Latest release of 4D_Additive software now allows for generation of repaired and optimized STEP data.

The latest version of the 4D_Additive software tool from CoreTechnologie not only enables the use of exact B-Rep CAD data of all major native and standard formats for 3D printing jobs, but now also allows for the generation of repaired and optimized STEP data, making 4D_Additive unique in the industry. With this update, users can save the preprocessed CAD data as exact STEP geometry. It is also possible to save the automatically generated support structures as exact STEP models and then process them further into any CAD system or even use the support structures for FEM analysis.

Exact models
By using exact 3D models imported as STEP files as well as other common native formats (e.g. CATIA, NX, CREO and Solidworks), this innovative tool enables highly accurate analysis and repair of models. Up until now, mainly triangulated STL models have been used for 3D printing which are only an approximation compared to real CAD geometry. With the B-Rep core of the software, models can not only be repaired with greater accuracy but can also be adapted specifically for 3D printing through modelling functions. This means that offset surfaces can be generated within the software for subsequent over-milling of fits or diameter changes; for example, Ensat bushings.

Higher accuracy and less memory
Another advantage of exact geometries compared to STL models, in addition to increased accuracy, is a lower memory requirement for data. Thus, complex models and assemblies with hundreds of parts can be stored in a compact file size.

In addition to the texture module for surface refinement; automatic labelling of parts, automated part alignment and intelligent nesting functions with multi-processor calculation enable reliable, fast filling and efficient use of the build space for all common machine types. Special analysis functions ensure collision safety, optimum heat distribution and production-oriented component design to complete the software in terms of a seamless additive manufacturing process.

About:
CoreTechnologie is the leading provider of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) translation software known as 3D_Evolution® conversion engine for repair, simplification – reduction of 3D CAD files, analysis, with batch process; 4D_Additive a pre-processing software for checking quality, positioning, nesting, texturing, and slicing; 3D_Partfinder with DMU, filter criteria, metadata, features and ability to check geometry; 3D_Analyzer® a CAD viewer with analysis tools; and 3D_Kernel_IO® a CAD interoperability Software Development Kit. The company’s mission is to optimize CADif interoperability in the value-added design chain and to customize scripts for PLM integration and process automation. Learn more at https://www.coretechnologie.com

3D_Evolution®, 3D_Analyzer® and 3D_Kernel_IO® are registered trademarks of CT CoreTechnologie Group