Product overview

From the idea to the product with AutoFab

AutoFab was specially developed for manufacturing metal products with layer melting and sintering processes, making AutoFab the link between the 3D design and the Rapid Manufacturing system.

AutoFab is clearly structured and automated in many parts. Thanks to the process-oriented workflow, the user is systematically guided through the system during operation. Different user levels support the system usage with varying states of knowledge, and help to reduce operating errors.

AutoFab offers sophisticated functions to prepare parts as well as to efficiently set up build jobs. The system assists the user in all stages from the verification of imported CAD data to the generation of build-ready slice data.

AutoFab delivers tried and tested solution strategies for production-oriented data processing, focusing on optimum part quality. Solutions such as the hull-and-core strategy or internal structures enable a significant reduction in build time, material and weight at a simultaneously high surface quality. The support technology was specifically developed for metal processes enabling a fast, easy and clean support removal.

Part preparation with AutoFab

Control

Locate, correct and report quality problems in the 3D models before avoidable additional costs occur through erroneous production.

Model errors are detected on file import and corrected automatically. Complex errors and defects can be manually repaired later. Measuring and annotation functions assist in the systematic analysis of product details and the documentation of problem cases. With the visual wall thickness verification, critical part areas can be identified early on.

Prepare

Processing of model data to achieve optimum production results in terms of material usage, build time, costs, weight and surface quality.

Reduction in build time, material and weight by using shell models (hull-and-core strategy). Weight reduction and optimised stability by incorporating internal lightweight structures. Generation of open-porous grid structures for medical applications. Adding of material allowances for post-machining.

Support

Prevent distortions by anchoring the part to the platform using optimised support structures specially designed for metal melting and sintering processes.

Determine the part's optimum position on the base plate with simultaneous estimation of the build time and the overhang area to be supported. Overhangs and undercuts are displayed directly on the part and can be systematically supported with flexibly configurable support geometries. All supports have an integrated predetermined breaking point enabling a simple, cleaner support removal.

Build job generation with AutoFab

Platform assembly

Quick and easy nesting of parts on the build platform allowing for an optimum utilisation of the machine capacity.

Integrated machine and material databases with configurable process parameters for part placement and cost calculation. Automatic placement based on the real part shape enables a maximum number of parts on the platform. A permanent calculation of build time and costs assists you in planning machine capacities and preparing quotes.

Slice technology

Optional generation of high-precision slice data. Efficient build strategies for optimum part results are also available.

Tried and tested build strategies for completely dense metal parts without remaining pore inclusions. Optimised surface quality through separate handling and exposure of overhangs. Different layer thicknesses for hull and core areas enable a reduction in build time at optimum surface quality. Separate build styles as well as different layer thicknesses for part and supports.