Introduction to Additive Manufacturing Software 204

3D printing

The process of producing a three-dimensional object using a specialized tool that creates successive layers of material. 3D printing is often used interchangeably with additive manufacturing.

additive manufacturing

AM. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. Additive manufacturing methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

algorithms

A mathematical process designed to systematically solve a problem. Algorithms allow machine learning to predict and regulate complex digital operations.

AM

Additive manufacturing. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. AM methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

AMF

Additive Manufacturing File. A newer file format for use in additive manufacturing that contains data for colors, materials, and other part features. The AMF format allows for more complex shapes than the standard STL format, including curved triangles.

anti-malware

Security software that protects against various types of malware, especially newer threats. Many anti-malware products protect against the latest malware and may not include protection against some older malware types.

app

Application. Software or a program that is designed for mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets. Apps are a way of interacting with smart devices.

binder jetting

An additive manufacturing method in which liquid binder is used to join powdered materials to create parts. Binder jetting can create parts out of metal, polymer, or ceramic.

CAD

Computer-aided design. A type of computer software used to design a model of a product. CAD models are converted into STL or other formats for use by additive manufacturing machines.

computer-aided design

CAD. A type of computer software used to design a model of a product. Computer-aided design models are converted into STL or other formats for use by additive manufacturing machines.

computer-aided engineering

CAE. Computer software that helps part manufacturers with the functionality aspect of part design. Computer-aided engineering is helpful in assessing how a part will respond to exposure to a load, fluid movement, and other real-world conditions.

computer-aided manufacturing

CAM. The use of computer software that facilitates the development of part programs to produce a part. Computer-aided manufacturing software for additive manufacturing generates the program code from information that the programmer inputs, which automates more of the process than CAM software used in traditional manufacturing.

conceptualization

The process of forming an idea about a possible part or manufactured good. Conceptualization is the initial stage of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM).

cyberattack

An effort to disrupt, disable, or gain illegal access to a cyber network or device. Cyberattacks include hacking, phishing, and malware.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

DED

Directed Energy Deposition. An additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to melt materials as they are fed or blown through a nozzle. DED is often used with powdered or wire metal.

design

The process of creating the specifications for a part. Design involves defining product requirements and creating prints, digital models, and prototypes for a part.

digital thread

An integrated view of all the data and information about a machine or process throughout its lifecycle. The digital thread connects information from all aspects of a product into one seamless network.

digital twin

A virtual representation of a physical asset or part. A digital twin evolves with the asset throughout its product lifecycle.

direct energy deposition

DED. An additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to melt materials as they are fed or blown through a nozzle. Directed energy deposition is often used with powdered or wire metal.

dynamic

Something capable of constant change and continuous productivity. Dynamic models like digital twins are improvements on traditional 3D models with limited capabilities.

end-use

Designed to be used directly by a consumer or directly in another manufactured product. End-use products created by additive manufacturing include medical implants, custom dental devices, and camera equipment.

enterprise resource planning systems

ERP. A specific application of a management information system that takes the data from internal and external information systems and integrates it throughout the organization. Enterprise resource planning is often integrated into the product lifecycle management of cyber-physical manufacturing via the digital thread.

functionality

The ability of a part to optimally perform a set purpose. Functionality is a key design consideration, particularly for additive manufacturing parts.

G code

A method of programming that pairs address letters with numerical values to form words. G code programs are used in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and hybrid machining.

IIoT

Industrial Internet of Things. A network of physical devices used in manufacturing that contain computing systems that allow them to send and receive data. The IIoT allows devices to exchange data and automate processes without any human intervention.

Industrial Internet of Things

IIoT. A network of physical devices used in manufacturing that contain computing systems that allow them to send and receive data. The Industrial Internet of Things allows devices to exchange data and automate processes without any human intervention.

information management

The process of using software that integrates and manages all process data that relates to ensuring quality compliance. Information management systems can connect data from multiple processes across the product lifecycle.

laser

A type of instrument that emits an intense, narrow beam of light to measure part features. Laser light yields very accurate and consistent measurements.

lattice structures

A repeating, symmetrical pattern of crossing strips of material that leave diamond- or square-shaped gaps between them. Lattice structures provide excellent strength to a part while reducing its weight.

malware

Any malicious code or software that can potentially harm a computer, device, or network, or retrieve data from the network or device without authorization. Malware often exists undetected on systems for extended periods of time.

manufacturing execution systems

MES. A software application that monitors and analyzes machine performance data related to processing materials and producing finished products. Manufacturing execution system applications can be used to integrate performance data from multiple machines in a product lifecycle execution (PLE) system.

material extrusion

An additive manufacturing (AM) method that uses a nozzle to dispense material, usually a thermoplastic filament, onto a build platform. Material extrusion is sometimes referred to as fused deposition modeling (FDM).

material jetting

An additive manufacturing process in which droplets of build material are selectively deposited onto a build platform. Material jetting, or PolyJetting, systems use a photopolymer that is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light.

