The additive manufacturing (AM) Software 4D_Additive features interfaces for an independent and precise data exchange with all common CAD systems and 3-D printers. It supports CAD formats such as Catia, Nx, Solidworks, Jt, Step and many others. The tool comprises various AM specific functions like automatic nesting and support generation.
Healing and Data Quality
The mature geometry kernel of 4D_Additive is equipped with 3-D data analysis and repair tools as well as direct modeling capabilities based on the exact B-Rep. This technology ensures watertight models that do not deviate from the original CAD model like "tesselated," i.e., approximated models in STL format.
The modern and easy to use graphical user interface of the software allows for an optimization of the geometries without going back to the CAD environment. The system offers functions such as those for direct modeling, generation of offset surfaces and de-featuring, to enable a precise modification of critical areas as well as the reduction of complexity and efficient error compensation. Freely selectable scaling parameters allow the models to be scaled differently along the three major axes to compensate for shrinkage or distortion.
Automatic Nesting
Powerful automated 3-D and 2-D nesting capabilities complement the software's packaging performance and provide a fast and seamless process from the PLM environment to the 3-D printer. To complete the packaging toolset, collision detection for semi-automatic part alignment as well as collision detection for manually created workspaces to prevent intersected parts are included.
Analysis for Part Alignment
A new analysis function visualizes the "stairstepping" i.e. the expected surface quality in real time to achieve an optimal alignment of the part. In addition, an automatic alignment function for optimal surface quality of the selected areas is available.
To indicate areas where potential heat concentration could occur, an analysis of massive zones can be performed. Furthermore, the analysis module comprises a wall thickness checker to indicate problematic areas. The Slicer as well as the hatching functions of 4D_Additive are based on the exact B-Rep models and the integrated animation tool visualizes the AM process step by step.
Support Structures in Seconds
Especially for metal printing processes, 4D_Additive supports the semi-automatic creation of support structures as well as lattice geometries to save weight and material.
4D_Additive batch mode and scripting language was designed to enable a seamless process from PLM to 3-D printer. The software does not contain third-party components. Thus, CoreTechnologie is able to respond to customer requirements within a short time.
For more information contact:
CT CoreTechnologie Inc.
20750 Civic Center Drive
Suite 370
Southfield, MI 48076
248-996 8464
info@us.coretechnologie.com
www.coretechnologie.com/products/4d-additive