The software manufacturer CoreTechnologie is presenting a revised version of its innovative 3D printing software 4D_Additive at the Formnext 2021 Exhibition. The focus is on the direct connection to 3D printers and the generation of advanced surface textures and grid structures.

By integrating a direct connection to EOS, Photocentric, HP and Volumic Printers into the new 4D_Additive software version, data handling becomes easier. Models of all common CAD formats as well as triangulated STL data can be read in, prepared for printing and now also sent directly to the printer. A unique feature is the handling of exact CAD data, allowing 3D models to be changed as in a CAD system. The software suite eliminates the complex and time-consuming use of different tools. The 4D_Additive 1.4 version, presented for the first time at the Formnext 2021 trade fair, also allows print jobs to be sent to current EOS machines directly from the software by integrating the Eosprint software development kit (SDK).

The revised Lattice module of the 4D_Additive software enables the generation of complex 3D lattice structures within seconds. Using gyroid patterns and trabecular structures to emulate natural grids, new designs are generated to optimise the stability, stress distribution and shock absorption of components. The variation of the functional zones and their density as well as the use of different grid types allows the exact adaptation of the geometry to required properties.

With the new 4D_Additive software, high-resolution textures and labels are generated on CAD models as well as on STL data. In addition, the new tool includes functions for generating DMC codes that can be read with a special barcode scanner. The module’s Substance database allows access to over 5,000 predefined surface designs. Users can also create their own individual surface designs as well as lettering.

The revised nesting module of the new 4D_Additive 1.4 version uses adaptive voxel technology and artificial intelligence to ensure efficient usage of the machines building space and even distribution of the parts to avoid heat nests. The new Powercopy function allows the multiplication close to the contour of the parts. High Nesting calculation speed is achieved through multiprocessor technology.

For SLA and FDM requirements, the new software has support geometries as well as special FDM hatching strategies and a G-code generator. The display of the individual layers is possible with a high-resolution 3D player. The support structures are automatically generated as B-Rep, i.e. as editable CAD geometry for individual modification and adaptation by the user.

CoreTechnologie will be presenting the new 4D_Additive version live at the Formnext trade fair in Frankfurt from November 16th to 19th, 2021 in Hall 12.0 at Stand E 69.

www.coretechnologie.com/products/4d-additive