The latest version of CoreTechnologie's additive manufacturing software 4D_Additive is equipped with new functions that meet the increased requirements of small series production of 3D printed parts.
Software manufacturer CoreTechnologie presents version 1.3 of the 4D_Additive software at the beginning of May 2021. The 3D printing tool, equipped with new functions, is specifically dedicated to the current processes and higher requirements of small series production of 3D printed parts.
New highlight functions
In the new version, an application interface (API) for Hewlett Packard and Photocentric machines is available for the first time in order to send the slicing data generated on the computer directly to the printer in a time-saving manner.
Another highlight is the revised textures module, with which the surfaces of CAD models and STL bodies can be quickly and easily enhanced with surface textures. In addition to the option of applying your own designs, there are over 5,000 predefined patterns to choose from. Logos and QR codes can also be generated and texts and incremental part IDs can be applied to components.
The nesting functions have been improved specifically for powder bed processes to ensure fast and thermally optimized filling of the installation space. The new version uses the AI algorithm-based process to specifically fill free areas in the build space and ensure constant slice areas of the individual layers.
The extremely high calculation speed results from the use of all the computer's available processors. It is possible to prepare the nesting of parts manually and optionally define the degrees of freedom around X, Y and Z individually for each component.
The new position correction for SLS and SLM components serves to avoid surface errors caused by zigzag movements of the laser on the bottom and top slice layer of the components. For manual positioning, the new software version offers an intelligent powercopy function using a voxel representation of the models for high packing density. An automatic repair function for scan data provides closed and homogeneous STL models in the shortest possible time. The functions for cutting CAD and STL models have also been extensively revised, with various joining patterns such as pins or grooves available in the new version.
Production process for all formats
The software reads all CAD formats and tessellated formats such as Catia, Nx, Solidworks, Creo, Step as well as STL, 3mf and amf. Dimensions, tolerances and views, as well as all attributes and design elements, are displayed from CAD data. This means that all production information is available without any gaps. STL, 3mf, amf or exact step models can be saved as a result of the processing. After multiprocessor-based slicing, sli and slc formats or bitmaps are saved as jpg and png files as well as vector graphics in svg format.
Multifunctional solution
The software follows the philosophy of a standardized and open system and thus offers a solution for all processes with extensive possibilities for individual adaptation. The graphical user interface (GUI) is easy to use and presents the workflow for preparing 3D parts for additive manufacturing in the form of sequential workshops. The current additive manufacturing processes and their specific requirements can be quickly implemented based on the open system of the new software version of CoreTechnologie.
