ModuleWorks v2024.04 Released

ModuleWorks announces the 2024.04 release of its software components for digital manufacturing. This latest release of the ModuleWorks SDK contains a range of new and enhanced features for efficient toolpath generation, ranging from improvements in 2-axis machining to multi-axis surface finishing and more.

Rotary Machining Roughing

Leads for Roughing

In open regions, toolpaths often start directly at the stock with a plunge movement, which can damage the tool or reduce tool life.

To address this, ModuleWorks 2024.04 now supports lead-in and lead-out options for rotary machining roughing toolpaths. These additional motions ensure a smooth entry and exit of the tool into and out of the material. This is especially useful for open pockets, as well as rest machining operations. It generates smoother transitions and ensures optimum start points on open contours. Tool wear and the risk of tool damage are also reduced.

Geodesic Machining

Improved Corner Smoothing

In sharp corners, machining is typically slow as the tool has to decelerate significantly. This leads to longer machining times and poor surface quality.

The ModuleWorks 2024.04 release introduces a corner smoothing option for geodesic machining toolpaths. This option improves the surface quality and reduces machining time as the tool no longer needs to decelerate and accelerate abruptly.

Deburring

Corner Arc Support for Chamfer Tools

In previous releases, cutting motions in the inner and outer corners were interrupted. A new enhancement in ModuleWorks 2024.04 now produces uninterrupted cutting motions.

The algorithm creates a continuous toolpath around the inner and outer corners when using a chamfer mill. With this improvement, intermediate links are no longer generated for 5-axis deburring operations. This reduces the linking motions and hence the overall cycle time for chamfering.

Existing Toolpath

Custom Rotate/Transform/Mirror Sequence

Previous limitations in tombstone machining meant that only one operation could be rotated with a fixed order of rotation before any transformation was allowed, and the mirroring operation was separate.

In ModuleWorks 2024.04, the Rotate/Transform/Mirror functionality has been enhanced and now includes a user-defined sequence option. Users can specify the order in which the operations are performed and set up a complex sequence of Rotate/Transform/Mirror steps via a tree structure. The machining direction for mirror operations can also be controlled in the tree. This makes it possible to machine multiple identical parts positioned in the machining area.

3-Axis

3D Contact Point Boundary for Finishing

Current containment options limit the toolpath to the tooltip which can sometimes leave unmachined areas.

The new implementation of the 3D contact point boundary accurately limits the finishing toolpath to the 3D containment on the part. Users no longer need to recreate the containment or manually add offsets, which reduces the programming time. It also ensures that the surface is completely machined.

Hole Making

External Thread Milling

Machining external threads on hard materials is challenging.

The new external thread milling feature allows thread milling on external orientations. The feature is especially useful for machining threads on difficult-to-cut materials. Another advantage is that a single tool can be used for machining multiple thread diameters.

ModuleWorks 2024.04 is available for download from the ModuleWorks website.

About ModuleWorks

ModuleWorks is the software component provider for the digital manufacturing industry. With over 200 employees and 1500 person-years of software development, ModuleWorks’ expertise in toolpath creation and simulation is recognized throughout the industry and its software components are already optimizing the performance and quality of over 500,000 installed seats of CAD/CAM and CNC software around the world. From standard products to exclusive development projects, ModuleWorks helps companies to bring their vision of Industry 4.0 to life.

For more information, visit ModuleWorks website.

Chalkline Releases VisiSpecs v24.0

PORTLAND, ME, Apr 16, 2024 – Chalkline has released a major update to VisiSpecs, The Visual Specification System, based on new feature requests and process improvements made by customers.

VisiSpecs Keynoting integration and coordination continues its leadership position in the market with multi-user keynote management, enabling all disciplines to manage keynotes at once. Keynote edits, approvals, comments, and integration with the project specifications provide customers with the most efficient design process and verification available today. Additional keynoting improvements include keynote file manager improvements, visual keynote placement/zoom/editing, spell check, special character support, and user experience enhancements. From keynote creation to assignment and placement and finally verification, VisiSpecs Keynoting supports each phase in both Autodesk Revit and Microsoft Word for fast and easy access.

Chalkline has been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of VisiSpecs for years and V24.0 is releasing the first version of the Community Master Template Spec generation. Customers can select the specification for creation with options to include LEED, reference standards, submittals, storage and handling, warranty, manufacturer, and product information. The specs are formatted based on the customer project templates and inserted into their project for editing or copy/pasting. Future AI development will continue to enhance user experience and value in VisiSpecs.

