Page 24 - MACHINE TOOLS WORLD - DECEMBER 2021

BUSINESS NEWS

Hexagon implements additive build preparation in

ESPRIT CAM software to streamline hybrid manufacturing

and scale up production

Computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) paradigm from the preparation of the majority of models for 3D-printed
software introduced today by Hexagon’s rapid prototypes to industrialisa- parts are STL-based, ESPRIT CAM
Manufacturing Intelligence division tion with a true CAM experience also provides an STL (mesh) slicer that
provides the digital tools needed to that includes build-preparation leverages a built-in software kernel.
prepare 3D-printed components for steps and the programming tools Once a part is sliced, it can be imported
manufacturing using powder bed fusion for post-processing printed to the software’s Job preparation en-
(PBF) technologies. Because hybrid parts with wire Electrical vironment and re-used whenever
manufacturing entails performing both discharge machining needed. Here, exposure strate-
additive and subtractive processes, (EDM) and milling gies are automatically assigned
integrating build-preparation tools within machine tools. In according to the chosen
CAM software streamlines workflows series production, machine set-up. As the part is
per part and offers significant efficiency a given part will be already sliced, the program-
improvements when scaling up additive produced hundreds of mer need only nest them and
manufacturing volumes. times with the same the corresponding machine
Today, PBF is the most mature additive build plates, orienta- file is generated based on the
manufacturing technology for industrial tion, support structure target machine set-up. Hexagon
production and represents 86 percent generation, exposure Hip replacement cup showing enjoys close collaboration
of the worldwide machine install base*. strategy assignment. support structure generated by with machine manufacturers,
PBF is used to build 3D parts by heating The Part-to-Build ESPRIT CAM from parametric providing factory-certified
successive layers of powder, typically workflow addresses CAD (yellow) and lattice from machine files for optimal
at the micron-level, and generally Part preparation and STL format performance and confidence,
produces parts that require finishing with Job preparation with and partners with world-
conventional CNC machine tools to achieve dedicated functionality within one piece of leading additive research institutions to
a high-quality surface finish. software, making manufacturing smarter continuously apply the latest cutting-edge
Hexagon’s ESPRIT CAM software now by enabling volume efficiencies and auto- technologies.
offers a build preparation workflow within mating repetitive tasks such as slicing. “Combining build preparation in the
the CAM environment to provide a single, Designed for CAM programmers, CAM environment is the first step on
streamlined platform for both the additive ESPRIT CAM’s build preparation employs the journey to true computer-aided
build and finishing operations. Its patented a workflow based on parametric data that manufacturing using additive methods,
Part-to-Build™ workflow was developed ensures high accuracy and adherence enabling higher levels of automation and
to change the prevailing 3D-printing to the geometry of the original CAD productivity,” says Clement Girard, product
model until it is sliced in preparation for manager for additive manufacturing and
3D printing. The software reads and artificial intelligence at Hexagon. “Our
manipulates all popular parametric CAD goal is to make the programmer’s life
formats and automatically identifies easier, thereby making the shop floor more
those surfaces that require support. The productive and future-ready to apply the
software also assists with the creation of best available machinery and processes to
support structures, generating parametric the part in hand.”
surfaces with teeth, fragmentation, and By using ESPRIT Additive PBF in
perforation. Support generation can be conjunction with other Hexagon products,
automated for future builds by assigning such as MSC Apex Generative Design,
ESPRIT CAM reads parametric CAD pre-set to a region in the surface, Simufact Additive, customers can further
formats to automatically identify capturing valuable production know-how optimise their part designs for additive
surfaces that require support (red) and improving future productivity. Because manufacturing.

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