3D Software

CES 2017 Sculpteo announce new Agile Metal Technology software

France’s Sculpteo have announced a new 3D printed metal service called ‘Agile Metal Technology’ which can discover and fix problems with designs, automate procedures and offers optimization suggestions to facilitate 3D printing metal. Sculpteo are showcasing the technology at CES this week. Yesterday Sculpteo joined the UVify team that created drones using 3D printing technology through Sculpteo, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Drone Rodeo event later on today.

Sculpteo are an online based 3D printing service where users can assess their uploaded designs and then either print them themselves or send to Sculpteo to do the printing. Clement Moreau, CEO of Sculpteo, explains the motivation behind the new application as “Metal 3D printing offers the possibility of building new parts with complex geometries that are not possible with traditional methods, however getting metal additive manufacturing right is a serious challenge.” Sculpteo hope that with this new software they will improve the success rate of 3D printed metal.

The UVify drone which Sculpteo helped produce with 3D printing. Image via Sculpteo.
The UVify drone which Sculpteo helped produce with 3D printing. Photo via Sculpteo.

Agile Metal Technology

The new service combines 6 different aspects: Business Case, Design Optimizer, Lattice Generator, Support Optimizer, Post-Processor and Batch Controller.  Business case is a self-learning artificial intelligence that will automatically assess a CAD file to decide whether it is optimized for metal 3D printing. It calculates possible risks and considers if the design is appropriate for 3D printing.

Design Optimizer further analyses the design compatibility with metal in light of heat constraints, suggesting modifications and best orientation of the print. Lattice Generator looks at cost and weight reductions, Support Optimizer handles the use of supports in printing and Post-Processor evaluates required post-processing. While Batch Controller is the metal 3D printing equivalent of the Sculpteo batch control tool already in use.

XJet 3D printed metal-components at formnext 2016. Photo by Michael Petch
An example of how 3D printed metal components are advancing. These were created by XJET for Formnext 2016. Photo by Michael Petch

Sculpteo’s Clement Moreau explained the benefit of this new service as a key problem solver,

As the complexity of additive manufacturing grows, it is difficult to get the necessary information to make the project go smoothly. Experts and specific software exist, but they are extremely expensive, and add to production time.

Nominate your favorite 3D printing bureau for the first Annual 3D Printing Industry Awards here.

Featured image shows 3D printed metal. Photo via Sculpteo.