Award winning 3D software and 3D printing service provider Materialise has unveiled the latest version of its data and build preparation software, Magics 23, to increase productivity and efficiency in metal additive manufacturing.
“With the introduction of Magics 23, we offer integrated automation features for metal 3D printing, including simulation and automatic support generation”, said Stefaan Motte, Vice President and General Manager of the Materialise software division.
“This allows users to drive down cost by optimizing their machine operations and reducing the number of build fails, all within their trusted Magics environment.”
Metal 3D printing at Materialise
In recent years, Materialise has been ramping up its efforts in the metal additive manufacturing sphere. At Formnext 2017, the company launched its e-Stage for metal platform which automates the addition of support structures in file preparation stages. In October of the same year, the company acquired cast metal specialist ACTech and, in June 2018, it launched a hybrid manufacturing partnership with HCL Technologies.
Following the metal additive simulation module added to the Materialise Magics 3D Print Suite, Magics 23 has been designed with improved data processing capabilities for this sphere.
Magics 23 metal simulation
A new Data Matrix Label feature converts alphanumeric data from standard 3D printed labels into smart tags for individual parts. Such labels can be read by conventional data matrix scanners which can reduce human error and further automate the post-production process.
Furthermore, Magics 23 offers upgraded modules that decreases the number of failed metal builds by displaying potential build errors before they arise. Users of other 3D printing technologies can also integrate Magics 23 software to scale operations, and get builds right the first time.
Part previews and an analysis of self-supporting honeycomb structures is also available, enabling full control over part orientation on the build platform.
Automatic support generation for metal 3D printing
A year on after the e-Stage for metal launch, Magics 23 has introduced an improved automatic support generation for metal 3D printing.
As a result of this feature, users can reportedly “reduce data preparation time by 90%, cut support removal time by 50%, and achieve a powder recuperation of nearly 100% compared to manual support generation.”
New materials range for rapid prototyping
At Formnext 2018, Materialise is also expanding its 3D printing services with three new materials for manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. This includes polypropylene (PP), Taurus, Inconel IN718. Jurgen Laudus, Vice President Materialise Manufacturing, stated, “The automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries have all been early adopters of 3D printing for prototyping applications,”
“As the usage of 3D printing widens in scope and scale, we’re making strategic investments in expanding our service portfolio with materials that address the industries’ needs: whether it’s production-grade characteristics as in the case of PP and Inconel, or specific mechanical properties as in the case of Taurus.”
Materialise is exhibiting its most recent developments at Formnext 2018 in hall 3.0, booth C48.
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Featured image shows the Magics 23 Simulation Module. image via Materialise.
