Simufact Additive 2020 includes an integrated Renishaw QuantAM API for build job preparation and export, which provides the user with an error-free data transmission from Simufact Additive directly to Renishaw systems. This functionality also improves productivity because the entire work process, from design to printed part, is possible within the software.QuantAM API now enables multi-laser build file preparation for Renishaw’s RenAM 500Q quad-laser machine.
“Simufact Additive 2020 broadens the scope of our build optimisation software and underlines our commitment to openness and interoperability with third-party products,” says Dr Hendrik Schafstall, CEO and managing director at Simufact. “With the integration of the QuantAM build processor, we can provide an end-to-end build optimisation process, helping users of Renishaw systems to produce AM components with repeatable dimensional accuracy.”
The collaboration extends to improving the simulation process itself. Faster energy input from multiple lasers means that metal components often experience higher temperatures during the printing process, affecting their microstructure and resulting in different residual stress and distortion. The two companies are researching such phenomena to improve the accuracy of build simulations, enabling the prediction of any distortion that may arise. This knowledge can be used to optimise the build process, and compensate the design to accommodate expected distortion.
“Our customers are looking to push the performance envelope using the latest multi-laser AM systems, but they also require consistency and precision,” states Victor Escobar, AM director - EMEA at Renishaw. “A seamless integration with Simufact’s simulation tools will help manufacturers to develop processes that take full advantage of multi-laser productivity, maximising build rates to make a stronger business case for AM.”
