The additive manufacturing Software 4D_Additive has interfaces for an independent and precise data exchange with all common CAD systems and 3D Printers. It supports CAD formats such as Catia, Nx, Solidworks, Jt, Step and others. The tool includes various additive manufacturing specific functions like automatic nesting and support generation.

Healing and data quality

The mature geometry kernel of 4D_Additive is equipped with sophisticated 3D data analysis and repair tools as well as direct modeling capabilities based on the exact B-Rep. This technology ensures watertight models that do not deviate from the original CAD model like “tessellated,” i.e. approximated models in STL format.

The modern and easy to use graphical user interface of the software allows for an optimization of the geometries without going back to the CAD environment. The system offers functions for direct modeling, generation of offset surfaces and de-featuring to enable a precise modification of critical areas as well as the reduction of complexity and an efficient error compensation. Freely selectable scaling parameters allow the models to be scaled differently along the three major axes to compensate for shrinkage or distortion.

Automatic nesting

Powerful automated 3D and 2D nesting capabilities complement the software’s sophisticated packaging performance and ensure a fast and seamless process from the PLM environment to the 3D-Printer. To complete the packaging toolset, a collision detection for semi-automatic part alignment as well as the collision detection for manually created workspaces to prevent intersected parts are included.

Analysis for part alignment

A new analysis function visualizes the “stairstepping,” i.e. the expected surface quality in real time to achieve an optimal alignment of the part. In addition, an automatic alignment function for an optimal surface quality of the selected areas is available.

To indicate areas where potential heat concentration could occur an analysis of so called massive zones can be performed. Furthermore, the analysis module comprises a wall thickness checker to indicate problematic areas. The Slicer as well as the hatching functions of 4D_Additive are based on the exact B-Rep models and the integrated animation tool visualizes the additive manufacturing process step by step.

Support structures in seconds

Especially for metal printing processes, 4D_Additive supports the semi-automatic creation of support structures as well as lattice geometries to save weight and material.

4D_Additive batch mode and scripting language was designed to enable a seamless process from PLM to 3D printer. The software does not contain third-party components. Thus, CoreTechnologie is able to respond to customer requirements within a very short time.

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