Industrial additive-manufacturing (AM) solutions provider AddUp and virtual-prototyping pioneer ESI Group — both French-owned companies — are intensifying their collaboration with the creation of Distortion Simulation AddOn, an ergonomic simulation module designed specifically for metal 3-D printing.

AddUp (a Michelin and Fives joint-venture company) is represented in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East by sole agent Kingsbury (www.kingsburyuk.com).

The Distortion Simulation AddOn module will enhance the range of functions of AddUp Manager, which is design and management software for the definition and production tracking of parts during the AM process.

Traditionally, production validation has primarily meant producing parts and then assessing their conformity, requiring multiple feedback loops and creating discontinuity over the digital chain.

By integrating simulation directly in the preparatory stages of AM, Distortion Simulation AddOn brings continuity to the production process.

The AddUp Manager user interface, which takes care of slicing and generating laser scan paths and defining laser melting patterns, allows staff to establish simulation parameters.

AddUp CEO Vincent Ferreiro said: “With this simulation technology we can help our customers improve their operational efficiencies and responsiveness by significantly increasing the number of ‘right first time’ parts.

"Thanks to its accessibility and requiring only a very short learning curve, Distortion Simulation AddOn will appeal to a wide range of users. It will help them maximise the potential of our FormUp machines.”