VELO3D announced advances to its print preparation software, Flow. Driven by an integrated simulation engine, Flow ensures predictable print outcomes, while its native CAD workflow controls performance consistent with the design intent and reduces print preparation time. Working in concert with VELO3D’s Sapphire system Flow enables next generation SupportFree additive manufacturing for parts previously not possible.
Right: Velo3D eliminates the need for internal supports making these parts viable with metal 3D Printing.
Flow is designed for Sapphire, VELO3D’s laser fusion metal additive manufacturing system. It includes tools that help with part orientation, support generation, simulated print predictions, per-surface process application, slice composer and process review. As a result, manufacturers can print complex part geometries SupportFree, enabling volume manufacturing of parts that are otherwise impossible or uneconomical to print due to hard-to-remove support structures.
VELO3D’s ability to print low angles and overhangs below five degrees, as well as large inner diameters and tubes up to 40 mm without the need for supports eliminates most post-processing cleanup. This capability breaks the limiting boundary of other systems that require supports for most angles below 45 degrees, constraining design freedom and limiting the number of designs that can be produced with additive technology.
Right: Velo3D uses object print correction to predict part deformation and correct it before the build begins.
Flow key features include:
–A physics-driven simulation engine built from the ground up, optimized for VELO3D process capabilities and the Sapphire system. It contributes to a first print success rate of up to 90%, preventing many failed iterations.
–The simulation utility predicts the print outcome, applies print deformation correction and validates the execution feasibility of the print prior to starting the build process. It ensures that the print outcome results in dimensionally accurate design intent.
–A sophisticated composer detects geometric features and applies the optimized, proven print process to specific features for predictable print outcomes.
The integration of print preparation, simulation and composing capabilities into a single software eliminates historic incompatibilities, simplifying the workflow. Native CAD workflow helps with smart selection, refinement, and filtering of part features and reduces hundreds of manual steps to a few clicks.
Flow print preparation software manages print outcome based on design intent. With the native CAD import, the design intent is preserved, and users can optimize for target cost and quality parameters by surface. It enables selection of areas to optimize the surface finish, and others for throughput.
VELO3D
www.velo3d.com
