ExaSim software from 3DSIM
In acquisition news here at formnext powered by tct, engineering simulation software company ANSYS has announced it has bought out additive manufacturing (AM) simulation technology company 3DSIM.
This acquisition (terms of which were not disclosed) sees ANSYS step further into AM and offer a complete additive manufacturing simulation workflow from build process to part prediction.
ANSYS views AM as the fastest-growing engineering segment with the potential to transform the industrial manufacturing landscape. As the industry grows the power to simulate is going to be all important, as users require the ability to know how all environmental and process matters affect a particular part.
The combined ANSYS-3DSIM simulation solution addresses the need to decrease the risks that surround metal 3D printing's many unpredictable factors. Using a host of analytical tools the software can predict print failures before they happen saving money and time in abundance.
3DSIM CEO Brent Stucker said to TCT at formnext, on simulation's importance to the AM industry:
"A combination of sensors and simulation together can predict what should happen, measure whether it did happen, and then if it does wat it is supposed to do, you can say it [the 3D printed part] is certified. If the feedback does not line up with what you predict, then you know that there is a problem, I think that is the future for qualifying production."
3DSIM's products include exaSIM, an easy-to-use tool developed specifically for machine operators and designers for additive manufacturing-developed parts. exaSIM provides unparalleled predictions to identify and address residual stress, distortion and build failure, enabling users to achieve part tolerances and avoid build failures without physical experimentation. Another product, FLEX, enables engineers, analysts and researchers to dial in the best process parameters for a particular additive manufacturing machine and material combination. That leads to the highest level of part integrity and predicts microstructure and properties before building the part.
"Additive manufacturing is changing the way companies are bringing products to market, and 3DSIM is helping to lead the way through its innovative solutions," said Shane Emswiler, ANSYS vice president and general manager. "By bringing exaSIM and FLEX onto our Workbench platform, ANSYS can offer customers the only end-to-end additive manufacturing simulation workflow available. That will spark innovation, speed time to market and reduce manufacturing costs for our customers across industries."
"We are excited to become part of the ANSYS family with its nearly 50-year history of helping customers realise their product promise," said 3DSIM CEO Brent Stucker. "Combining 3DSIM's leading additive manufacturing technology with ANSYS engineering simulation solutions will be a win-win for our customers and the entire industry."
We'll have more on this story, with an in-depth interview with Brent Stucker in the coming weeks.
