Flow 5.0 now features a new graphical merging feature that enables operators to calculate build times for builds of different part quantities more quickly.
One unique aspect of the Velo3D approach to metal additive manufacturing (AM) is the way in which we take elements of AM technology that are often kept separate and combine them into one integrated solution. On the surface, this may seem small, but integrating the solutions and their development under a single roof drastically accelerates the introduction of powerful product features and helps to expand our technology’s manufacturing capabilities to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
If you’ve been following our press releases and social channels, then you’re probably aware that we recently announced our latest improvement: an update to our Flow print preparation software (Flow 5.0). If you’re unfamiliar with Flow, Flow print preparation software is responsible for prescribing the manufacturing process for the Sapphire family of metal 3D printers.
More Control Over the Print
Flow 5.0 unlocks an array of new capabilities for engineers using Velo3D’s fully integrated solution. Functions like user-selectable core parameter sets provide enhanced control over builds with the ability to assign different core instructions to parts within the same build.
This improvement gives customers enhanced control over the as-printed material properties of their parts. By maintaining control over the parameters, these material properties stay consistent with other parts using that parameter set.
This is important because it eliminates the need to develop new part-specific parameters sets—saving months of development time and reducing the need for specialized technicians.
Can I Print It?
The new Flow 5.0 release also includes checks and messages that avoid errors before a build even starts, reducing the likelihood of a build failure. In doing so, engineers can be confident that a part will print successfully before the process begins.
Leveraging our in-house technical expertise and consolidated knowledge from years of successful prints, Flow’s ability to check parts for printability will continue to grow with each release. This capability, integrated with Flow’s parameters and with the Sapphire printers, makes the full offering one of the most powerful in the industry.
The new Warning Browser saves time and money by highlighting potential issues and enabling users to quickly address and correct the problem prior to printing.
Labels and More
Flow also now includes labeling for objects. Customers can easily add alphanumeric characters, like serial numbers or other unique identifying text, to their builds within the Flow print preparation software to clearly identify and label instances of their parts. Once the print file is produced, the characters can be updated through a new Label Updater tool.
With the new labeling module users can quickly add text to the print file allowing for serialization of parts or other identifying marks.
The release also enables a faster method to calculate build times for builds of different part quantity. After a part has been prepared for print, users can vary the quantity of that part and see updated build times to better understand the economics of scaled production. This enables contract manufacturers to speed up their quoting process and accelerates OEM planning and scheduling.
Contact us today to learn more about Flow software and the Velo3D fully integrated metal additive manufacturing solution.
