Fast
AM-Studio for Creo® is an intuitively-operable all-in-one-solution for PTC Creo® beginning from Version 6.0. Via this Creo additive manufacturing extension, a consistent CAD-to-print-workflow within a single software tool can be created. Component analyses, the support geometry generation, slicing and hatching as well as additional processes of additive manufacturing have been combined with PTC Creo’s diverse functions. Thus, it is no longer necessary to import and/or export geometric data. Any subsequent design modifications are associatively also integrated and, for example, immediately taken into consideration during the generation of the support geometry.
However, this seamless interplay between the CAD-Programme and additive manufacturing software also offers tangible advantages during the entire post-processing procedures such as the quality assurance, the milling with Creo CAM, the measuring with Creo CMM or also during the removal of support structures. Thus, special support geometries have been developed in cooperation with Hirtenberger Engineered Surfaces GmbH (HES) which has since become part of Rena Technologies GmbH which supports the Hirtisation® process – a chemical/electro-chemical post-treatment of components – particularly well. During the data preparation, this Hirtisation® procedure patented by HES is integrated as a design rule. During the integration into the entire process, the combination proves itself via an AM-LOCK zero-point clamping system. For its configuration, namely the software-based orientation for the respective design job, a corresponding plug-in is likewise made available in AM-Studio for Creo®.
Consistent
CAD-to-Print Workflow
AM-Studio for Creo® supports the Designer within his customary working environment. The users can draft, optimize, validate, print, post-process and measure without having to leave Creo. In so doing, they are guided step-by-step through the data processing and manufacturing processes. Highly-developed algorithms and automatisms provide support during goal-attainment. For example, during the positioning of the object to be printed in the assembly space of the 3D printer, so-called OrientationMaps signal whether the selected arrangement is either in the red or green zone based upon the preferences selected – construction time, support volume or the thermal distortion to be expected. Thus, it has also been made very easy for even inexperienced users to start their printing orders from the “pole position”.
The additive manufacturing systems from DMG Mori, EOS, Renishaw, SLM Solutionsand Trumpf are directly controllable via AM-Studio for Creo®, conversations with additional manufacturers are on-going. For cost-effective prototyping approaches, the SLA printers can also be integrated into a process chain of additive manufacturing that is running via Creo.
Innovative
Support Geometries
AM-Studio for Creo® can also offer more than what is typical on the market in its support library because, in addition to the popular Block, Rod and Line support geometries, two additional special supports have been made available, by means of which substantial savings can be attained during the construction time and with regards to materials: The Tree support and the AdaptiveCell support. With regards to the former, the support materials are structured vertically like a tree and branch out where it becomes necessary to do so. The latter works with triangles which initially are kept as big as possible in order to “obtain” construction time and which then become smaller and smaller the closer one comes to the component geometry.
If the user wishes to move from one support model to another support model or modify
the features of the support geometry that has been selected, merely a couple
of mouse clicks suffice and everything is automatically
brought to the desired status. The supports can be modified associatively. That means:
If one point is adjusted, then everything is accordingly adapted. Even
subsequent changes in the Design Divisions can be depicted via mouse click
during all subsequent processes. By using the
“Via the “Regenerate Active Model” function, the support geometry can be re-calculated
and adapted to the revised geometry. That functions in an extremely
high-performance and fast manner.