“Siemens’ Digital Enterprise portfolio is the only solution capable of depicting the entire digital process chain in a single integrated and associated software environment, using a standardised user interface for machine builders and users. A single, integrated system houses the tools required for development, simulation, production preparation and 3D printing, with significant enhancements over the past 12 months. This eliminates the need for error-prone data conversion with all the associated possible loss of information,” explains Dr. Karsten Heuser, vice president Additive Manufacturing, Center of Competence Digital Factory at Siemens AG. “Using this approach, we’re able to help machine builders and users transition from prototype and small-series production using single AM machines, to fully industrialised series production,” continues Heuser.
Siemens also unveiled the Simcenter 3D additive manufacturing build process simulation, a new integrated software solution that simulates the powder-based laser application process to enable ‘first time right’ prints. The new solution predicts deformations, overheating and other defects that could occur during the printing process and automatically generates the corrected geometry to compensate for distortion and defects. This minimises trial and error, allowing products to be manufactured first time right at production scale.
An integrated and automated solutions for post-processing steps, such as de-powdering and support structure removal was also shown. Working in cooperation with machine builder Solukon, Siemens showed automated removal of metal powder from complex parts with internal channels and cavities, using the SFM-AT800S machine from Solukon. To streamline the entire de-powdering process, Siemens is also developing intelligent algorithms that will determine the optimal de-powdering path and automate programming of the machine.
And working with machine builder EOS, Siemens also demonstrated an automated support structure removal process using a CNC milling machine. A digital twin of the finished 3D-printed components, including the support structures, is used as the basis for numerical control (NC) program generation. The process assists the user from initial component positioning in the build space, ensuring parts are optimally placed for automated machining.
Finally, Siemens’ Additive Manufacturing Network (AMN) is the next step towards the company’s vision to reduce the overall adoption risk of additive manufacturing and accelerate the delivery of innovative product designs.
AMN creates an online and collaborative platform, designed to bring on-demand design and engineering knowledge and production capacity for industrial 3D printing to the global manufacturing industry. It instantly connects qualified members to enable innovation of new products using the latest software tools, 3D-printing technologies and materials for additive manufacturing. The network benefits part buyers and manufacturing service providers by enabling streamlined collaboration, quoting, procurement and order monitoring. This can facilitate the design of innovative products for additive manufacturing, replacement of physical inventories with digital inventories, as well as economical scaling up or down of 3D printing production as needed.