As designers, specifiers, owners, and others are seeing limitations in spec writing tools available in the market, VisiSpecs continues to support most documents with the best automation, reporting, and publishing functionality drastically improving efficiencies and product quality. The optional integration with the BIM model and keynoting coordination further advances Chalkline’s lead in the market with the best specification tools available.

The v24.0 release also includes customer-requested user interface updates, help and messaging updates, and performance improvements. All customers have been updated with the v24.0 release.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution: its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation.

For more information, visit website.

YURA Releases CADvizor CATIA 3D Integration

SEONGNAM, South Korea, Apr 16, 2024 – YURA CO., LTD has officially announced the release of CADvizor CATIA 3D integration, an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates 3D modeling and electrical design. This revolutionary technology significantly reduces design modification time, enhances product quality, and reduces costs. Already recognized globally, this AWS-certified solution is utilized across various industries including satellite manufacturing, automotive, electric vehicles (EV), hydrogen mobility, and agricultural machinery production.

CADvizor CATIA 3D Integration (Graphic: YURA CO., LTD)

Innovative integration of Design and Simulation

CADvizor CATIA 3D integration revolutionizes the electrical design process by seamlessly integrating design and simulation, allowing designers to directly design and simulate the connectivity of electrical systems. This innovative solution significantly reduces the time required for design changes, improves product quality, and provides cost-saving benefits. Furthermore, with 3D integration, the challenges of redesign are effectively mitigated, resulting in a remarkable improvement of over 70% in design efficiency.

The Dual effect of costs savings and Quality enhancement

The optimized product design with CADvizor CATIA 3D integration has a crucial impact on both the cost and quality of the product. Optimal material selection enhances product quality while driving cost reductions. This strengthens collaboration between production and procurement departments, enabling more efficient manufacturing of products. As a result, cost savings of up to 20% or more can be achieved, alongside notable improvements in product quality.

Optimizing operational efficiency while reducing design errors

By seamlessly integrating 3D modeling and electrical systems, CADvizor CATIA 3D integration can boost operational efficiency by more than 70% and significantly reduce design errors. This contributes greatly to shortening product development cycles and improving product quality.

About YURA CO., LTD

YURA CO., LTD, a leader in the automotive parts manufacturing sector, offers optimized solutions through a range of systems, including electrical design software like CADvizor. The release of the innovative CADvizor CATIA 3D integration solution is expected to bring significant changes in the field of design and manufacturing.

For more information, visit website.

Anycubic Introduces Kobra 3 Combo

SHENZHEN, China, Apr 16, 2024 – Anycubic officially unveils the Kobra 3 Combo, will disclose price and full specifications on April 22, 2024. It heralds a new gateway for your multi-color 3D printing experience. The Kobra 3 Combo begins with an enhanced iteration of the Kobra 3, alongside the debut of the Anycubic Color Engine Pro (ACE Pro). This release also includes a host of corresponding upgrades to the Anycubic App and Slicer, together with the earlier announced live Anycubic community Makeronline constitute the whole combo.

Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo subscription giveaway is now on

With significant firmware upgrades and a collaboration with PANTONE, multi-color printing becomes even more dynamic and enjoyable for users.

Anycubic Color Engine Pro: All for Multi-color Printing

The Anycubic Color Engine Pro (ACE Pro), which brings a whole new level of convenience and reliability to the table. ACE Pro supports simultaneous printing with two linked boxes, accommodating up to eight colors at once. With the added feature of RFID recognition for Anycubic filaments, it ensures seamless printing quality. Recognizing the detrimental effects of moisture on print quality, ACE Pro integrates an active drying function, distinguishing itself as the only product on the market to combine active drying with multi-color printing capabilities. Its intelligent side-drying feature maintains filament dryness even during extended print sessions, lasting up to 24 hours, ensuring optimal printing conditions and impeccable results for every creation.

With its anti-tangling protection design, bid farewell to printing mishaps caused by filament tangling. By employing a clever parallel connection of four discharge tubes, switching between colors has never been smoother. No more laboriously rolling back filament inside the tubes; just seamless, hassle-free color changes that keep your printing process flowing effortlessly. Plus, with its intelligent color change function, waste is minimized, and your prints are completed faster than ever before.

