seer-sem 7.0 release notes -...
TRANSCRIPT
SEER-MFG 8.1 with Aero 5.1 Release Notes
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SEER for Manufacturing 8.1 with Aerostructures 5.1
Release Notes
Welcome to the SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG) 8.1 with Aerostructures (Aero) 5.1 release.
This version includes:
A new Additive Manufacturing Work element with 7 new processes.
A new Ribbon interface, and new Chart and Report Print Engine
New Report, Chart, and Set Path Dialogs.
A new Isostatic Pressing operation in the Mold Cast Forge work element.
Maintenance updates and other useful information are listed toward the end of the r elease
notes.
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Contents
Program Enhancements ...................................................................................................... 3 Ribbon ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Choose Available Reports Dialog ............................................................................................................... 17 Choose Available Charts Dialog ................................................................................................................. 18 SEER-MFG Paths Dialog ............................................................................................................................ 18 NDT Dialog ................................................................................................................................................ 19 User-Defined Function ............................................................................................................................... 20 Multiline Expression Editor ........................................................................................................................ 21 Autosave ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Tag Selected Item Color Pallet .................................................................................................................. 22 Format Outputs ......................................................................................................................................... 23 License Path .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Additive Manufacturing Work Element ............................................................................ 24 PROCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 25 MATERIAL .................................................................................................................................................. 27 ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 30 PROCESS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 31 MANUFACTURING DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 41 OTHER COST DESCRIPTION (OPTIONAL) .................................................................................................... 42 Detailed Analysis Report ........................................................................................................................... 43
Mold Cast Forge – Isostatic Pressing .............................................................................. 45 ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 45 PROCESS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 45
Servermode Script Updates .............................................................................................. 48
INI File Updates ................................................................................................................. 48 MFGData.INI .............................................................................................................................................. 49 MATERIAL.INI ............................................................................................................................................. 54
Maintenance Updates & Useful Information ................................................................... 56 Beta Release (MFG 8.1.14 with Aero 5.1.6) .............................................................................................. 56
Upgrade Information ......................................................................................................... 58
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Program Enhancements
The SEER-MFG 8.1 UI has been updated with a new Look and Feel.
SEER-MFG Ribbon UI
Ribbon
Previous menu options and tool bars are now organized into a new Ribbon layout. The ribbon
layout is customizable, so you can organize icons, commands, and options according to your own
preferences.
Quick Access Toolbar
The quick access toolbar can be modified to include options that you want handy regardless of the
currently selected ribbon.
Quick Access Toolbar
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To add more Commands, click on the Pull Down Arrow and select More Commands… this
opens the Options dialog where you can add commands as required.
Customize the Quick Access Toolbar Dialog
You can also minimize the ribbon to provide a larger viewing area for your SEER project.
File Tab
The File Tab lists the options related to working with Projects such as Save, Save As, Print,
Collaboration etc. It also contains options to customize the Ribbon.
New Options
New :
• Create New Estimate
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Open Estimate Options
Open Estimate :
• Open estimate from .mfg file
• Open estimate from SEER-DB
• Recent Documents: Lists
recently opened Files and
projects from the SEER-DB.
• Optionally to Pin / Remove
documents from the list
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Save Estimate Options
Save Estimate :
• Save Estimate to .mfg file
• Save Estimate to SEER-DB
Save Estimate As… Options
Save Estimate As :
• Save estimate to .mfg file
as…
• Save estimate to SEER-DB
as…
• Save as Knowledge Base
Template
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Print Options
Print :
• Output to PDF
Settings :
• Select Elements
• Select Reports
• Select Charts
Options :
• Collate by Element / Report :
Sorts the reports by element
or report type
• Print Logo : Opens a dialog to
point to a custom logo
• Custom Footer Text – opens
dialog to add custom Footer
Text
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Print Preview Window
Print selected reports and charts :
Opens the Printer options dialog
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Output to PDF :
Creates a PDF file of the print preview
Select Elements to Print :
Opens the Select Elements to Print
options dialog
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Choose Reports to Print :
Opens the Choose Reports to Print
dialog
Choose Charts to Print :
Opens the Choose Charts to Print
dialog
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Collaboration Options
Collaboration :
• Project Attributes
• Notify Recipients
• Project Permissions
• Release Project Lock
Help Options
Help Resources :
• SEER-MFG Help
• Search Help
• FAQs
• SEEE-Aero Help
• About SEER-Aero
Web Resources :
• SEER University
• SEER Support Docs
About SEER-MFG :
Technical Support :
• Tel / Fax / Email
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SEER Suite Options
SEER Suite Applications :
• SEER-SEM
• SEER-IT
• SEER-SYS
• SEEE-H
• SEER-HAD
• SEER-Space
• SEER-MFG
• SEER-Compare
• SEER-Metrics
• Integration with MS Project
• SEER-3D
Ribbon Options Options
General :
• Customize the look and feel
of UI and Ribbon
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Customize Ribbon :
• Change Options to appear on
different ribbon tabs
• Import/Export Custom
Ribbon configurations
Quick Access Toolbar :
• Choose Options to appear on
the Quick Access toolbar
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Home Tab
The Home tab contains commonly used commands when working with SEER projects. For
example; Copy, Paste, Insert, Delete, moving work elements, adding Notes, Tagging, and Setting
references.
