CoreTechnologies 4D_Additive 1.6 enables more efficient 3D nesting
July 3, 2024
CoreTechnologie GmbH, headquartered in Mömbris, Germany, has announced that the new version of its 4D_Additive 1.6 software now features AI-supported nesting technology, which enables an average 30% increase in efficiency when operating Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines compared to the previous version.
Due to the intelligent pre-sorting of parts and improved calculation accuracy, previously unattainable packing densities are reportedly achieved, resulting in a minimised packing height and manufacturing time with the same number of parts. When relevant, it also enables the production of more parts per buildspace. The calculation speed of the nesting function has been increased by 200-300% due to the optimised algorithms, better utilisation of the multiprocessor calculation and improved memory management.
The resulting shorter machine running times together with the significantly reduced cooling times represent an important competitive advantage. The optimised heat distribution of components, a feature already available, is crucial for surface quality, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing heat accumulation. During the optimisation process, the minimum build height achieved through nesting is maintained.
Optimised nesting of large parts
The new nesting function enables an even more precise arrangement of large parts in the machine’s installation space and optimises the use of the available space. Resulting gaps can then be efficiently filled with smaller components. Due to the high achievable packing densities of the new nesting technology, a limiting parameter can be used to control the maximum packing density and thus the temperature development.
Lattice structures
The Lattice module has new grid types such as volume, surface and skin. The Boolean Tool has been improved.
Textures
The Texture module has been improved with the new LSCM-Conformal surface type, which now allows simple, distortion-free projection of textures across surfaces with different degrees of curvature. This allows the texture area to be defined without distortion on CAD models in seconds with a few mouse clicks.
VDI 3400 Surface Finishing
Special textures and a best practice document for surface finishing are available to create graining based on the VDI 3400 guideline. This extension makes it possible to create aesthetic and functional surface structures on additively manufactured components with just a few clicks. This effectively eliminates ‘stair stepping’ and other defects on the surfaces of additively manufactured components.
The new 4D_Additive 1.6 version with numerous improvements is now available for customers to download from CoreTechnologie’s data exchange portal.