Printing with Exclusive PANTONE Filmant Colors

Thanks to Anycubic’s collaboration with PANTONE, unique and true-to-life colors are now available for your next colorful prints. Introducing the first-ever 3D printing industry-certified consumable colors, including Peach Fuzz, Interstellar Violet, Tropical Turquoise, and Spring Leaf. Each color tells a unique story, adding depth and personality to your printed artworks. Get ready to unleash your creativity and experience a kaleidoscope of colors like never before.

As hardware and collaboration draw you onto the vibrant path, a well-established software and connection platform will guide you further into the 3D printing amusement park. The Anycubic App and Slicer, along with the new community platform, Makeronline, and improved after-sales service offering a 30-day return or refund policy, serve as invaluable enhancements to your colorful journey.

Anycubic Kobra 3: Speedy and Stable

The introduction to the Anycubic Kobra 3 on its own serves as a racing powerhouse poised to boost your printing game. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the Anycubic Kobra 2 series, this sleek machine boasts some serious upgrades. Picture this: blazing through single-color regular printing at a mind-blowing speed of 600mm per minute. But speed isn’t its only forte. Equipped with standard features like accelerometers, vibration compensators, and flow control mechanisms, the Kobra 3 ensures that your prints maintain impeccable quality even at breakneck speeds. Plus, with a larger print volume measuring at 250*250*260mm, you’re looking at a whopping 34% increase compared to its predecessor.

Beneath its sleek exterior, the Kobra 3 runs on the fully optimized firmware Kobra OS. This firmware boasts enhanced computing power and lightning-fast motor response, allowing for precise movements and filament extrusions. Thanks to its built-in accelerometer module, it can detect resonance frequencies of the X/Y axis, making intelligent adjustments to motion control to diminish pesky artifacts like banding and ringing, ensuring that each print is as fine as the last.

The Anycubic App and Slicer: Get Ready for Your Kaleidoscope

The Anycubic App and Slicer are indispensable tools for navigating the realm of multi-color printing. These powerful software solutions offer comprehensive features tailored for coloring, modifying, and slicing multi-color models, significantly simplifying the intricacies of multi-color 3D printing. They facilitate seamless remote control and monitoring, enabling users to manage their 3D printers from various devices, including computers and smartphones. By configuring an external camera, you can monitor the printing progress in real-time and conduct live video surveillance, providing you with peace of mind for your off-site printing.. Additionally, the upcoming LAN mode support in the Anycubic Slicer promises even greater convenience and privacy for users, with more exciting features on the horizon.

Makeronline: Where Creativities Burst

Anycubic’s innovative community platform, Makeronline, serves as a hub for over a thousand 3D model designers, fostering a vibrant creative environment replete with inspiration. Within this community, users can share their creative endeavors, connect with global fellow enthusiasts, and discover the vast potential of 3D printing. Makeronline also hosts dynamic competitions, offering participants the chance to win generous creation bonuses and exclusive community points, further enriching the collaborative experience.

With Anycubic‘s introduction of multi-color printing, 3D printing finds application across diverse scenarios, meeting a variety of creative needs while overcoming previous limitations of single-color printing in showcasing creativity. Enhanced software applications afford users greater freedom in printer operation, while Makeronline serves as a catalyst for communication, sparking users’ creative ingenuity and elevating the role of 3D printing. Multi-color printing injects vibrancy into 3D creativity, rendering works more vivid and captivating, from personalized fashion accessories to interactive educational toys and home decorations, realizing myriad creative visions with ease and bringing the 3D printing technology to every household.

Materialise, Renishaw Partner for Metal 3D Printing

LEUVEN, Belgium, Apr 16, 2024 – Materialise, a global leader in 3D printing software and services, and Renishaw, a global engineering technologies company, have announced a partnership to increase efficiency and productivity for manufacturers using Renishaw’s additive manufacturing (AM) systems. Through the partnership, Renishaw system users will benefit from Materialise’s next-generation build processor software tailored to the RenAM 500 series of metal AM systems. They will also have access to Magics, Materialise’s leading data and build preparation software. This will enable users of Renishaw’s AM systems to build a seamless workflow from design to 3D-printed part, control and customize their 3D printing process, reduce production time, and increase the efficiency of their AM operations.