Work Elements Tab
The Work Elements tab contains commonly used commands related to working with work
element. These include commands for Insert, Delete, Exclude, Include, Promote, Demote,
Expand/Collapse, Viewing Attachments, and merging work elements from other projects..
Parameters Tab
The Parameters tab contains commonly used commands related to working with parameters.
These include commands for Changing values in multiple parameters, copy and paste into
multiple parameters, moving parameters, locking, hiding, adding expressions, links, and
highlighting changed parameters.
Tools Tab
The Tools tab contains commands for creating user defined script functions, custom calculation
templates, and a calculator.
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Reports Tab
The Reports tab contains commands related to working with reports. Here you can choose
available reports to display and turn reports on and off from view.
Charts Tab
The Charts tab contains commands related to working with charts. Here you can choose available
charts to display and turn charts on and off from view.
Export & Import Tab
The Export & Import tab contains commands related to exporting data via the Flexible Export
engine and exporting and Importing servermode scripts. It is also where you can refresh any
catalogue linked items.
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Options Tab
The Options tab contains commands related to setting up SEER preferred default settings. Here
you can change auto recalculation options, and auto save options. You can set and save project
level settings such as unit of measure, inflation tables to use, default currency to use and more.
You can set the paths for configuration files, and point to the SEER Enterprise Database for
retrieving and saving SEER projects.
View Tab
The View tab contains commands related to setting window view options. Here you can arrange
windows, turn on / off work element icons, show multi-color tabs, show / hide note tooltips,
increase/decrease font size, change font and back-ground colors.
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Choose Available Reports Dialog
The choose available reports dialog command, located on the Reports ribbon, has been updated
with a new expandable/collapsible checkbox list control. A description of each Report is also
provided.
Choose Available Reports Dialog
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Choose Available Charts Dialog
The choose available charts dialog command, located on the Charts ribbon, has been updated
with a new expandable/collapsible checkbox list control. A description of each Chart is also
provided.
Choose Available Charts Dialog
SEER-MFG Paths Dialog
The SEER-MFG Paths dialog command, located on the Options ribbon, has been updated with a
new list control. A description of each Path Location is also provided.
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After making path changes, you can choose to Make changes default for all future SEER-MFG
sessions.
SEER-MFG Paths Dialog
NDT Dialog
The Add Next NDT Operation Dialog was updated to include a Scan / Point choice. Selecting either
option will disable inputs not required for that selected choice.
Note. If older files happened to use both scan and point rates for the same operation type, these
will be upconverted as two individual operations.
Add Next Here NDT Dialog
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User-Defined Function
A User-Defined Function option has been added to the Tools ribbon tab. It is used for running
servermode scripts from within SEER. Click the User-Defined Function button, or menu option, to
run a defined script.
User-Defined Function Options
Scripts can be pasted into the Define Function Dialog. You can Save and Load Functions as
required.
Define User Function Dialog
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Multiline Expression Editor
The expression editor Expression entry field has been expanded to allow for line breaks within the
expressions.
Expression Editor Dialog
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Autosave
The Autosave option, on the Option Ribbon tab, turns the autosave option on or off. When you turn
autosave on, you can set the number of minutes between each autosave.
Set Autosave Minutes Dialog
When the autosave time limit occurs a temporary project file is created, in the same directory as
the open project file, with the prefix: !AS_. If the project file is successfully closed, the temporary
!AS_ file is automatically deleted.
Tag Selected Item Color Pallet
The Tag Selected Item color pallet has been expanded from 8 to 12 colors.
Tag Color Pallet
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Format Outputs
A Ratio/Factor option has been added to the Format Outputs dialog. Use this to control how many
decimals you want to view in reports and exports.
Format Outputs Ratio/Factor
License Path
You can now define a path to the SEER-MFG License file. When you receive the License Expiration
Warning, you’ll be presented with an option to ‘Browse’ to the new license file location, which
incidentally can be stored locally or on a network connected server.
