Renishaw is releasing a new version of its QuantAM software. This version is based on a collaboration with Spatial Corp, a provider of 3D software development toolkits for design, manufacturing, and engineering solutions, and a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes. The new version includes spatial software development tools such as 3D ACIS® Modeler with CGM Polyhedra and 3D InterOp™ as workbenches within QuantAM.

QuantAM is Renishaw’s build preparation software used to generate the printer’s laser scan paths that fuse the powder layers to additively form a part. It replaces the STL format often used for these functions.

“It is well-known that the STL format can cause issues, typically with broken descriptions that need healing, or with low triangle density impacting print quality,” said Stephen Anderson, Director of Group Software at Renishaw. “Our collaboration with Spatial now allows us to not only perform high-quality healing on STL files but, more importantly, to import various CAD formats directly.”

A major change to the QuantAM release for 2017 is the move to the 3D ACIS modeling kernel and away from the reliance solely on an STL representation of the model. This move to a native modeling kernel delivers advantages to both Renishaw and customers. These advantages include access to best-in-class model healing, benefits of precise B-rep and polyhedral hybrid modeling capabilities, as well as the ability to edit the 3D model directly.

“Rather than rely on a triangulated view of the 3D model, a far better approach is to work on the native geometry, preserving the original design intent of the model,” said Brian Rohde, Marketing Manager responsible for the 3D ACIS Modeler at Spatial. “By integrating Spatial SDKs into the newest version of QuantAM, Renishaw will continue to ensure the best chance of built-right-the-first-time parts and benefit from Spatial’s 30-year history of innovation.”

Renishaw
www.renishaw.com

Spatial Corp.
www.spatial.com