Hexagon, a global leader in digital reality solutions, and Raytheon Technologies, an aerospace and defence company, have collaborated to develop a simulation tool for evaluating and optimizing 3D printing build quality for metal additive manufacturing processes by predicting thermal history and defects at the laser path and powder layer scale.
The new software, which combines technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Raytheon Technologies’ Pratt and Whitney business, will predict defects before the costly and time-consuming printing process begins. This analysis will assist designers and engineers in evaluating print outcomes and testing material, geometries, and print processes.
Simulation Tool to Improve 3D Printing Build Quality
The software will be made available to a variety of additive manufacturing companies and will complement Hexagon’s existing Simufact Additive tool. The similarity to the existing user interface will allow users to easily integrate into existing manufacturing processes without extensive training.
“We’ve partnered with Raytheon Technologies to deliver an intuitive and accessible tool that will help engineers quickly predict and mitigate risks. The ability to evaluate full laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) parts on the meso-scale will reduce the effort to achieve part certification and thereby support industrialisation of metal 3D printing.”
– Jeff Robertson, Director of Global Business Development, Hexagon
According to David Furrer, Pratt & Whitney senior fellow for materials and processes, “By combining our additive manufacturing expertise with Hexagon’s we’re bringing a solution to market that helps manufacturers with all levels of experience make better products with greater efficiency.”
About Raytheon Technologies: Raytheon Technologies Corporation is a commercial, military, and government aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services to customers worldwide. The company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics through four industry-leading businesses: Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The company, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, was formed in 2020 by the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation’s aerospace businesses.
About Hexagon: Hexagon is a world leader in digital reality solutions that integrate sensor, software, and autonomous technologies. We use data to improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety in industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.
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