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License Expiration Warning
After Browse, the license Path is automatically saved in the SEER-MFG Settings.ini file, in the
[SEER-MFG] section. The following format is used:
[SEER-MFG]
AltLicFilePath=[PATH TO LICENSE]
Example, the path does not need the license file name:
AltLicFilePath=C:\Program Files\SEER\SEER-MFG 8.1\
Additive Manufacturing Work Element
Additive manufacturing, also known as rapid prototyping or 3D printing, is a process that
creates a physical object from a digital design. It is a method of manufacture where layers of
a material are built up to create a solid object. Broadly speaking, the main steps in the
process include:
1. Producing a digital model using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application.
2. Preparing the digital model for printing, this can include part orientation, slicing, and
adding support structures.
3. Printing. Involves calibrating and setting the machine parameters as well as preparing
the materials. Most additive manufacturing machines require minimal monitoring after
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the print has begun. The machine will follow an automated process and issues generally
only arise when the machine runs out of material or there is an error in the software.
4. Removal of Prints. For some additive manufacturing technologies, removal of the print is
as simple as separating the printed part from the build platform. For other more
industrial 3D printing methods the removal of a print is a highly technical process
involving precise extraction of the print while it is still encased in the build material or
attached to the build plate. These methods require complicated removal procedures and
highly skilled machine operators along with safety equipment and controlled
environments.
5. Post Processing. Procedures vary by technology. SLA requires a component to cure
under UV before handling, metal parts often need to be stress relieved in an oven, or Hot
Isostatic Press, while FDM parts can be handled right away. For technologies that utilize
support structures, these are also removed during the post -processing stage. Most 3D
printing materials are able to be sanded and other post -processing techniques including
tumbling, high-pressure air cleaning, polishing, and coloring are implemented to prepare
a print for end use.
SEER-MFG is used to estimate the time and costs of manufacture from steps 3 through 5.
The main printing technologies available are:
• Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Jetting
• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
• Direct Energy Deposition (DED)
PROCESS
The main process selection loads process specific inputs relevant to the selected process.
Board Description Parameters
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) In the Powder Bed Fusion process, thermal energy using lasers
selectively fuses regions of a powder bed.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
This process produces objects from powdered materials using
one or more lasers to selectively fuse or melt the particles at
the surface, layer by layer, in an enclosed chamber. It is also
known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Liquid Phase Laser Sintering (LPS)
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This process produces objects from mixed powdered materials
using one or more lasers to selectively melt particles at the
surface with the lower melting point. Thus, layer by layer, the
wetted particles fuse the solid particles.
Stereolithography (SLA) In the Stereolithography process, liquid photopolymer in a vat is
selectively cured by light-activated polymerization. In the SEER-
MFG Additive Manufacturing model, Stereolithography includes
all processes of the VAT Polymerization type.
Jetting Jetting combines two families of Additive Manufacturing:
Material Jetting and Binder Jetting. Both Jetting processes
create 3D objects in a similar method to a two-dimensional ink
jet printer. Inkjet printer heads deposit precise drops to create
the object. Machine performance is often measured in dpi (dots
per inch).
Material Jetting (MJ)
A Process in which droplets of build material are selectively
deposited. (e.g. materials include photopolymer and wax.)
Material is jetted onto a build platform using either a
continuous or Drop on Demand (DOD) approach. A print head
moves along the X & Y axes and deposits precise drops of the
material.
Binder Jetting (BJ)
Process in which a liquid bonding agent is selectively deposited
to join powder materials.
The binder jetting process uses two materials; a powder based
material and a binder. The binder is usually in liquid form and
the build material in powder form. A print head moves
horizontally along the x and y axes of the machine and deposits
alternating layers of the build material and the binding material.
Fused Deposition
Modelling (FDM) In Fused Deposition Modeling, thermoplastic parts are
manufactured through heated extrusion and deposition of
materials layer by layer. Also known as Material Extrusion.
Direct Energy Deposition
(DED) In the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) process, focused thermal
energy is used to fuse materials by melting as they are being
deposited. Focused thermal energy means that an energy
source (e.g., laser, electron beam, or plasma arc) is focused to
melt the materials being deposited.
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Sintering Process
Available with the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process. Select the sintering process. Options
are:
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
This process produces objects from powdered materials using one or more lasers to
selectively fuse or melt the particles at the surface, layer by layer, in an enclosed chamber. It
is also known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Liquid Phase Laser Sintering (LPS)
This process produces objects from mixed powdered materials using one or more lasers to
selectively melt / wet particles at the surface with the lower melting point. Thus, layer b y
layer, the wetted particles fuse the solid particles.
Print Mode
Available with the Jetting process. Set the mode of printing. Options are:
Binder Jetting (BJ)
In the Binder Jetting process, the print head deposits a binder onto selected regions of a
powder bed. The piece produced by this process is made of the material (from the powder
bed) held together by the binder.
