Simufact Additive 2024.3: The Digital Tool for Reliable Metal 3D Printing
Simufact Additive 2024.3 is a specialized process simulation software focused on metal additive manufacturing (AM), particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF/DMLS/SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED). It enables engineers to virtually build a part layer-by-layer, predicting manufacturing-induced issues like distortion, residual stress, and support structure requirements before any physical printing occurs, thereby reducing costly trial-and-error and ensuring first-time-right builds.
Core Function: Virtual Build Optimization for Metal AM
Its primary role is to create a digital twin of the entire printing and heat treatment process. By simulating the thermal history and resulting thermo-mechanical effects, it identifies potential part failure (warping, cracking) and provides data-driven insights to optimize the manufacturing plan.
Key Functions:
-
Distortion & Residual Stress Prediction: Accurately simulates part deformation (warpage) and internal stresses caused by rapid heating and cooling cycles during the printing process.
-
Support Structure Optimization & Generation: Analyzes where supports are needed to counteract deformation and can automatically generate efficient, minimal support structures to reduce post-processing.
-
Build Setup Optimization: Helps determine the optimal part orientation on the build plate and placement of support structures to minimize residual stress and material usage.
-
Process Parameter & Calibration: Allows for the calibration of simulation models using machine-specific material data, improving prediction accuracy for specific printers and alloys.
