Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2021 - 20

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The DED process can help to produce better parts by coating some areas with a dissimilar material
to prevent wear or by reinforcing highly stressed areas. Confirm that your CAM software has the
needed functionality for additive and hybrid processing.
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ation. If the motions are not smooth, the
machine will not be able to maintain its
speed, resulting in the additive process
potentially overbuilding or overheating.
Simulation. Key functionality to have
is simulation of the hybrid or additive
process directly from the CAM software
via NC-code simulation, which considers
and optimizes the movements based
on the machine kinematics. It offers
significant advantages over using a second,
additional software program only
for machine simulation. CAM software
that offers a single environment and
interface with straightforward integration
between job planning and simulation
is a key benefit, resulting in having
comprehensive data available such as
NC code.
During the additive manufacturing
process, CAM software should be able to
display the build during simulation to
ensure that the workpiece is built correctly.
This might sound obvious but
some CAM software offering DED
options is not offering this capability.
The simulation module should be able
to react to axis limits and collision
potential with large additive delivery
nozzles that are common on DED
machines. This is especially important
when performing 5-axis motions during
the build process.
Technology Parameters and Post-Processor.
In subtractive manufacturing, the technology
parameters are known and
should be streamlined from the CAM to
the NC code. In additive manufacturing,
it should be the same case but there
are usually more parameters to control.
In addition to this, there are special
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cases such as local conditions requiring
different parameter sets or functional
graded material, where the parameter
sets are changed to create a different
alloy. All this must be managed in the
CAM software and properly streamlined
to the NC code. If you intend to perform
complex 5-axis motions with an
expensive machine tool, it is better to
use NC-code simulation, as this is the
safest approach. There are already
enough variables associated with a new
process.
Choose the Best Software
Partner
Since the computer-aided DED process
is quite new, confronting unexpected
issues can be anticipated, so it is important
to consult with a knowledgeable software
developer/supplier. Some questions
to consider when choosing a software
partner include: What is their experience
in additive? Are they willing to help to
find solutions? Does the software developer
have a pioneering mindset and will
act as a partner to find innovative solutions
to address new challenges based on
ongoing feedback from their customers?
In addition to this, does the CAM software
supplier have partnerships with
machine tool manufacturers/research
centers who are involved in the research
and development of additive technology?
This article was written by David
Bourdages, Product Manager, OPEN MIND
Technologies, developer of the hyperMILL®
CAD/CAM software suite (Wessling, Germany
with worldwide subsidiaries including Need -
ham MA, U.S.A.). For more information, visit
http://info.hotims.com/79420-121.
Tech Briefs, December 2021

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Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2021

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