To build each slice of the piece, a blade first moves across the powder bed, depositing a new
layer of powder. The print head then sweeps over the powder bed, depositing binder in the
appropriate locations. After the piece has been built, the excess powder must be removed.
Material Jetting (MJ)
In the Material Jetting process, the print head deposits droplets of material in order to build
the piece. The material may need a support material (which is removed later) during the
build.
MATERIAL
Material Parameters
Material Select the material used in the Additive Manufacturing process from the
pull-down menu. The list of available materials wil l depend on the
process.
This parameter is available for all processes except Direct Energy
Deposition (DED), which has its own set of Material inputs.
Materials can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the
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MATERIAL.INI file:
• [MATERIAL-JETTING]
• [BINDER-JETTING]
• [POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]
• [SLA-MATERIALS]
• [FDM-MATERIALS]
Raw Material
Cost The cost of the material used to manufacture the piece per unit of
measure (cubic in/mm or lb/kg).
You can accept the default cost, or override it by entering a new cost.
Available for all processes except Direct Energy Deposition (DED), which
has its own set of Material-related inputs.
Material costs can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the
MATERIAL.INI file:
• [MATERIAL-JETTING]
• [BINDER-JETTING]
• [POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]
• [SLA-MATERIALS]
• [FDM-MATERIALS]
Binder Select the binder used in the Additive Manufacturing process from the
pull-down menu. The list of available binders will depend on the process.
Available for Jetting - Binder Jetting and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) - Liquid
Phase Laser Sintering (LPS).
Binders can be edited or added in the appropriate section of the
MATERIAL.INI file:
• [BINDER-JETTING]
• [POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]
Binder Cost The cost of the binder used in manufacturing the piece per unit of
measure (cubic in/mm or lb/kg).
You can accept the default cost or override it by entering a new cost.
Available for Jetting - Binder Jetting and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) - Liquid
Phase Laser Sintering (LPS).
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Binder costs be edited or added in the appropriate section of the
MATERIAL.INI file:
• [BINDER-JETTING]
• [POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]
Binder Volume
Fraction % The amount of binder in the part, expressed as a percentage of the Part
Volume. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Available for Jetting - Binder Jetting and Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) - Liquid
Phase Laser Sintering (LPS).
Material
Utilization Factor A multiplier used to calculate the total material usage and thereby costs
within a process. The Material Utilization Factor is the ratio of the amount
of material purchased to the amount used as a finished part or assembly.
Your input should include materials usage items such as scrap/excess
material, rework material, cook-off, etc. All material costs will be
multiplied by the Material Utilization Factor.
Note: For rough machining operations, material removed by the operation
is already considered in the material cost and does not need to be
factored into this input.
The Material Utilization Factor can be entered as a Least/Likely/Most
range.
See Also: Detailed Composites Material Utilization Factor.
Add Next
Material Here You can add up to 10 materials using the 'Add Next Material Here'
parameter, which opens up the Add next Material Here dialog box entry
box. Each material entered requires the following choices:
Parameter Description
Material Select the material used in the DED process from the pull -
down menu.
Materials can be edited or added in the appropriate section of
the MATERIAL.INI file:
• [DED-MATERIALS]
Cost The cost of the material used to manufacture the piece per
unit of measure (lb/kg).
You can accept the default cost or override it by entering a
new cost.
Material costs can be edited or added in the appropriate
section of the MATERIAL.INI file:
• [DED-MATERIALS]
% Part
Volume
Enter the % volume required of each material type in relation
to the overall Part Volume. If multiple materials are entered,
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the sum of entered material volumes should equal 100%.
Material Form Select the Material Form as either Wire or Powder. The Choice impacts
the final part density, computed Build Speed, and Excess Powder
Material.
ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION
Engineering Description Parameters
Envelope Size The envelope is an imaginary box which fully encompasses the piece. I t is
similar to the raw stock outline in machining; in additive manufacturing,
however, the envelope represents volume of space in which the piece will
be built up, rather than a volume of stock from which excess material will
be removed.
You can enter the dimensions of the envelope directly in the Envelope
Size input dialog box, or as individual parameters, which can be
displayed by clicking on the plus + sign to the right of the Envelope Size
parameter:
Parameter Description
Length The length (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can
also be entered directly in the Envelope Size parameter dialog
box.
Width The width (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can
also be entered directly in the Envelope Size parameter dialog
box.
Depth The depth (in/mm) of the envelope for the part. This input can
also be entered directly in the Envelope Size parameter dialog
box.
