Up until now, the additive manufacturing industry has pretty much used the CAD export format known as stereolithography, or slice tessellation language (STL), as its primary input. This format describes a part as being a collection of connected triangles. So, the more complex a part is, the more triangles are needed to define it. The STL import has several drawbacks, including the export from CAD to STL. This is due to the potential negative impact on design intent, as well as the loss of control and model traceability.
“It is well-known that the STL format can cause issues, typically with broken descriptions that need healing, or with low triangle density impacting print quality,” said Stephen Anderson, Director of Group Software at Renishaw. “Our collaboration with Spatial now allows us to not only perform high-quality healing on STL files but, more importantly, to import various CAD formats directly.”
“Rather than rely on a triangulated view of the 3D model, a far better approach is to work on the native geometry, preserving the original design intent of the model. By integrating Spatial SDKs into the newest version of QuantAM, Renishaw will continue to ensure the best chance of built-right-the-first-time parts and benefit from Spatial’s 30-year history of innovation,” said Brian Rohde, the Marketing Manager responsible for the 3D ACIS Modeler at Spatial.
- STL geometry import
- Part orientation
- Add support structures
- Material development module with CSV data import for materials development arrays
- Copy and edit material files
- Duplicate, orientate and position multiple parts
- Rapidly review your geometry and laser tool path slice-by-slice
- Review discrete laser exposures within each slice
To see a video demonstration of the QuantAM build preparation software for additive manufacturing, see below or visit Renishaw’s website. Discuss in the Renishaw forum at 3DPB.com.
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