Simufact Additive

Simulation software for process design, virtual testing and optimisation of metal-based additive manufacturing

Simufact Additive renderings of engine mount

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Software solution for metal AM processes without expert knowledge

Simufact Additive

Simufact Additive is a scalable software solution for the simulation of metal-based additive manufacturing processes which focuses on laser powder bed fusion (L- PBF) and metal binder jetting (MBJ) processes.

Simufact Additive is a software solution designed to predict and compensate for distortion, residual stress and temperature distribution throughout the printing, heat treatment, cutting, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) as well as machining processes virtually before the part is manufactured by the 3D metal printer in reality.

Exactly the right metal AM process you need

Simufact Additive focuses on quick simulation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion including Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), LaserCUSING® and similar processes and reduces the need for multiple product iterations to produce 3D parts “first-time-right”.

  • Prepare parts for build by orienting, identifying risks, estimating costs and generating supports
  • Predict distortions, residual stresses and thermal effects via mechanical and thermal analysis
  • Compensate for distortions automatically and support optimization
  • Generate build files after slicing your parts  
Rendering Simufact Additive Bike Part SIM Temperature

One of the key challenges for metal binder jetting manufacturers is to predict changes during the sintering process. Simufact Additive supports manufacturers to simulate the shrinkage considering amongst others the thermal strain, friction and the gravity during sintering

  • Predict sintering-induced stress in advance and indicate where defects might occur
  • Compensate for distortion automatically
  • Dilatometry based densification prediction
  • Can be expanded to other sinter based additive processes like MIM and CMF  
Rendering Simufact Additive MBJ Hinge02 SIM Displacement

PBF process and defect analysis (PDA)

Simufact Additive’s Defect Prediction Solution revolutionizes Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion with a multi-scale approach. Swiftly predict defects and optimize local parameters, all within full-scale geometries. This hybrid analytical-numerical model-based module enables rapid thermal history and defect prediction at individual scan vector and powder layer levels. Predict and mitigate risks of keyholing, lack of fusion, balling up, and surface roughness.

PDA overview with pivot graph

Simufact Additive's machining module emerges as a specialized add-on to your additive manufacturing workflow. This module is specifically crafted to simulate the stress-relief phase of a part by removing material.

  • An invaluable insight into how the component would behave.
  • Engage in controlled, precision-based machining and ensure the structural integrity of your final product.
  • Witness the seamless integration of additive manufacturing and subsequent machining stages, optimizing both your process and product quality. 
Rendering Simufact Additive Machining SIM Displacement

The Geometry Inspection Module lets you compare a scanned body with its corresponding CAD file, swiftly calculating surface deviation and generating a compensated geometry.

  • Reduces the deviation of the printed part by skillfully calculating a meaningful surface deviation comparison between the scanned component and its 'nominal CAD' simulation.
  • With multiple reference geometries importable, easy selection, and part compensation options, this module is your go-to solution for enhancing accuracy in your additive manufacturing process.  
Absolute Arm 7-axis RS5 Application Mould

Hexagon offers a dedicated solution specifically catered to the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process in additive manufacturing.

Simufact Welding is specifically engineered to simulate DED processes with high precision. It provides insightful predictions of distortion and residual stresses, promoting optimized design strategies.

  • Detailed analyses of temperature fields and identifies potential issues.
  • User-friendly interface and a wealth of robust features, Simufact's solution streamlines the intricacies of DED, ensuring superior manufacturing outcome.
Rendering Simufact Welding DED Turbine SIM Temperature

Print your 3D AM parts first-time-right with Simufact Additive

Optimise

Design and optimise your metal AM process:

  • Optimise the build-up orientation and the support structures
  • Compensate distortion automatically to print the part as-designed
  • Indicate criteria-based part failures, e.g. recoater crashes or risk of cracks
Reduce costs icon. Product benefit.

Costing – Estimate your costs for single parts and the entire printing job.

Knowledge

Simplicity – No expert knowledge required as the software solution is designed to be user-friendly, intuitive and process-oriented.

Sustainability

Sustainability – Save material, time and money by replacing expensive and time-consuming physical tests with virtual tests.

"Additive manufacturing simulation methods helped in achieving a lightweight structure, distortion-free model, without residual stresses, which is more helpful to the AM designers to print the parts physically first time right."
Radhakrishnaiah Bathina
Technical specialist,
Bosch India

Learn more about Simufact Additive

Webinars

Webinar

Challenge your additive manufacturing problems with simulation

Discover how Simufact Additive and MSC Apex Generative Design can enable you to create defect-free and dimensionally accurate parts. 

 


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Ready to get started?

Talk to an expert and discover how Hexagon can support your organisation.