Simufact Additive This new software from Simufact, Hamburg, Germany, simulates and optimizes the metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes that can be used to make molds and tooling. Features include the simulation of all key AM process steps, starting with part printing, followed by heat treatment, and the cutting of the part off the build plate and removal of support structures. The software also predicts the final distortion and residual stresses of metal 3-D printed parts, such as the distortion of a complex manifold shown in the picture. Simufact Additive simulates various powder-bed fusion processes, including selective laser melting, direct metal laser sintering and electron beam melting. Simufact is a subsidiary of MSC.
What's new? The software, which Simufact launched globally in September.
Benefits The ability to 3-D print complex molds and tooling correctly the first time. The software shortens the optimization process for manufacturing tooling and reduces the number of costly mold tryouts. Also, the intuitive and streamlined user interface has a minimum number of icons and buttons for user-friendliness.
MSC Software Corp., Newport Beach, Calif., 714-540-8900, www.simufact.com/additive
