3D printing
Generate and optimize lightweight structures iteratively
In the latest version of the 3D printing software 4D_Additive, CoreTechnology adds a Nastran interface and makes it possible to quickly create a wide range of lattice structures and validate them with simulation tools.
In the latest version of CoreTechnologie's 4D_Additive software, the additive manufacturing tool supports a new approach to the creation, optimization and validation of lightweight structures. With the Advanced Lattice module, lattice structures are generated quickly and easily and transferred directly to the calculation software for optimization using a new Nastran interface.
Optimization at the touch of a button
The integration of the Nastran interface as a standard format in the 4D_Additive software makes it possible to seamlessly send the grid structures, alternative component designs and complex 3D geometries generated with just a few clicks within seconds to the calculation software.
The 4D_Additive software offers tools for the automatic generation of 20 different 3D grid structure types. CAD solids can be filled with internal structures and parts of the solids can be replaced with external structures. In particular, gyroid patterns and trabecular structures for simulating natural lattice networks, such as those found in bones in nature, are used to generate innovative designs for optimizing the weight, stability, stress distribution and shock absorption of components.
The use of different grid types and the variation of the density as well as a variable cell size over the course of the component allows the geometry to be adapted to the required properties while at the same time optimizing the component properties. In contrast to topology optimization, this approach allows classic component designs to be quickly optimized iteratively and validated using simulation tools.
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