The 3D design stage via CAD tools is rightly perceived as critical because it is directly linked to the suitability of a part for metal 3D printing. However, once the file has been finalized, there are many other key stages: preparation and simulation (with a possible return to CAD ; production and monitoring are also on the critical path of 3D part manufacturing. This is where AddUp’s 3D Printing Software comes into play, connecting in real-time to AddUp machines to verify the additive manufacturing process.

Manufacturing preparation, simulation of constraints, machine control, production report, traceability: for each of these elements, AddUp offers an industrial software solution to exploit the full potential of its machines in PBF (Powder Bed Fusion) and DED (Directed Energy Deposition) technologies. Powerful and fully integrated, these intelligent digital solutions ensure real-time validation and quality control of printed parts during production. Our metal 3D printers continuously monitor and control manufacturing, layer by layer, for predictable and efficient production. Every critical manufacturing parameter is controlled throughout the metal part manufacturing process.

 

Part quality list

AddUp has developed a number of software tools to control the production of parts on metal 3D printers (FormUp and BeAM). The AddUp NCore software, embedded in the FormUp machine, is able to process in one go large production files of more than 80 GB, allowing the production of complex parts. AddUp Dashboards is a software solution for monitoring all production data, which can track more than 80 manufacturing parameters and automatically alert a group of users in case of drift. On the monitoring side, AddUp has developed a system for monitoring the quality of the melt, continuously measuring the power emitted by the laser and the temperature of the melt. The Recoating Monitoring function analyses in real time the quality of the powder spread and ensures the absence of defects on the surface of the powder bed. It is even capable of triggering a correction sequence, if necessary until the expected deposit quality is achieved. All this information is then stored in a Production Report, a key element for the release of parts produced on the FormUp machine.