Laser Path Optimization Software Reduces Heat-Induced Deformation and Stress
At the Formnext 2024 Expo in Frankfurt Ulendo Technologies has officially launched add-in laser path optimization software to Dyndrite’s LPBF Pro. Dyndrite LPBF Pro is an application built to empower users of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) printers with previously unattainable part printing capabilities, accelerated build rates and cost savings. Using Dyndrite LPBF Pro’s extensive list of APIs, Ulendo Technologies has developed Ulendo HC (heat compensation), the first software add-in being offered as a ‘plug and play’ add-in to the Dyndrite LPBF Pro platform.
Enhances Part Quality and Production Reliability
Building on research conducted at the University of Michigan by Ulendo Founder Chinedum ‘Chi’ Okwudire, the Ulendo HC algorithm analyzes and optimizes the laser path in LPBF printers, reducing mean deformation by 50% and residual stress by 88%. By eliminating the costly and wasteful ‘trial and error’ approach to part build planning, Ulendo HC minimizes failed parts, enhances part quality and production reliability, and reduces the need for certain post-processing steps to address stress and deformation.
“When working with high-cost materials or large, complex builds, even one failed build can significantly impact the bottom line,” says Ulendo CEO Brenda Jones. “Ulendo HC aims to eliminate these issues, improving the profitability and reliability of LPBF as a production tool.”
“Our goal is to enable customers to print new materials, print faster, print features like thin walls, print without supports and improve surface finish. Our tools can be combined with tools like Ulendo HC to accelerate this goal,” says Dyndrite CEO Harshil Goel. “We welcome Ulendo as the first company to provide add-in software to the Dyndrite LPBF Pro platform. With the addition of Ulendo HC to the platform, we are working toward our collaborative vision of LPBF Pro as a powerful metal 3D printing engine into which innovative companies like Ulendo can integrate their software add-ins and features.”
With Ulendo’s laser path optimization, an LPBF printer user can eliminate the process of ‘trial and error’ to select a scan strategy. Instead, the printer user just activates the Ulendo HC algorithm within the Dyndrite LPBF Pro platform, thereby optimizing the laser path to significantly reduce thermal-induced distortions and part stress. Eliminating the ‘trial and error’ method of selecting a scan strategy also saves materials costs. Moreover, the improved quality of the printed part reduces post-process time and costs.
The impact of Ulendo HC is most significant for manufacturers using LPBF printers in production of metal parts that are made of expensive metals and/or require significant post-processing to deal with heat-induced stress and deformation. Current users of Dyndrite LPBF Pro are encouraged to join Ulendo’s Early Adopter Program to see the power of this thermal optimization technology firsthand.
For more information: www.ulendo.io
