e-Xstream engineering, part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, has added the Senvol Database, a comprehensive database of additive manufacturing materials and machines, to its 10X Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) solution, making it easier for manufacturers to shortlist and evaluate how the latest 3D printing capabilities can improve their products.
By embedding the Senvol Database within MaterialCenter, e-Xstream’s state-of-the art material data management system, product R&D teams now have immediate access to a wealth of 3D printing intelligence for metal, polymer, composite and advanced materials. Teams can review the capabilities of different additive manufacturing materials, processes and machines and compare them to their existing designs and processes to identify opportunities for innovation, cost reduction or faster turnaround.
Furthermore, shortlisted material candidates can be exported directly from MaterialCenter to computer aided engineering tools for conceptual design exploration. Design, materials and manufacturing professionals can then collaborate to develop the product virtually, using detailed proprietary material models and process definitions from suppliers to ensure optimal results using the 10X ICME solution.
Philippe Hébert, product marketing manager at e-Xstream engineering, said: “Since its inception, the 3D printing industry has been grappling with a lack of data on material behavior and printing processes, which is preventing it from being used for more widespread industrial production.
“The combination of the Senvol Database and MaterialCenter has made what used to be disparate, specialized knowledge much more accessible. I believe greater understanding of the rapidly evolving capabilities of additive manufacturing will enable product development teams to rapidly explore new design possibilities and encourage wider collaboration to adopt new manufacturing techniques within organisations.”
Zach Simkin, president of Senvol, said: “We are very pleased to announce our partnership with e-Xstream engineering. MaterialCenter is one of the leading software solutions for materials data management, and it is a natural fit for the Senvol Database to be offered through their platform. MaterialCenter users will now have a comprehensive database of additive manufacturing machines and materials at their fingertips.”
The Senvol Database enables users to identify and compare additive manufacturing machines based on supported processes, manufacturer, required part size, cost, or compatible materials and their properties. Using the MaterialCenter web interface, users can trace the full pedigree of data (powders, machines, builds, parts, tests, post-process, design, CAE models) to understand the relationship from feedstock through build, post-process, and material testing. All data is recorded and available to others throughout the organization to avoid repeating unnecessary work throughout the product development process.
