Computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software introduced by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides the digital tools needed to prepare 3D-printed components for manufacturing using powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies. Because hybrid manufacturing entails performing both additive and subtractive processes, integrating build-preparation tools within CAM software streamlines workflows per part and offers efficiency improvements when scaling up additive manufacturing volumes.
PBF is the most mature additive manufacturing technology for industrial production and represents 86% of the worldwide machine install base.
Hexagon’s ESPRIT CAM software offers a build preparation workflow within the CAM environment for a single, streamlined platform for both the additive build and finishing operations. Its patented Part-to-Build workflow was developed to include build-preparation steps and the programming tools for post-processing printed parts with wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) and milling machine tools.
Designed for CAM programmers, ESPRIT CAM’s build preparation employs a workflow based on parametric data that ensures high accuracy and adherence to the geometry of the original computer-aided design (CAD) model until it is sliced in preparation for 3D printing. The software reads and manipulates all popular parametric CAD formats and automatically identifies those surfaces that require support. The software also assists with the creation of support structures, generating parametric surfaces with teeth, fragmentation, and perforation. Support generation can be automated for future builds by assigning a pre-set to a region in the surface, capturing valuable production know-how and improving future productivity. Because the majority of models for 3D-printed parts are STL-based, ESPRIT CAM also provides an STL (mesh) slicer that leverages a built-in software kernel.
Once a part is sliced, it can be imported to the software’s job preparation environment and re-used whenever needed. Exposure strategies are automatically assigned according to the chosen machine set-up. As the part is already sliced, the programmer need only nest them and the corresponding machine file is generated based on the target machine set-up.
