Scanlab launches laser control software for Additive Manufacturing

November 10, 2023

EquipmentNewsSoftware
November 10, 2023
Scanlab has released its SCANmotionControl software for Additive Manufacturing (Courtesy Scanlab)
Scanlab has released its SCANmotionControl software for Additive Manufacturing (Courtesy Scanlab)

Scanlab GmbH, a supplier of laser scan systems headquartered in Puchheim, Germany, has introduced its new SCANmotionControl software at Formnext.

Scanlab has worked on the development of scan heads for Additive Manufacturing since the 1990s. Alongside the hardware components themselves, control systems have become increasingly important in recent years.

Efficient operation of industrial laser machines in the field of Additive Manufacturing requires control solutions that map the entire software landscape from CAD/CAM to machine software right through to laser job execution. Scanlab has worked with leading providers – including Autodesk, Dyndrite and Siemens (in combination with Aixpath) – to deliver solution modules to integrators. This simplifies system development and is said to significantly shorten the time to market for new laser processing machines.

TRUSTED CONTENT. TARGETED AUDIENCE
Advertise with Metal AM and access a global base of 50,000+ AM professionals
Contact us

More flexible laser process control and higher component quality

SCANmotionControl, the recently launched control software, makes it possible to synchronise the scan system, laser and other peripheral equipment. The software calculates optimal trajectories for laser machining on the basis of predefined machining patterns and process parameters, taking into account the physical limits of the scan head. The energy input can be defined precisely, since speed and laser power are planned, simulated and adjusted synchronously.

Until now, the exact scan path had to be determined through experimentation. Thanks to the offline simulation of the trajectories, this can now be examined and optimised beforehand on the computer. This gives the process developer full control over the energy input at any position on the workpiece. This makes job planning far simpler and makes development times significantly shorter.

Furthermore, by testing the software in Additive Manufacturing, the experts at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen, Germany, have demonstrated that it is possible to drastically improve the dimensional accuracy of filigree components.

“With the use of SCANmotionControl, for example, we were able to avoid edge bulging on complex components – and not just in the lab. Using the software, the results can easily be applied to an industrial scale,” explains Dr Tobias Pichler, Process & Systems Engineering, Fraunhofer ILT.

The new software is said to allow users to achieve optimum machining results with minimum laser-off times. The scan systems fiberSYS, excelliSCAN and intelliSCAN IV are ready for SCANmotionControl. By working together with the different software providers, the integration of high-quality components into laser machining systems is reportedly ensured.

Scanlab is now presenting at Formnext 2023. They are currently available at 12, D12.

www.scanlab.de

EquipmentNewsSoftware
November 10, 2023

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • LEAP 71: Why engineering must move beyond CAD to realise the promise of AI and Additive Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing and European defence: a critical opportunity as the US and China accelerate ahead
  • A market analyst’s view: Europe’s opportunity as defence AM surges in the US and China
  • From Fixed Processes to flight parts: How REM’s advanced surface finishing supports NASA JPL’s AM innovations
  • The future of large metal parts: WAAMathon #2 showcases developments in Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition
  • Wire Electron Beam Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Advancing productivity and sustainability in metal AM
  • Building trust in AM: How Qualified AM GmbH is enabling regulated production at scale

TRUSTED CONTENT. TARGETED AUDIENCE

Advertise with Metal AM and access a global base of 50,000+ AM professionals.

Contact Jon Craxford: [email protected]

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data

Don’t miss a thing – register for our newsletter

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Register now

Join 40,000+ other AM professionals – follow us online

About Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a rapidly expanding international audience.

Our audience includes component manufacturers, end-users, materials and equipment suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

In addition to providing extensive industry news coverage, Metal AM magazine is known for exclusive, in-depth articles and technical reports.

Our focus is the entire metal AM process from design to application.

Each issue is available as an easy-to-navigate digital edition and a high-quality print publication.

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap