Direct metal manufacturing is a process of producing complex metal parts using a high-precision laser. Metal particles melt and mend to previously printed metal layers without the need for an adhesive component. Direct metal printing requires a different approach than 3D printing plastics and other materials.

The final result: the production of parts that can not be created using subtractive and traditional 3D printing technologies.

The absence of an integrated solution was just another layer of difficulty added to an already complex direct metal manufacturing process. In the past, work flow would be interrupted by the presence of several various software solutions to complete one project increasing the odds of an issue; that no longer exists with 3DXpert from 3D Systems.

“There’s never been this level of control in direct metal printing until now,” Matt Jones, Manager at Miller 3D, points out. “Before 3DXpert the user relied on STL file input and limited choices for support generation.”

3DXpert introduces control from design to manufacturing, an asset for users that provides flexibility and simplicity. Furthermore, integrating the entire process reduces the need for different solutions, optimizes and enables you to print quality parts, and shortens the project timeline.

“The fact that 3DXpert can import native CAD files gives the operator full CAD tools directly in the operating environment”, Matt explains. “Support generation tools make it easy to add, delete, create and unlimited amount of support geometries that minimize the efforts in post-processing.”

Also included in the integration solution is the ‘ideal mix’ of tools to automate repetitive tasks while continuing to control every detail of design and manufacturing. 3DXpert also gives ultimate control during the sintering process by allowing a designer to alter the laser parameters in different areas of the part to more reflect the true design intent.

Global support from 3D Systems and the production of quality parts manufactured in reduced time make 3DXpert an integrated solution for all industries.

Feel free to visit the original article by 3DSystems here. We’ve also put it below for your convenience.

1) Import Data

• Import data from all CAD formats (B-rep, DXF, IGES, STEP, VDA, Parasolid (including binary), SAT (ACIS), STL and SAB), native read formats including PMI data (such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, Creo Elements/Pro, Siemens NX, SolidWorks and SolidEdge) as well as virtually all Mesh formats.
• Take advantage of continued work with B-rep data (solids and surfaces). Reading B-rep geometry without downgrading to mesh maintains data integrity including analytic geometry, part topology and color coding. This allows preparing the part for printing using history based parametric features.
• Start working immediately with automated healing of both STL and B-rep geometry.

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