3D nesting with 30 percent higher efficiency
3D nesting with 30 percent higher efficiency
The new 4D_Additive 1.6 version with numerous improvements is now available for our customers for download from our data exchange portal. 4D_Additive 1.6 features a unique AI-supported nesting technology that enables up to 30% increased efficiency compared to the previous version and other common nesting tools especially for SLS and MJF printers.
The highlight of the new version 1.6 is our extensively revised nesting module. It enables significantly greater efficiency in the operation of 3D printers. Thanks to the new nesting function, the packing heights are up to 30% lower, while the packing density has been significantly increased.
This leads to a significant reduction in printing time with the same number of parts or enables the production of significantly more parts per buildspace. The calculation speed of the nesting function has been increased by 200-300% thanks to optimised algorithms, better utilisation of the multiprocessor calculation and improved memory management.
Nesting efficiency and ease of use
Thanks to the intelligent pre-sorting of parts and an improved calculation accuracy, previously unattainable packing densities are achieved resulting in a significantly minimised packing height. For example, the printing time on an HP MJF machine can be reduced by up to 30% for the same number of parts thanks to the reduced packing height.
The resulting shorter machine running times together with the significantly reduced cooling times represent an important competitive advantage. The optimized heat distribution of components, a feature already available in the previous version, is crucial for surface quality, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing heat accumulation. During the optimization process, also the minimum build height achieved through nesting is maintained.
Optimised nesting of large parts
The new nesting function enables an even more precise arrangement of large parts in the machine's installation space and optimises the use of the available space. Resulting gaps can then be efficiently filled with smaller components. Due to the high achievable packing densities of the new nesting technology, a limiting parameter can be used to control the maximum packing density and thus the temperature development.
Lattice Structures
The Lattice module has new grid types such as volume, surface and skin. Furthermore, the "Boolean Tool" has been improved and now also enables the creation of tools for fibre mould casting.
Textures
The Texture module has been improved with the new "LSCM-Conformal" surface type, which now allows simple, distortion-free projection of textures across surfaces with different degrees of curvature. This allows the texture area to be defined without distortion on CAD models in seconds with just a few mouse clicks.
VDI 3400 Surface Finishing
Now special textures and a best practice document for surface finishing are available to create graining based on the VDI 3400 guideline. This extension makes it possible to create aesthetic and functional surface structures on 3D printed components with just a few clicks. This effectively eliminates "stair stepping" and other defects on the surfaces of 3D components. You can request the texture graphic and the best practice document on our website.