OBJ

Object file. A software file format that can represent the color, texture, and complex surface geometry of 3D models. OBJ files are used in material jetting, similar to VRML files, to designate color or texture on a per face, or section, basis.

point cloud

A large collection of data points indicating locations on the surface of a three-dimensional object. Point clouds are typically used to create CAD models of objects.

powder bed fusion

PBF. An additive manufacturing method that uses thermal energy to fuse together layers of powdered polymer, metal, ceramic, or other material. Powder bed fusion includes several processes, such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

process control

A method of checking product performance and batch consistency by regularly measuring and regulating processes that yield a product. Process control involves collecting and analyzing data to help reduce error.

processing

A step in the additive manufacturing production workflow that leverages software to execute program functions and manipulate data. Processing software in additive manufacturing typically slices a design file into part layers and exports machine functions and commands as G code, which enables a machine to produce the physical part.

prototype

A part model made to represent the composition and design of the final part. Prototypes are used to test how a part will perform in its intended application.

quality control

An approach to manufacturing that focuses on customer satisfaction. Quality control ensures that products conform to specifications, are free of defects, and meet the requirements of their anticipated use.

rapid prototyping

A product development technique in which additive manufacturing methods are used to create prototypes for a traditional manufacturing operation. Rapid prototyping allows engineers to quickly create a number of prototypes in a short time period, reducing lead time.

raw material

An unprocessed or lightly processed substance, often referred to as feedstock, that is used in additive manufacturing (AM) machines to build parts or components. Raw materials for AM commonly come in powder, pellet, wire, or semi-liquid form.

real time

The near-instantaneous interval of time that computers require to process data. Real time is virtually the same as actual time because computers process data nearly immediately.

secondary process

An additive manufacturing application other than creating a prototype or end-use part. Secondary processes include using AM to create a jig or fixture, help create a mold, or repair a damaged workpiece, among other processes.

sensor

A device that detects a change in a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal that can be measured or recorded. Sensors may be connected to a machine or system in order to collect operational data that is later analyzed.

sheet lamination

An additive manufacturing process that forms an object by bonding sheets of material together using an adhesive, heat, or pressure. Sheet lamination processes melt thin sheets of material together, bonding them layer by layer, to form a single three-dimensional object.

slicer software

A computer program that divides an STL file into layers for additive manufacturing (AM). Slicer software can either be a separate computer program or part of the machine interface.

STL

A software file format that represents 3D digital models as a series of interconnected triangles. STL files are used in additive manufacturing processes.

topology optimization

TO. A mathematical method that optimizes material layout within a given design space for a given set of loads, boundary conditions, and constraints with the goal of maximizing the performance of a part. Topology optimization is a potent tool for lightweighting.

traditional manufacturing

A manufacturing process that involves creating a part by shaping or removing material from a workpiece. Traditional manufacturing operations include metal cutting and forming.

vat photopolymerization

An additive manufacturing method that builds a part by curing layers of photopolymer with light. Vat photopolymerization processes include stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP).

verification

The process of using software to duplicate real-world and real-time situations in order to evaluate behavior under real conditions. Verification through simulations can test the behavior of a manufacturing process before it is used to make an actual product.

viruses

A type of malware that copies itself onto a computer or device by attaching to existing code. Viruses must be transferred by a user in order to spread to other systems.

VRML

Virtual Reality Modeling Language. A software file format that can represent the color and texture of 3D models. VRML files are used in material jetting, similar to OBJ files, to designate color or texture on a per face, or section, basis.

X-ray computed tomography

X-ray CT. An advanced radiographic NDT method that creates a three-dimensional (3D) image of a part's interior and exterior out of multiple two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. X-ray computed tomography, which is sometimes referred to as micro computed tomography (microCT), produces high-resolution images that show very fine part details.