Solid Part
Volume Enter the solid volume of the finished part here. The value can either be
entered directly or computed based on the Envelope Length x Width x
Depth. If the exact part volume is unknown, a Use % of Envelope value
can be entered to best estimate what % of the total Envelope is
consumed by the finished part.
Include Finished
Weight in Rollup
Calc
Enter the cost per area (in square feet or square meters, depending on
the Units of Measurement selected for the project.
The default cost per square foot is stored in the [PCB-SUBSTRATE-
MATERIALS] table in the MFGData.INI file.
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PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Process Description Parameters
Parts Per Build The number of same type parts per build. A least/likely/most range may
be entered.
Note. If a printer contains many different part types, use a separate work
element to describe the quantity of each part type in the build. And use
the Load% parameter to describe how much space and costs should be
allocated to each part type.
Setup Minutes All Processes
The number of setup minutes per build. A least/likely/most range may be
entered.
Note: Once the build file has been loaded to the machine, typical setup
time can take as much as 90 minutes. Setup times of 60 minutes are
common for average users. Setup can be a very lengthy and labor
intensive process.
Powder Bed Fusion
Typical activities involved in setting up a PBF machine include platform
cleaning, platform leveling, raw material powder preparation and loading,
laser lens cleaning, lens cover cleaning, chamber pump down and others.
Used by all processes.
Print Resolution The resolution (accuracy and level of detail) in the XY plane and along the
Z (thickness) axis.
VLow represents a process optimized for build time minimization; VHi
represents a process optimized for part quality, precision or accuracy.
The following Parameters can be controlled by Print Resolution:
• Layer Height % - Increasing Resolution will decrease Layer
Height.
• Infill % - Increasing Resolution will increase Infill %.
• Support Infill % - Increasing Resolution will increase Support Infill
%.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Layer Height The height (thickness) of each layer. Greater height reduces print time,
but results in lower resolution; this may be suitable for prototyping.
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Thinner (lower) layers can produce higher quality, with better resolution
of detailed features, but they increase print time.
Fused Deposition Modeling
This setting specifies the height of each filament layer in the print.
When it is available, a 0.06 mm (0.0024in) layer height will produce a
high-resolution print. For many FDM printers, however, this set ting may
not be practical, and the following layer heights may be advisable:
0.4 mm (0.0158 in) nozzle:
• Fine = 0.1 mm (0.0039 in)
• Average = 0.2 mm (0.0078 in)
• Rough = 0.34 mm (0.0134 in)
0.35 mm (0.0138 in) nozzle:
• Fine = 0.1 mm (0.0039 in)
• Average = 0.2 mm (0.0078 in)
• Rough = 0.3 mm (0.0118 in)
Another approach is to make sure that the extrusion width is at least 1.5
times the layer thickness.
The initial value displayed is based on the Print Resolution table of
values stored in the MFGData.ini file. A least/likely/most range may be
entered.
Wall Thickness Used to calculate the shell volume. It assumes that regardless of any
infill pattern, there exists some volume of 100% density around the
exterior perimeters, or skin, of the part. This input determines how thick
that skin or shell is.
As Min Wall Thickness increases, the total build time is also increased.
This is because:
For parts with less than 100% infill, it increases the total volume being
built at full density, which takes more time.
For all parts, it increases the total volume being built at a rate factored
by the Perimeter Factor, which directs the model to increase the amount
of time it takes to build the exterior features.
The initial value displayed is based on values stored in the Material.ini
file. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
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Used by all processes.
Infill % This is also referred to as the infill density. In Additive Manufacturing, it
is not required to make fully dense parts. Components that are required
by the constraints of traditional subtractive manufacturing to be solid,
can now be light weighted and built faster. This input allows the user to
control how dense the parts are on the inside, but not the actual density
of the material. An increase in infill % causes and increase in Build Time.
If an object is printed with 100% infill, it will be completely solid on the
inside. For display-only items, 10-20% infill is recommended. For
functional items requiring structural strength, 75-100% infill is more
appropriate. Printing software such as the open-source Cura can
produce a grid-like pattern inside the object which gives the top layers
more support.
The initial value displayed is based on the Infill % table of values stored
in the MFGData.ini file. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Support Content
% The support content as a percentage of the total.
Extra support structures (material not included in the finished part) are
often required in the various processes of additive manufacturing. They
are normally calculated as a % of the finished part volume. If these
support structures are not included by the user in the initial assessment
of the part in question, they should be captured here.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Trace Width The width of the trace deposited by the process.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Direct Energy Deposition (DED).
