3D Printing Software Integrated into Order Management Platform

The German-French software manufacturer CoreTechnologie (CT), producer of the universal 3D printing and nesting software 4D_Additive, and Phasio, producer of the manufacturing platform of the same name, are collaborating to enable an uninterrupted process chain in additive manufacturing. 

The Phasio software offers simple quotation creation, order management and workflow planning. All manufacturing information for the components is transferred directly from the Phasio software to the 4D_Additive 3D printing software via the new 4dam file format. This enables the automatic loading of the CAD models specified for each order, including their correct orientation and quantity, without need for manual intervention.

Once the desired nesting parameters have been defined, the 4D_Additive software performs 3D nesting with a high packing density and thermal optimization. The number and position of each part within the build space for a given job are transmitted back to the order management system by means of the 3MF format.

By eliminating the potential for human error, inaccuracies in daily work are avoided and automatic manufacturing processes with quality standards are carried out. This results in a large reduction in manual work in the daily practice of a 3D printing service company. The integrated solution enables an automated workflow with an first-time-right rate, reduces waste to an absolute minimum and ensures high throughputs for all additive manufacturing processes without compromising part quality.

The modular 4D_Additive software suite was designed as a tool for all printing processes and enables an easy build job preparation for SLS, MJF, SLM, SLA and FDM printers within one single Software and a modern and easy-to-use graphical interface, the company explains. The fast nesting functions, enabled by multiprocessor calculation, allow high packing densities and heat-optimized distribution of the models in the build space of the 3D printer.

The software reads all common CAD formats as well as STL and 3mf data. In addition, repair functions allow faulty CAD, STL and scan data to be converted into watertight, printable models within a short time. With CAD modelling functions, specific changes can be made in 4D_Additive and parts can be cut using various cutting types. Support structures for SLM, FDM and SLA printers can be created automatically and edited locally by the user. Functions for creating labels and textures, as well as internal and external lattice structures, complete the range of features offered by the 3D printing software.

More information on the CT software is available at www.coretechnologie.com/products/4d-additive.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.