Market innovation: the software 4D_Additive generates STEP data

The 3D printing software 4D_Additive enables the creation of STEP data from repaired and optimized 3D models.

With the 3D Printing Tool 4D_Additive, the exact B-REP CAD data of all common native and standard formats can be processed for the preparation of 3D print data. With the new interface for writing out STEP data, CoreTechnologie presents another market innovation.

The new version of the 4D_Additive software from CoreTechnologie not only enables the use of exact B-REP CAD data of all common native and standard formats for the preparation of 3D printing jobs but also for the first time it allows the generation of repaired and optimized STEP model. This makes the innovative 4D_Additive software a novelty in the industry. With the new version users can save the repaired and optimized CAD data as exact STEP geometry. It is also possible to save the automatically generated support structures as exact STEP models and then process them further in a CAD system or use the support structures for FEM analysis.

Exact models

By using exact models imported as STEP as well as other common native formats such as CATIA, NX, CREO, and Solidworks, this innovative tool enables highly accurate analysis and repair of the models. Up to now, mainly triangulated STL models have been used for 3D printing, which can only be an approximation to real CAD geometry. With the B-Rep core of the software, models can not only be repaired with the best possible accuracy but can also be adapted specifically for 3D printing through modelling functions. By this means, offset surfaces can be generated in the software for subsequent over-milling of fits or diameter changes for Ensat bushings.

Higher accuracy and less memory

An advantage of the exact geometries compared to STL models is, in addition to the higher accuracy, a lower memory requirement of the data. Thus, extensive building platforms with hundreds of parts are stored in compact file size. The manufacturing software 4D_Additive enables a 3D printing process, i.e. the inspection, repair, and preparation of models by CAD engineering standard which has long been established for other common production processes.

In addition to the innovative texture module for surface refinement and automatic labelling of parts, the software also comprises repair and modelling functions. Automated part alignment and intelligent nesting functions with multi-processor calculation enable reliable and fast filling and optimum use of the build space, for all common machine types. Special analysis functions ensure collision safety, optimum heat distribution and production-oriented component design and complete the software in terms of a seamless additive manufacturing process.