X-Axis Sweeps
Per Slice The number of sweeps on the X-axis (length) per slice.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting Process
Y-Axis Sweeps
Per Slice The number of sweeps on the Y-axis (length) per slice.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting Process
Laser Diameter The diameter of the laser beam, in inches or millimeters. The initial value
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is computed based on layer height. A least/likely/most range may be
entered.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
Laser Power The laser power, in Watts (W) for PBF and mili -watts (mW) for SLA. A
least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
Nozzle Diameter The diameter of the nozzle, in inches or millimeters.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process.
Hatch Style The hatch style is the scan pattern used to provide even coverage within
the boundaries of the part. Selections are:
Parameter Description
Weave A Y-axis scans followed by X-axis scans, both with close
spacing. Depth of the Y-axis scans is less than the thickness
of the scan layer.
Star Weave A more elaborate variation of the WEAVE hatch style. From
one layer to the next, the order of X-axis and Y-axis scans
alternates, and the scan pattern itself is offset. A given scan
line will touch one edge of the contour's border, but not the
opposite edge; this retraction prevents uneven shrinkage.
ACES The ACES hatch style provides a uniform cure by using two
scans per layer. The first scan is relatively shallow, so that the
lower part of the layer is initially uncured and still fluid,
allowing the upper part of the layer to shrink during the cure
process. The second scan is deeper, allowing the lower part of
the layer to bond with the underlying material.
User
Defined
A user-defined hatch style. If you select this option, you should
manually enter the Hatch Overlap %.
Used by Stereolithography (SLA).
Hatch Overlap Laser Based Additive Manufacturing processes employ various different
hatch styles and scan strategies which determine the patterns the laser
spot follows when scanning material. The combination of these styles
and strategies will determine the total distance traveled by the laser
spot, in order to sufficiently cover the entire surface area of each
individual layer. The patterns and styles result in a certain amount of
overlapping.
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Examples of Hatch Styles
Ss = Distance between Laser Spot Centers or Hatch Spacing
Dx = Laser Spot Diameter
%Ss = Hatch Overlap
A Hatch Overlap of 100% would mean that each square inch of the layer
surface area is covered by the laser spot twice. 0% means that each
square inch is only scanned one time.
Note: Hatch Overlap of 0%, or a Single Track, is rare as it tends to result
in warped or deformed parts. Hatch Overlap percentages of 100% - 200%
are common inputs.
This value will be automatically set by the Hatch Style selection (unless
you select User Defined), although you can override it manually.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
Laser Quantity The number of lasers used per build. When this parameter is set to a
value greater than 1, the Laser Concurrency parameter becomes visible
and available for entry.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
Laser This factor describes how efficiently multiple lasers work together to
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Concurrency build a part.
Often times, laser based AM machines will utilize more than one laser to
build their parts. This will usually reduce the build time of the part.
Typically, one laser will scan the perimeter while the other scans the
internal surface area of the layer.
Multiple lasers will not reduce build time if the Concurrency factor is less
than (1 / laser qty).
If you have 2 lasers, make them at least 51% efficient.
Note: This parameter is only available when the Laser Quantity is greater
than 1.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
Nozzle Quantity The number of nozzles used per build. When this parameter is set to a
value greater than 1, the Nozzle Concurrency parameter becomes visible
and available for entry.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Energy
Deposition (DED) processes.
Nozzle
Concurrency This factor describes how efficiently multiple nozzles work together to
build a part.
Machines may utilize more than one nozzle head to build their parts.
They are often used to lay down different materials (different colors,
supports, etc.). Nozzles assumed to be working in perfect efficiency will
have a 100% concurrency Factor.
Multiple nozzles do not always reduce build time. Concurrency factor
must be greater than 1 / nozzle qty to reduce build time.
If you have 2 nozzles, and one of them is dedicated specifically to
support material, make the nozzle concurrency equal to the Support
Content %.
Note: This parameter is only available when the Nozzle Quantity is
greater than 1.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Energy
Deposition (DED) processes.
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Powder Bed Pre
Heat Temp The temperature to which the powder bed will be pre-heated, in °f or °c.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process.
Powder Bed Heat
Up Rate The rate at which the powder bed will be heated, in °f or °c per minute.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process.
Build Speed Also referred to as Scan Speed; this is the velocity (distance / time) with
which a laser spot (or energy beam) or nozzle moves across the surface
of the powder-bed or build plate.
Build Speeds are a controlled machine setting. They are generally
defined by the machine or suggested by the equipment manufacturer.
Build Speed settings are dependent upon the material properties of the
powder being scanned, the layer height and the laser power. Often,
machines will allow for a range of speed settings that allow the user to
optimize for build time or quality.
You can accept the computed value or override it by unchecking Use
Computed Value and entering a new value. A least/likely/most range may
be entered.
Note: You should not input the equipment manufacturer's published
maximum build speed. If you know the maximum build speed for the
machine / equipment you are modeling, set this input to 50% (half) the
maximum build speed listed on the OEM datasheet.
