Materialise, a 3D software and 3D printing service provider, recently launched the latest version of its data and build preparation software, Magics 23, to increase productivity and efficiency of metal additive manufacturing.
Magics 23 simulation module
Stefaan Motte, vice president and general manager of Materialise Software Division, said: "With the launch of Magics 23, we provide integrated automation capabilities for metal 3D printing, including simulation and automatic support generation, which allows users to reduce costs by optimizing their machine operations , Reducing the number of print failures, all in their reliable MAGICS environment.
Materialise metal 3D printing
In recent years, Materialise has been increasing its efforts in the field of metal additive manufacturing. At Formnext 2017, the company introduced the e-Stage for metal platform, which automatically adds support structures during the document preparation phase. In October of the same year, the company acquired ACTech, a foundry metal specialist, and in June 2018 established a hybrid manufacturing partnership with HCL Technologies.
Following the metal fabrication simulation module added to the Materialise Magics 3D printing suite, Magics 23 is designed with improved data processing capabilities.
Magics 23 Metal Simulation
The new data matrix labeling feature converts alphanumeric data from standard 3D printed labels into smart labels for individual parts. Such tags can be read by traditional data matrix scanners, which reduces human error and further automates the post-production process.
In addition, Magics 23 offers upgraded modules that reduce the number of failed metal builds by displaying them before potential build errors occur. Users of other 3D printing technologies can also integrate Magics 23 software to extend operations and get the right build the first time.
Part previews and self-supporting honeycomb structure analysis are also provided, giving full control over the orientation of the parts on the build platform.
Automatic metal support generation
One year after e-Stage for metal was released, Magics 23 introduced an improved automatic support generation for metal 3D printing.
It is reported that due to this feature, users can "reduce data preparation time by 90% and support removal time by 50%. Compared to manual support generation, the powder recovery rate is close to 100%."
Automatically generate metal 3D part designs
New materials suitable for rapid prototyping
At Formnext 2018, Materialise also expanded its 3D printing services with three new materials to serve manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. This includes polypropylene (PP), Taurus, Inconel IN718. "The automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods industries are early adopters of 3D printed prototypes, and as 3D printing is used at scale, we are expanding our service portfolio with materials that meet industry needs," said Jurgen Laudus, Materialise's vice president of manufacturing. "
Materialise will showcase its latest developments in Formnext 3.0, Hall C48 in 2018.