Credit: Renishaw

Manufacturing companies are increasingly adopting additive manufacturing to produce metal parts on an industrial scale. A significant technology for industrial 3D printing is laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), which offers users the ability to adapt print parameters for increased productivity. However, LPBF can be challenging for inexperienced users, so additional training may be required to get the most from the technology. Software allows manufacturers to unlock the full potential of the technology by optimizing the 3D printing process and streamlining the workflow.

“Working with Materialise enables us to support Renishaw users deploying 3D printing in a host of different manufacturing applications,” said Matt Parkes, AM Strategic Development Manager at Renishaw. “Their next-generation build processors, in combination with their software portfolio, complement our recent technology updates. We’re pleased to be collaborating on the tools needed to support the industry as metal 3D printing becomes an essential piece of the manufacturing puzzle.”

Build processors link 3D printers with data preparation software, streamlining the additive manufacturing process from design to print. Materialise’s next-generation build processor complements Renishaw’s recently launched TEMPUS technology. This new scanning algorithm for Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of AM machines allows the laser to fire while the recoater moves, saving up to nine seconds per build layer without reducing part quality. With this advancement, part build time can be cut by up to 50 percent. Materialise’s next-generation build processor software handles data consistently and speeds up data processing of complex geometries and high volumes of parts. Additionally, the new build processor for Renishaw AM systems enables dedicated print parameters at the part level for increased productivity and optimized quality, making it a viable solution for the volume production of different or identical parts.

“This partnership enables a unique approach to efficient metal 3D printing. The combination of Renishaw’s TEMPUS technology and the ability of Materialise’s build processor to process data at high speeds can significantly reduce production time,” said Karel Brans, senior director of partnerships at Materialise. “Partnering with 3D printer manufacturers maximizes efficiency by optimizing build preparation and streamlining build jobs. This enables manufacturing at all volumes and levels of customization, allowing users to scale production.”

The build processor for Renishaw AM systems allows users to seamlessly connect to Materialise Magics. This is a technology-neutral data and build preparation software that offers compatibility with nearly all import file formats and connectivity to all major 3D printing technologies. It provides users with advanced workflow control and automation, including the recently launched e-Stage for Metal+. This software optimizes data and build preparation for LPBF systems using physics-based modeling to automate support structure generation.

Manufacturing companies can also rely on the Materialise Build Processor Software Development Kit to create their own intellectual property. The open software system allows them to build their own next-generation build processor tailored to their metal 3D printing application. Customized build processors can help to further enhance cost efficiency, production speed, and part quality, which makes it possible to manufacture intricate parts and mass-produce identical or personalized products with consistent quality, reduced scrap rates, and abbreviated lead times.

About Materialise

Materialise incorporates more than three decades of 3D printing experience into a range of software solutions and 3D printing services that empower sustainable 3D printing applications. Their open, secure, and flexible end-to-end solutions enable flexible industrial manufacturing and mass personalization in various industries — including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, eyewear, art and design, wearables, and consumer goods. Headquartered in Belgium and with branches worldwide, Materialise combines the largest group of software developers in the industry with one of the world’s largest and most complete 3D printing facilities

About Renishaw

Renishaw is a world leading supplier of measuring systems and manufacturing systems. Its products give high accuracy and precision, gathering data to provide customers and end users with traceability and confidence in what they’re making. This technology also helps its customers to innovate their products and processes.

It is a global business, with over 5,000 employees located in the 36 countries where it has wholly owned subsidiary operations. The majority of R&D work takes place in the UK, with the largest manufacturing sites located in the UK, Ireland, and India.

For the year ended June 2023 Renishaw recorded sales of £688.6 million of which 95% was due to exports. The company’s largest markets are China, USA, Japan and Germany.

Renishaw is guided by its purpose: Transforming Tomorrow Together. This means working with its customers to make the products, create the materials, and develop the therapies that are going to be needed for the future.

Further information at www.renishaw.com.

Nancy Krystal Joins Velo3D as VP, General Counsel

FREMONT, CA, Apr 16, 2024 – Velo3D, Inc., a leading additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical metal parts, announced the appointment of Nancy Krystal as vice president, General Counsel to oversee all legal matters for the company. With over 16 dynamic years of experience in corporate law, Nancy brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex legal landscapes and spearheading pivotal deals to her new role at Velo3D.

“Nancy’s extensive legal expertise and track record of success with established, mature companies make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team as Velo3D enters its next phase of growth as a company,” said Brad Kreger, Velo3D CEO. “With Nancy on board, I am confident that we will strengthen our legal foundation and ensure that our operations are aligned with the highest standards of integrity and compliance.”