Used by Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Stereolithography (SLA), Fused
Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Direct Energy Deposition (DED).
Soluble Support Does the estimate include soluble support? Enter Y for Yes or N for No.
The default is No.
If the Support Content % parameter is set to greater than zero, a
computed Support Cleaning time will be included by default in the total
time. If Soluble Support is set to Yes and the Support Cleaning parameter
is set to use the computed value, Support Cleaning time is reduced.
When a part requires support during the build process, the support must
be removed after the build. Soluble support can be removed by cleaning
in an aqueous bath which dissolves the support material.
Used by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process.
Recoat Rate per
Layer The time required for recoating a layer, or preparing the liquid polymer
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for the next pass of the laser, in seconds.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Stereolithography (SLA) process.
Powder Recoat
Rate The rate at which the powder will be recoated, in seconds per layer. This
parameter accounts for the process of depositing a layer of powder to be
fused into the powder bed, before scanning with the laser.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process and the Binder Jetting (BJ)
mode of the Jetting process.
Part Cool Down
Rate The rate at which the part cools down, in °f or °c per minute.
Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process.
Delay Time Per
Layer The delay time per layer. This parameter may account for any delays
between deposition of layers, not already captured by the Recoat
parameters. It may include UV curing, cooling, warming or pre-heating,
allowing the liquid photopolymer to settle, and various other process
specific delays.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Other Build
Delays Enter the total number of minutes for all build-related steps not
otherwise accounted for, which add time to the process.
Note that you can use the Additional Items inputs to account for time
required by non-build processes included in the work element.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Jetting: Binder Jetting
The actual build process results in wet, green parts. Before parts can be
removed from the powder bed, they are often allowed to dry for several
hours at room temperature. Once powder is removed, they are allowed
further drying time in a temperature and humidity-controlled
environment. This is all done prior to any form of post -processing,
including sintering or infiltration.
Powder Bed Fusion
Extended Builds (75+ hours) result in various build delays for routing
support activities. These can include:
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• Pausing builds part-way through to clean the lens
• All build pauses require re-establishing the inert environment, and
returning to bed pre-heat temp
• The build may need to be paused to refill the dispenser bin with
powder for extremely tall, large builds.
Operator
Attendance % The operator attendance time as a percentage of the total.
The operator will not need to be in permanent attendance while the parts
are built. The operator will likely only be required to make occasional
visits to check on the process. During the remainder of the time, the
operator can be working on other tasks.
Use the Operator Attendance Factor to apportion the appropriate
percentage of the cycle time to the component being costed. The
operator attendance factor is entered as a Least/Likely/Most range,
which allows you to input a range of possible values to capture any
uncertainty. Reducing the Operator Attendance Factor will reduce the
allocated cycle time/cost.
Used by all processes.
Load % For most AM process runs, multiple parts are being built at the same
time, to maximize process utility and minimize cost per part. This can
result in a wide variety of parts being nested into a powder-bed, liquid vat
or build table. The Load % describes a fraction of the total part load per
process run (e.g. If no other parts are being built during the process run,
Load % is 100%).
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Jetting Print Parameters
Printer Head
Quantity The number of printer heads used per build. When this parameter is set
to a value greater than 1, the Printer Head Concurrency parameter
becomes visible and available for entry.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting process.
Printer Head
Concurrency This factor describes how efficiently multiple printer heads work together
to build a part.
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Jetting AM machines may utilize more than one printer head to build their
parts. This will usually reduce the build time of the part.
Note: This parameter is only available when the Printer Head Quantity is
greater than 1. Multiple printer heads will not reduce Build Time if the
Concurrency factor is less than (1 / Printer Head qty).
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting process.
Printer Head
Length The length of the printer head(s)
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting process.
Printer Head
Speed The speed of the printer head(s). Printer head speed can affect both
build time and build quality.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Jetting process.
Powder Recoat
Rate The rate at which the new layer of powder will be deposited prior to
binder deposition, in seconds per layer.
A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) process and the Binder Jetting (BJ)
mode of the Jetting process.
Part Handling Parameters
Part Handling
(mins) Enter the number of minutes required for handling the part. An initial
value is computed based on the part size which can be overridden. A
least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Clean Machine
The number of minutes required to clean the machine after the build is
complete and the part has been removed.
An initial value is computed based on the part size which can be
overridden. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Part Clean The time required to clean the part after the build is done.
Powder Bed Fusion
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The time it takes to clean the un-sintered powder from the completed
parts following a build depends mostly on the part height, since this will
determine the height of the powder on top of the build platform. The
complexity of the parts themselves is also a factor, since parts with
features such as holes will require more detailed cleaning.
