Page 29 - 3D Metal Printing Spring 2017

Topology Optimization Reduces Part Weight While Keeping Strength
Ansys Booth 2437
Ansys topology-optimization
functionality lets engineers effi-
ciently design structural compo-
nents optimized for strength and
weight. At the core are solvers that highlight areas
of interest, where material is needed to support loads. Ansys
SpaceClaim also has the ability to clean up, modify or reverse-
engineer a topology-optimized STL output. As AM adoption increases, engineers can take advantage of this technology by changing the form of parts and reducing weight while not sacrificing strength. The output is a structurally sound solid-body or STL-print-ready model containing material only where needed.
www.ansys.com
Updated Build File-Prep Software for Renishaw AM Machines
Renishaw Booth 1629
Renishaw is featuring its newly updated QuantAM build file-preparation software dedicated to the company’s metal AM machines. The software features an intuitive workflow and simple navi- gation, according to company officials. In four steps, from orientation to sup- port, to layout and review, the user can import CAD data and create a machine-ready build file. The software is designed specifically for Renishaw metal AM systems, which incorporate
laser powder-bed fusion technology. Users can position the parts to be built, then add, import and edit the required support anchors. Multiple components, each with their own material properties, can be efficiently configured on the build plate and reviewed, in slice-by-slice detail, prior to sending the build file to the Renishaw metal AM system. New features include editable angled, tree and cluster supports that can be applied to specific areas of the model for optimum support. Navicube, a navigation tool, allows users to rotate parts and select views. Part clusters, also called stacked parts, can be created to gain the
most out of the build volume.
Another key new feature: The build file can be edited, allowing parameters to be modified and
parts to be added, subtracted or translated down to the laser-toolpath level.
www.renishaw.com/quantam
UL Introduces Plastics-for-AM Program and UL Blue Card
UL Additive Manufacturing Booth 940
Serving as an extension of UL’s Plastics Recognition Program (Yellow Card), UL introduces the Plastics for Additive Manufacturing Program and the UL Blue Card. The program defines the addi- tional requirements necessary to recognize plastics intended for 3D printing and 3D-printed com- ponents and products. The Blue Card presents the data necessary to prove the safety, integrity and usefulness of materials intended for 3D printing.
www.ul.com/BlueCard
Industrial 3D Printers Deliver Strong Parts Markforged
Booth 1446
Markforged features its line of industrial 3D printers, known for producing robust parts. Visitors can witness how precision, strength and high surface finish come together in the Onyx carbon-fiber
3D
material. The new Metal X printer and its Atomic Diffu- sion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) process also are show- cased. The ADAM process pro- duces robust, accurate parts across a range of alloys for use in industrial, automotive, medical and aerospace indus- tries. Metal X reportedly offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive traditional 3D metal-printing processes. www.markforged.com
3DMPmag.com SPRING 2017 • 3D METAL PRINTING | 27