In her role, Nancy will report to the CEO and be responsible for all legal matters at Velo3D, including but not limited to, managing the board of directors processes and procedures, supporting SEC and public company compliance, handling contracts, and overseeing the company’s intellectual property. The appointment follows several major strategic initiatives executed by Velo3D as it matures as an organization and transitions to its next phase of growth.

Nancy Krystal (Photo: Business Wire)

“Velo3D’s innovative technology make it uniquely poised to succeed in the additive manufacturing space and I am thrilled to join the company as it enters this exciting phase of growth,” said Nancy. “I look forward to working closely with Brad, the Velo3D executive team, and the board of directors as we execute against our plan to achieve our strategic objectives. I am confident in our executive team and their vision for the company position us well for what’s to come.”

Prior to joining Velo3D, Nancy served as General Counsel of Jelly Belly Candy Company, where she helped orchestrate the historic sale of the company to Ferrara Candy Co., which was finalized in late 2023. In that role she oversaw and managed all legal functions, using her legal acumen and leadership to ensure corporate compliance, mitigate risks, and improve profitability. She also held integral roles at Big Heart Pet Brands and AXA Advisors, playing key roles in multi-billion-dollar transactions and compliance program development.

Nancy received a Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of California, San Diego. She serves as a board member of California Grocers Association, California Manufacturers & Technology Association, and Evisort.

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin, Avio, and General Motors. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023.

For more information, please visit Velo3D.com.

Deltek Launches AI-Powered Business Companion Dela

HERNDON, VA, Apr 16, 2024 – Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, has unveiled Dela, its AI-powered, intelligent business companion. Dela is a suite of AI-powered technologies built into Deltek’s portfolio of solutions. Individually, each AI capability has its own role and function, which brings together all of Deltek’s existing and future AI capabilities under one umbrella.

Within certain Deltek solutions today and with future releases coming, customers can begin to leverage Dela in multiple ways to generate smart content, predict project performance, find information more efficiently, and automate simple tasks.

Generating Smart Content

Dela organizes vast amounts of data and distills it into concise, actionable insights with GenAI-powered Smart Summaries that equip decision-makers with crucial information and enable informed choices.

GovWin IQ and Vantagepoint are two of the Deltek solutions already utilizing Dela’s smart content capabilities. GovWin IQ Smart Summaries – unveiled in late 2023 – leverages GenAI to make data collection and synopsis effortless by delivering clear, concise executive briefings for federal Agency Profiles, federal Contract Awards and state, local, and education (SLED) Government Profiles with the click of a button.

Predicting Success

By introducing predictive elements into everyday processes, Dela will help anticipate resource needs, automate processes, streamline project staffing and hiring, and recommend strategies to reduce future risks based on historical project and performance data.

Coming soon in Deltek ERPs, Dela will make labor forecasting smarter – helping project managers and resource managers predict availability based on current assignments, suggest replacements if needed and also provide potential actions.

Intelligent Exploration

Dela engages users through natural language interactions to retrieve and explore information, perform tasks and get product assistance without having to navigate Deltek solutions. Dela is an AI-powered digital companion that comes to work every day with each user.

Costpoint, one of Deltek’s ERP solutions, already features GenAI capabilities. In its latest release, Deltek evolved Hey Deltek to the Dela digital assistant, designed to make government contractors even more productive and efficient. Powered by GenAI, the Dela digital assistant allows end-users to: ask questions about contracts or projects; initiate emails or phone calls regarding overdue tasks; use voice recognition and natural language processing capabilities to provide answers based on the relevant data available in Costpoint; and make more informed and quicker decisions. The Dela digital assistant will be making its way into more Deltek products, starting with Vantagepoint this summer.

“Dela represents our commitment to continuously innovate on how projects get done for the thousands of global project-based businesses that rely on Deltek solutions,” said Warren Linscott, chief product officer at Deltek. “We are in a new era of AI-enabled software, and project-based businesses need a trusted partner that can help them responsibly transform with new technology. We’re excited to add value for our customers through the use of traditional AI and GenAI within our products. Dela’s capabilities will revolutionize the way our customers operate their businesses and execute their projects. We’re excited about what we have already delivered and plan on accelerating AI-driven capabilities into our products in 2024 and beyond.”

About Deltek

Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Their industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue.

For more information, visit www.deltek.com.