We are pleased to introduce the latest versions of our VM&C products, version 2024.4. Our industry is advancing rapidly, and these products are paving the way for innovation and efficiency. Let's dive right in!
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Demos and Examples: Added demos and examples for different product packages.
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Added Options in Blanking and Process Settings: A new setting to define the number of operations for blanking and the forming process.
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Introduced Distribute in Stations and Operations: A new function to distribute features into the existing number of stations for blanking and die lineup.
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New CAD Import: The revamped CAD import feature allows seamless import, checking, and repair of CAD geometries. It supports various formats, offers predefined and custom import settings, and eliminates additional costs for special formats.
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4 CPU Parallelization: Now includes up to four CPU parallelization for FE simulations, boosting performance and reducing simulation time without extra licensing costs.
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Further Improvements: Updates include new ferritic stainless steel material data, enhanced Python package management without admin privileges, and improved Demos & Examples with a pop-up menu for additional files.
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New Python Function for Adding Reference Point System (RPS) Points to Geometries: Introducing the 'import_rps_locations()' Python function in the Geometry class. This feature streamlines the setup, execution, and evaluation of virtual fixture simulations, enhancing user experience through increased efficiency and ease of use.
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API support for virtual pin creation and editing: A new Python function ‘Process.new_virtual_pin()’ and ‘Process.new_virtual_pin_on_hole()’ has been added to the child class of the Process class, which allows users to read and edit all parameters that are available in the GUI interface. It also contains an additional method ‘calculate_orientation()’ to set the local vector of the pin perpendicular to the plane span by the connected nodes (not available in the GUI).
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API support for gravity and gravity compensation: If a gravity compensation model has successfully finished, the compensated geometry can now be added to the object catalog via Python function. It works like hitting the ‘Add to catalog’-Button in the GC result dialog.
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Further Improvements: Updates include mandatory penetration check, reworked and split tutorials and demos, updated documentation including new demo models for Virtual Fixture, and two new post-processing script examples.
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Enhanced Post-Particle Tracking: The 2024.4 release supports L-PBF, MBJ, PDA, and Machining processes with a new definition widget for easier particle creation. Time-history plots and CSV export/import improve data management and comparison.
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Enhanced PDA Module and Metrics: The PDA module now includes a simplified multi-laser approach and minimum scan time to prevent overheating. New temperature metrics and surface results remapping offer a detailed view of thermal conditions.
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LPBF Simulations Restart Capability: LPBF simulations can now be restarted during the build stage on both Windows and Linux, ensuring robustness against interruptions like reboots, stops, or crashes.
For more please see the What's New document available in the software and online as well as the articles linked in the headlines of this post.