Increasing numbers of 3D printing companies and manufacturing firms are looking to improve additive manufacturing. These companies often partner together to solve an issue. This time around Fortify will use MultiMechanics’ MultiMech software to improve the predictability of 3D printing products. This will allow them to make a print more consistent with the design they intended and also improve structural integrity.
Fortify will use MultiMech to optimise the designs by controlling the fiber orientation throughout the structure. Along with analysing and collecting the data on product formation, they are particularly interested in optimising composite parts. MultiMech will act as a tool to provide the required feedback for these closed-loop iterative design.
Fortify and MultiMechanics are both improving the control users have on their prints, both for different areas. Fortify allows it in terms of hardware, while MultiMechanics allows it in terms of software.
Collecting Data
“We see a definite need for better predictability in 3-D printing, and we believe that our application poses a unique use case for the MultiMechanics software. The resulting printed parts take full advantage of the strength-to-weight benefits of composite materials to a degree of resolution and complexity not possible before”, stated Josh Martin, CEO of Fortify.
“The resulting printed parts take full advantage of the strength-to-weight benefits of composite materials to a degree of resolution and complexity not possible before. We have a few exciting projects in the pipeline that will benefit from the use of MultiMech, including end use components for industrial UAVs and injection molding tools.”
The companies are looking to gather data to further enhance Fortify’s print analysis software, INFORM, and generate better microstructures using the Fluxprint process. These formations are will be based on microstructure analyses performed in MultiMech. As both companies go forward, they will apply the MultiMech API in Fortify printers. This would enable Fortify printers to use simulation capabilities of MultiMechanics simulation software. As a result, it would bolster more control over the 3D printing process, from design and testing to final production.
Featured image courtesy of inside composites.
