Siemens Digital Industries Software introduces the Additive Manufacturing (AM) Path Optimizer. The AM Path Optimizer is a beta technology integrated into the NX™ software. It is designed to help customers solve overheating problems, reduce waste and increase production performance. In this way, the industrialization of AM or the use of AM on an industrial scale is achieved. Siemens has developed this next-generation advanced simulation technology to maximize the production yields and quality of components produced by powder bed melting. This latest addition to Siemens' end-to-end additive manufacturing solution feeds the digital thread. This documents every step of the entire additive manufacturing process.
Building on the Simcenter Additive Manufacturing Process Simulation solution announced in November 2018, the AM Path Optimizer complements Siemens' digital twin manufacturing strategy. It eliminates errors caused by suboptimal scanning strategies and process parameters. These can lead to systematic failures due to overheating. This results in rejects and component quality inconsistencies.
Siemens has successfully tested this beta technology with TRUMPF as a partner. "With the AM Path Optimizer, Siemens and TRUMPF can further advance the standardization of additive technologies," says Jeroen Risse, AM expert at TRUMPF. In our demos, we were able to see an improvement in geometric accuracy, the avoidance of overheating errors during overpainting, and a more homogeneous surface quality. In addition, we expect the scrap rate to be significantly reduced."
The technology uses an innovative approach that combines physical simulation with machine learning. This means that a complete work file can be analyzed at the machine in just a few minutes before production. It is expected that this technology will help produce first-time right prints and drastically reduce the number of tests and failed attempts. It can also help reduce printing costs and realize printing of components that are almost impossible to produce today.
"The AM Path Optimizer is the latest innovation in Siemens' end-to-end additive manufacturing solutions. We are confident that it will have a major impact on the use of AM for components manufactured by powder bed melting," said Zvi Feuer, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Engineering Software, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "The combination of NX for additive manufacturing and our Simcenter AM technology within the Xcelerator portfolio provides our customers with important resources. They can help manufacturers develop and print large-format parts that are unique in the market."
Siemens is working with first-time users to further test the AM Path Optimizer solution.
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