSScriptFile].vbs

A MergeSubProject command has been added. You can use this command to merge

individual projects into a single master project

MergeSubProject [TAB] [OPTIONAL PATH]\*.MFG

INI File Updates

During first time initialization of MFG 8.1, You can optionally merge MFG 8.0 AppData INI

files to work with 8.1 (assuming they are presently installed during first time initialization).

The MFGTools - INI File Manager.XLS file (saved in the Tools directory) contains individual

worksheets for each of the configurable *.INI files. Use this tool to customize and manage

changes.

Note.

The MFGTools - INI File Manager.XLS file has new tables and columns to work with

MFG 8.1. Older copies of this file will need to be modified to work with 8.1.

Alternatively, move data from your older copies into the most recent copy.


49

MFGData.INI

The MFGData.INI file stores process specific data such as rates, machine data, operation

data and other modifiable data. New data tables were added, and others updated to support

new features for the SEER-MFG 8.1 release.

[MACHINING-OPERATIONS]

Added column 7 for RPM cap.

Name/Column Description

c7: RPM Cap Enter the maximum allowed value for a each machining operation.

[MACHINING-OPERATION-DATA]

Added the following variables.


Thread Cutting

Speed Adj

; factor is computed based on the thread diameter ^ 0.1048.

Deep Hole Diam

to Hole Depth

Factor

; when hole depth is equal to, or greater than hole diameter multiplied by

this factor, deep hole speeds and feeds will be used.

Deep Hole Drill

Speed Factor

; factor used to adjust hole speeds for deep hole drilling/boring.

[TOOL-ELEMENT-MAPPING]

Added c14 to support tool list options for Additive Manufacturing.


c14: Additive

Manufacturing

; enter a 1 or 0 to include or exclude the tool from appearing in the Tool List.

[ROUGH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]

A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each rough machining operation based on

the material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be

edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.


50

Code ; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high

; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row

data will be used.

; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value

will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be

used.

c1 – c13:

Operation Type

; c1 – c13 – lists the speeds in ft/min (m/min) that that will be used for the

relative material machinability code.

[FINISH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]

A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each finish machining operation based on

the material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code



; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high


data will be used.



used.

c1 – c16:

Operation Type



[SECONDARY-OPERATION-SPEEDS]

A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each secondary machining operation (Drill,

Ream, Tap, Threading etc.) based on the material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code





data will be used.




51

used.

c1 – c6:

Operation Type



[ROUGH-OPERATION-FEEDS]

A new table. Displays the feeds to be used for each rough machining operation based on the

material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code





data will be used.



used.

c1 – c12:

Operation Type

; c1 – c12 – lists the feeds in in/mm that that will be used for the relative

material machinability code.

[FINISH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]

A new table. Displays the feeds to be used for each finish machining operation based on the

material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code





data will be used.



used.

c1 – c15:

Operation Type




52

[SECONDARY-OPERATION-SPEEDS]

A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each secondary machining operation (Drill,

Ream, Tap, Threading etc.) based on the material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code





data will be used.



used.

c1 – c4:

Operation Type



[OPERATION-DOC]

A new table. Displays the depths of cut to be used for each of the machining operations

listed in columns c1 through c6, based on the material machinability.


c0; Material

Machinability

Code





data will be used.



used.

c1 – c6:

Operation Type

; c1 – c6 – lists the depths of cut in in/mm that that will be used for the


[AM-PROCESS-DATA]

A new table. A set of modifiable variables rates and factors for the Additive Manufacturing

work element.


53


SLASpeedAdjustmentFactor ; adjusts the Stereolithography computed speed

SLAPerimeterBuildRateFactor ; adjusts the Stereolithography speed for building perimeters

FDMBuildSpeed ; The default Fused Deposition Modelling Speed

FDMPerimeterSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Fused Deposition Modelling Speed for building

perimeters

FDMSupportSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Fused Deposition Modelling Speed for building

supports

FDMSupportDensity Factor ;

DEDWireFeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition feed

DEDPerimeterSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition speed for building perimeters

DEDSupportSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition speed for building supports

[AM-PRINT-RESOLUTION]

A new table. Used to set default layer heights for each operation based on a print resolution

choice.


c0; Print

Resolution

Range

; the list range that appears in the print resolution choice list

c1 – c6:

Operation Type

; c1 – c6 – lists the default layer heights (in/mmm) for each of the print

resolution settings

[AM-BUILD-SPEED]

A new table. Used to set default layer heights for each operation based on a print resolution

choice.


c0; Print

Resolution

Range


c1: FDM Speed ; c1 - lists the default print speed (in/mmm) for the Fused Deposition

Modelling (FDM) process, for different print resolution settings


54

[INFILL-PERCENT]

A new table. Used to set default infill percent values based on a print resoluti on choice.


c0; Print

Resolution

Range


c1 – c2 ; c1 – c2 - list the default infill and support infill % values for different print

resolution settings

[AM-BUILD-RATE]

A new table. Used to set default build rate values for direct energy deposition based on a

print resolution choice.


c0; Print

Resolution

Range


c1 – DED Rate ; c1 - lists the default rates (lbs/min) (kgs/min) for different print resolution

settings for the direct energy deposition operation

MATERIAL.INI

The Material.INI file stores material specific data for each of the main work element types.

New data tables were added, and others updated to support new features for the SEER-MFG

8.1 release.

[MATERIAL-JETTING]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Jetting process.


c1; Cost ; the material cost per in3 (cm3)

c2; Density ; the material density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)

c3; Wall

Thickness

; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type

[BINDER-JETTING]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Jetting process.


55


c1; Cost ; the material cost per in3 (cm3)


[POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Powder Bed Fusion process.


c1; Laser

Absorbance (%)

; the amount of laser absorbance for the material as a percentage. A factor

of 1 is equal 100% absorbance

c2; Heat

Capacity

; the material heat capacity in J/K/in3 (J/K/cm3)

c3; Melt Point ; the material melt point in degrees f or degrees c


c5; Cost ; the material cost per lb/kg

c6; Wall

Thickness


[SLA-MATERIALS]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Stereolithography process.


c1; Dp ; the depth of laser penetration in in/mm

c2; Ec ; the material heat capacity in mJ/in2 (mJ/m2)


c4; Liquid

Density

; the material liquid density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)

c5; Solid Density ; the material solid density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)

c6; Wall

Thickness


c7; Laser Power ; default laser power for the material type


56

[DED-MATERIALS]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Direct Energy Deposition process.



c2; Wire Density ; the material wire density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)

c3; Powder

Density

; the material powder density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)

c4; Wall

Thickness


[FDM-MATERIALS]

A new table. Stores the material data for the Fused Deposition Modelling process.




C3; Wall

Thickness


Maintenance Updates & Useful Information

Beta Release (MFG 8.1.14 with Aero 5.1.6)

Machining

Added a Saw Rate and Use Thickness option to Sawing operation.

End Mill Slot Finish Passes update.

Additional Items

Fixed parameter view after Delete of additional operations.

Mold/Cast/Forge

Added a new Isostatic Pressing operation.


57

Fixed Computed Setup for the Thermoform Molding Process.

Program Enhancements

Added Auto Save Option.

Added new License path.

Added a new Ribbon UI.

Updated Select Available Reports Dialog.

Updated Select Available Charts Dialog.

Updated SEER-MFG Paths Dialog.

Updated NDT Dialog to display active parameters for either Point or Scan choices.

Expression Editor

Fixed issue with ‘phantom’ custom parameters being displayed after entering a new

element below existing element with custom parameters.

Fixed issue of renaming parameters in one element impacting expressions in other

elements.

Expressions can now use the Part Volume parameter in the mold cast forge work

element.

Added Multi Line expression editor.

Aero Updates

Filament Winding Diameter and Width remain in sync when one or the other input

value is changed.

Aero Cure Autoclave Loading parameter is no longer grayed out when a user

Operator Attendance parameter is entered.

The Max Ply Perimeter calculation has been corrected for the Aero Composites and

Aero Cure work elements.

Misc

Added the operation details report to flexible export – you can now export operation

details for all elements within a project.

Fixed reverse risk chart in Mold Cast Forge.

Fixed Detailed PCB Fabrication user entered test minutes from adjusting when

dialog opens.

SEER-MFG 8.1 is updated to 64 bit, and no longer supports 32bit windows.

SEER-MFG 8.1 is updated with Unicode Support.

Added RunVBSScript servermode command.

Added MergeSubProject command.


58

Added GetProcessID command.

Updated the MFGTools - INI File Manager Spreadsheet to support metric/imperial

conversions for PCB tables, Additive Manufacturing, and Machining Feeds and

Speeds data tables.

Fixed MFGParts.xls file macro to auto generate UUID.

Upgrade Information

First Time Initialization

See the INI File Updates section above to learn more about the specific tables and

updates new to 8.1.

Installation

You do not have to uninstall earlier versions of SEER-MFG to install 8.1. In fact, it is

recommended that you maintain your existing installation. We do recommend,

however, that you uninstall any beta release versions you have installed.

File Upconvert

Files from earlier versions can be used in this 8.1 version. However, project files

saved in 8.1 will no longer be compatible with earlier versions. It is recommended

that backups of your project files are made before you save them in 8.1.

Display Configuration

8.1 is best viewed with a 1024 x 768 (or higher) screen resolution.