Photocentric Additive
A Gamechanger for Additive Manufacturing
Jointly developed by Photocentric and CoreTechnologie, the innovative Photocentric Additive software suite has been specifically created for the LC Magna.
The software sets new standards enabling 3D models from all common CAD formats to be read and prepared for additive manufacturing processes directly as an exact, intelligent and light B-Rep geometry.
Photocentric Additive reads CAD data from STEP files as exact B-Rep geometry including all manufacturing information (PMI), attributes, and the design history.
This machine and technology database has been adapted and designed to work exclusively with the Photocentric LC Magna
CAD engineering standard for precise additive manufacturing
The robust B-Rep kernel of Photocentric Additive enables a quality check, repair and preparation of models in accordance with CAD-engineering standards based on the exact geometry.
In conventional 3D printing tools, CAD models are often already triangulated during the reading process and thus converted into an approximate and imprecise STL description so that further operations like a repair of modelling errors, result in significant deviations from the original shape.
Geometry optimisation for additive process
Within Photocentric Additive, CAD models can be modified as an intelligent B-Rep geometry through robust “direct modelling” functions, which has clear advantages over a process based on tessellated models. Optimisation can be achieved by de-featuring and modifying critical areas of the geometry.
The unique scaling function can deform models differently along the three major axes to compensate for shrinkage or distortion (scale).
Modelling tools are available as an additional module and can be added to the Photocentric Additive software. In the standard version of Photocentric Additive it will allow the user to split the model, scale, model, hollow and infill.
Nesting and optimisation of the build platform
Photocentric Additive delivers intelligent 2D nesting capabilities with multiprocessor computation. The extremely fast nesting function of Photocentric Additive uses superfast multiprocessing and provides maximum automation. Fully automatic nesting offers great benefits on time and cost saving. The user can specify the respective number of parts as well as a minimum distance. The build volume is then filled automatically, so that an optimised number of components is accommodated on the platform.
3D textures revolutionise part design
Just select with a single click, the desired surface areas and then apply the texture from the database. The innovative Texture Module allows the user to access more than 5,000 different 3D texture structures. Also, the user can upload their own texture or company logo to the database to enable full customisation of the models. Photocentric Additive makes it easy to define textures on the CAD model. The size, resolution, position and height of the structure can be visually adjusted, whereby a rendered, photorealistic representation of the model facilitates the work.
Support generation
The automatic analysis identifies areas where support structures are needed for manufacturing. The support structures of various shapes can be changed and customised by the user. A specific algorithm has been created for Photocentric technology which allows users to create auto supports, add them manually or edit and delete.
Cutting Parts
Components that are too large for the space of a machine, can be cut with different patterns such as T-shape, dovetail or puzzle shape. In addition to the shape, the position of the cutting plane can be defined easily on the model. The functions then work automatically, creating two solid models that can be perfectly mated after printing.
This functionality is only available in the additional modelling module.
Slicing with multiprocessor
The use of the exact B-Rep and the multiprocessor calculation enables unrivalled slicing speeds. The default slicing parameters are taken directly from the technology database. Additionally, users can easily upload sliced files (in CWS format) directly to LC Magna through the software.
3D lattice structures
Transforming models to lattice can reduce material usage, hence cost and also can offer improved mechanical properties.
The models can be replaced fully with lattice structures. Or users can selectively keep functional areas as the original geometry and lattice the non-critical surfaces. The software offers 16 different patterns for lattice structures – such as honeycomb, octet or centre point.
3D lattice structure is available as an additional model and can be added to the standard package, allowing the user to transform any geometry into custom lattice.
License options
Photocentric Additive is a license-based package and is available to new and existing Photocentric LC Magna owners. After the first year of purchase, customers can access the latest upgrades and improvements at a rate of 20% of the standard license fee per annum. The following lists the features and add-ons that are available
Minimum system requirements
Photocentric Additive uses VBOs for the 3D display. Thus it is necessary to use a GPU supporting at least OpenGL 4.0. Any GPU older than 2010 would not meet this criteria.
We highly discourage to use Intel graphic card (embedded chipset). In the case of a server, a professional GPU is not required. A double GPU system is also not required.
A minimum of 4GB of VRAM are required for the GPU.
Photocentric Additive Standard Package
$10,500
Features
Import
Healing
Modelling
Orientation
Support
Placement and nesting
Textures
Connection and sending to 3D printer
Description
stl, 3mf, amf, obj, step
Basic + advanced based on B-rep step and stl
Scale, massive zone, split
Move rotate (manual), support roughness
Automatic and manual edit
2D nesting
Based on B-rep as well as tessellation & 3D advanced lattice*
CWS package, with option to save project file
*Can be exchanged for all lattice package 3D add-on
After the first year of purchase, customers can access the latest upgrades and improvements at a rate of 20% of the standard license fee per annum.
Additional modelling tools add-on
$2333
Features
Full module with all features
Description
Offset, scale, thickness checker, massive zone, hollow and infill
Backlash checking, direct modelling, meta-face, split, cut 2D & 3D
Create plug, blend
All lattice package 3D add-on
$3500
Features
3D Lattices
Description
16 different advanced 3D Lattices
Activate your FREE trial today
Complete the form below to activate a free 15 day trial for the Photocentric Additive software plus the two add-on modules.