The Franco-German software manufacturer CoreTechnologie has unveiled the new version 1.8 of its 3D printing software, 4D_Additive. With the Build History, automatic repair of triangulated data and enhanced lattice functions, the preparation of components for additive manufacturing processes has been improved.The Franco-German software manufacturer CoreTechnologie has unveiled the new version 1.8 of its 3D printing software, 4D_Additive. With the Build History, automatic repair of triangulated data and enhanced lattice functions, the preparation of components for additive manufacturing processes has been improved.
A highlight of this software version is the new Build History Tree. Modelled on the design tree found in modern CAD systems, all work steps involved in build job preparation are displayed in a list. Processing steps are documented and can be accessed directly or step-by-step at any time. Users can check and modify all parameters of the processing steps.
CAD geometries and triangulated data
Users can import and process models as precise CAD geometry or as triangulated data. For data preparation, the precise CAD geometry can be specifically converted into triangulated models and then optimised using the new automatic repair function. In this way, 4D_Additive combines the precision of native CAD data with the processing speed required to repair triangulated models.
Automatic repair of problematic 3D models
The automatic correction of triangulated models has been significantly enhanced. The ‘Advanced Automatic Mode’ of the Healing tool automates a sequence of repair steps that previously had to be carried out manually. With just a single click, models with highly flawed or poor-quality source data can be corrected largely automatically and optimised for further build job preparation.
Stiffener function and lattice structures
So-called stiffeners have been added. Stiffening structures stabilise thin-walled and large-surface components during the manufacturing process and counteract deformation. The lattice design can be specifically adapted to the component geometry and functional requirements.
CoreTechnologie
The software manufacturer CoreTechnologie was founded in 1998 and has its headquarters in Germany near Frankfurt am Main, as well as branches in France, Japan and the USA. The company is regarded as a leading provider of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) conversion software. CoreTechnologie’s customer portfolio comprises over 600 internationally active companies worldwide from the automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and consumer goods industries, as well as manufacturers of 3D software.
