Build Simulation

The process of additive manufacturing is very complicated and involves many different factors. This makes it challenging for many businesses to use additive manufacturing to produce high-quality, consistent results. To help users produce first article prints of the highest quality, Siemens Digital Industries Software has identified this difficulty and is offering a range of solutions. These tools can help you accomplish that “first time right” print whether you are a novice user of additive technologies or an experienced user.

Many variables affect print quality, but the orientation of the part in the build tray may be the most crucial one. An answer that eliminates uncertainty regarding printed part orientation is Siemens’ AM Build Optimizer. Based on potent simulation technology, the AM Build Optimizer employs a computational method to simulate several orientations concurrently and determine the best orientation for the pieces in the build tray. The orientations produced by the AM Build Optimizer can then be re-fed into NX for build tray populating.

Siemens is creating a tool known as the AM Path Optimizer for professionals in additive manufacturing. With the help of a mesoscale analysis of the additive manufacturing process, this solution pinpoints regions of very localized overheating that may cause deformations or issues with reliable material deposition. Following the identification of these problem locations, the AM Route Optimizer provides a revised deposition path that resolves the issues, resulting in a print with managed thermal properties and consistent deposition.

For those users who wish to go beyond part orientation in their quest for ultimate first article quality, the NX AM Process Optimization tool uses patented technology to simulate the powder bed print process. This solution can identify areas of concern that may result in part distortion or recoater collisions and can also automatically generate compensated part geometry. AM Process Optimizer gives the AM operator a definite advantage when working towards final article quality from the additive manufacturing process.