SLM Build Processor
A Partnership for Better SLM Machine Integration
The SLM Build Processor is software specifically designed to interface with the printers of SLM Solutions.
Workflow:
- Prepare platform in Materialise Magics
- Slice and hatch with the SLM Build Processor according to the selected machine
- Build parameters
- Create the laser scan path
SLM Solutions will provide a validated build profile for its customers including a set of machines and materials, while also allow parameter validations with the material development functionality. When applying hatching, different strategies can be selected to assure the best quality of parts. The result of the SLM Build Processor will be a build job that can be immediately read and processed by the SLM machine.
New, Integrated Process Flow with the SLM Build Processor, Including Centralized Settings Management:
Main New Features in the SLM Build Processor 3.4
1. Supports the New SLM Machine: NXG XII 600
Build Processor now supports the NXG XII 600 machine. This industrial metal 3D printer is designed for serial production and is up to 20x faster than a standard single laser system and 5x faster than the SLM 4-laser machine.
2. Increase Build Quality
Increase build quality by solving the head-to-head vector constellation and limiting the angle’s rotation for down-skin areas.
3. Increase Speed: Virtual Copies
When creating a build job, you usually have to wait quite a while for the computer to create slices, borders, and more. The more complex the part, the longer it takes. When you had three identical parts, the Build Processor calculated the build job three times. This is no longer the case. Using the copy feature, the Build Processor will create slice and hatch data for one part and copy this data, increasing speed significantly. When you use a different build strategy, the Build Processor will process one part for each strategy and copy this information to the other parts.
4. Improve MDM Results: Apply Formulas
In the Material Development Module, you can now select a predefined formula for a parameter (e.g., different borders and hatch types) for linear interpolation of two parameters (for instance, laser power and energy), leading to the calculation of one variable for a matrix of rows and columns.
By applying formulas, it is easier to find out what the right settings are for your part. Consequently, you obtain more efficient test results and can extend the range of parts that have good quality.
5. Traceability: New File Format
The new file format of the SLM Build Processor offers a unique file ID, including: the date of file creation, the software name and version number (SLM or Build Processor software), the used material per build job, the name of the used vector types and comments on material and build strategies. This enables traceability. If the material described in the file doesn’t correspond to one of the machines, or if the file format is refused by the machine, you will receive an alert. This decreases the risk of human errors.
6. Cost Estimation of Build Platform
The previous version of the SLM Build Processor already allowed you to estimate the build time based on your STL data. Now, you can also quickly calculate your building costs both in an STL-based and vector-based way.
The advantage of the STL-based one is that you immediately get a result, so you can generate a quote before processing the entire part. Since the calculation was performed at the beginning of the process, the slicing and hatching can’t always be accurate, so it’s a rough estimation. The vector-based way is more accurate, since it includes the hatching and slicing information, but it takes more time before you can get the results.