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Concurrent Engineering Blog

How To Improve Your Design to 3D Printing Workflow

Posted by Emma Rudeck on 29-Jun-2015 16:19:00

Improve_you_design_to_3D_pringting_workflowPreparing a design for 3D printing typically involves multiple software tools. The problem with thiis workflow is that is disconnects the original model from the final design used in manufacturing. So, to help you overcome this common problem, PTC Creo now has capabilities to support design for additive manufacturing. This includes a dedicated environment for preparing and checking models, before sending them for 3D printing.

Getting started with preparing a design for 3D printing in PTC Creo

In PTC Creo, a 3D printer can be easily defined. When working with Stratasys printers, a direct connection can be established, automatically presenting the printer details within PTC Creo. Connecting to a 3D printer, the model is displayed within the printer tray, with the print envelope clearly outlined.

As a user, you’re also presented with a dedicated environment that includes controls to prepare and validate the 3D print (including materials). This means you can select and apply the appropriate material to each of the different parts of the assembly.  The user is also able to control the resolution of the printed model manually or using pre-defined settings, enabling them to control the print quality of the model.

The position of the model in the printing tray can also be fully controlled within PTC Creo

With these new capabilities, users can quickly visualise the support structures that the printer will create during the 3D printing process. Additionally, using the clipping functions, you can easily inspect internal cross-sections. This is important for enabling users to check that models have been optimised for the manufacturing process. 

This seamless integration with 3D printers also allows the users to validate the printability of the model, directly within PTC Creo. Users can check individual parts or the entire assembly, for issues such as thin walls and narrow gaps. This analysis is quick and easy. It clearly indicates areas of concern, saving both time and printing resources. With Statasys Connect printers, PTC Creo can also provide a build time estimate for the user, outlining how long it will take to print the model and the amount of both build and support material required. 

PTC’s vision is to provide comprehensive design for additive design manufacturing, to seamlessly create, optimise, validate and produce parts through the 3D printing process. The new capabilities in PTC Creo represent the first step in executing our vision, providing users with a streamlined design to 3D print workflow, to save time, reduce waste and increase accessibility to additive manufacturing.

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