CGTech and Thermwood to Demonstrate Simulation of Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing Machines at RAPID + TCT

At RAPID + TCT 2020, CGTech and Thermwood will demonstrate simulation capabilities of large-scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) machines. CGTech will be demonstrating its VERICUT software for AM applications, including LSAM machines in booth #1507. Thermwood will be in booth #2432 featuring the capabilities of their LSAM dual gantry and moving table (MT) machines.

LSAM is a new technology for large-scale 3D printing of thermoplastic polymers. Thermwood’s LSAM machines use technology to produce the highest quality thermoplastic polymer printed structures available. The machines feature both additive and subtractive heads to accommodate printing and trimming of large scale “near net shape” parts on the same machine. Thermwood’s LSAM machines are available in Dual Gantry and Moving Table models, in a variety of sizes. Both systems can process high temperature polymers which are ideal for autoclave capable tooling or compression molds for thermoset materials.

"VERICUT is an important tool to use with LSAM. It assures that the tool path is correct, eliminating the possibility of expensive mishaps," says says Dennis Palmer, vice president of Sales at Thermwood.

VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software simulates all types of CNC machining, additive and hybrid manufacturing processes to verify that the finished part matches the intended engineered design. With VERICUT, NC programmers and operators see exactly how machines behave, including any unexpected motions, incorrectly used additive or machining functions, or potential machine crashes, before they can occur on the real machine. VERICUT provides comprehensive additive verification, and optimizes machining for faster, better parts. The software operates independently, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems.

“CGTech is thrilled to be working closely with the Thermwood team to provide the highest degree of simulation possible for their large scale additive machines," says CGTech’s VERICUT product manager, Gene Granata. VERICUT’s Additive and hybrid simulation software is a perfect match for the LSAM’s highly versatile and capable environment."

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