CoreTechnologie has launched version 1.8 of its 4D_Additive software, introducing a range of new features designed to simplify and accelerate data preparation for industrial additive manufacturing applications.
The Franco-German software developer says the latest release focuses on improving workflow transparency, automating time-consuming preparation tasks and enhancing the creation of support and lattice structures for metal and polymer additive manufacturing processes.
Among the most significant additions is a new Build History Tree, which provides users with full visibility of every stage of build job preparation. Based on the design history tree concept commonly found in modern CAD systems, the feature presents all processing operations in a structured and chronological format.
Each stage of the preparation process is recorded and can be revisited at any point, allowing users to examine, modify and optimise parameters without restarting the workflow. According to CoreTechnologie, the capability enables faster implementation of design changes while reducing overall job preparation times.
The software also expands flexibility in the way data can be handled. Users are now able to import and process models either as exact CAD geometry or as triangulated data, depending on application requirements.
For organisations seeking rapid preparation of complex components, exact CAD geometry can be selectively transformed into triangulated models and then optimised using the software’s latest automatic repair technology. CoreTechnologie says this approach combines the accuracy of native CAD data with the speed advantages associated with triangulated model processing.
A major development within version 1.8 is the enhancement of the software’s model healing functionality. The new “Advanced Automatic Mode” has been developed to automate a sequence of repair operations that previously required manual intervention.
The company explains that the upgraded tool can automatically correct many of the defects commonly found in poor-quality or externally sourced 3D data. With a single click, users can repair and optimise problematic models ready for subsequent build preparation, helping to reduce engineering effort and improve productivity.
Version 1.8 also introduces new stiffener structures intended to improve the manufacturability of challenging designs. These reinforcement features are designed to stabilise thin-walled and large-area components during production, helping to minimise distortion and maintain dimensional accuracy.
In addition, CoreTechnologie has further enhanced its lattice design capabilities. Users can tailor lattice structures to match both the geometry and functional requirements of individual parts, creating new opportunities for lightweighting and material reduction.
The company believes these developments will be particularly valuable for manufacturers looking to optimise component performance while lowering production costs and material consumption.
With the introduction of the Build History Tree, improved automated repair functions and expanded lattice and stiffener capabilities, CoreTechnologie says 4D_Additive 1.8 represents a significant step forward for its additive manufacturing software platform. The new release is intended to provide industrial users with a faster, more transparent and more efficient route from design data to production-ready build jobs.