For reference, the clean-up time after the build of a test part that was 17
mm tall (0.6693in), with a volume of 101,000 mm3 (6.1634 in3), and a
lateral surface area of 9,000 mm2 (13.95 in2) was an hour.
An initial value is computed based on the part size which can be
overridden. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes.
Support Cleaning The process of removing extra support materials not required for the
finished part. It can involve manually tearing away support structures,
using manual or CNC machining to remove a build plate, or an ultrasonic
water bath to remove soluble materials.
An initial value is computed based on the part size which can be
overridden. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by all processes except Direct Energy Deposition (DED).
Excess Powder
Removal The number of minutes required to remove excess (unused) powder from
around the build.
In all PBF work elements and Binder Jetting, parts must be removed from
a full enclosed powder bed. This process can be expedited with special
shaking and powder reclaiming tools, air guns or vacuums. Often powder
must be removed from complex and fragile shapes using a light brush or
even a wipe. Part height and shape complexity are major drives for this
parameter.
An initial value is computed based on the part size which can be
overridden. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Used by Jetting / Binder Jetting (BJ), Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), and Direct
Energy Deposition (DED).
MANUFACTURING DESCRIPTION
Manufacturing Description Parameters
Shape
Complexity Factor to account for any additional time to prepare and/or finish
resulting from the geometrical complexity of the part / assembly. Shape
complexity can be subjectively modeled through the use of this factor.
Multiple faces, detailed contours, hard to reach areas or other similar
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processing limitations can be included here.
Parameter Description
Very High Multiple faces, and many contours, with hard to reach areas
or details.
High Multiple faces, and some contours, with hard to reach areas
or details.
Nominal Multiple faces, simple contours, with no hard to reach areas
or details.
Low Multiple flat surfaces with no hard to reach areas or details.
Very Low Flat surface with no hard to reach areas or details.
Setup Complexity Rates sophistication and complexity corresponding to the
machine/tooling process.
This parameter input is used to adjust the setup labor output of the
model. It should be similar if not the same as the MACHINE/Tooling
Process Capability input; often multiple tools may be used. Therefore,
setting a range for the least likely and most entries is recommended.
Machine Tool
Process
Capability
Use this setting to adjust the extent to which the process cycle is
automated. Deviation from the default should only be made if the actual
process is significantly different from the standard automated process
environment.
Note: A higher tool process capability setting will decrease touch labor
time. Conversely, if the tool process capability setting is lowered the
touch labor will increase.
OTHER COST DESCRIPTION (OPTIONAL)
Manufacturing Description Parameters
Other Cost / Hr You can use this input to account for the cost of running a machine. The
costs entered here should be be separate from labor costs. This input
can account for costs such as:
• Initial purchase price
• Power (electricity) usage
• Inert Gas consumption
• Cost of environmental controls (air temp, humidity, etc.).
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Detailed Analysis Report
Additive Manufacturing Additional Data
The Additional Data section of the Detailed analysis report shows additive manufacturing
process data. The items and their descriptions are provided below.
Output Name Description
Calculated Slice Count Estimated using the input for layer thickness and part height (z).
Envelope Volume The part’s theoretical envelope volume.
Part to Env. Volume Ratio A computed value based on the part volume and part envelope
value.
Solid Part Volume This is the volume of the finished part, assuming a 100% density. If
the actual part volume is unknown, it is calculated using the
Envelope to Part Ratio. It does not include the Support Volume.
Part Shell Volume This calculation is used to capture a more detailed estimate of the
actual finished part volume. It assumes that, regardless of any
internal light-weighting (captured as infill%), there is an external
wall around the perimeter of the part which is 100% dense. It
requires the input of Min. Wall thickness to determine the volume
of this shell, or ‘skin’.
Part Infill Volume This is the volume of the inside of the finished part. Many parts do
not require a 100% density, and the build time can be significantly
reduced by reducing the infill%.
Support Volume Calculated using the user input for Support Content % and the
Solid Part Volume. The same factors for ‘Shell Volume’ and ‘Infill
Volume’ are accounted for.
Total Build Volume The sum of Part Shell Volume, Part Infill Volume and Support
Volume.
Part Slice Perimeter A distance measurement (in or mm) for the average perimeter of
the various layer geometries. The perimeter is also defined as
critical part dimensions and the speed at which they are build is
generally reduced.
Part Slice Build Area The average surface area of the individual layers for the finished
part.
Support Perimeter A distance measurement (in or mm) for the perimeter or critical
dimensions of the support features.
Support Area The average surface area of the individual layers for the part’s
support features.
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Build Speed Also referred to as Scan Speed; this is the velocity (distance /
time) with which a laser spot (or energy beam) or nozzle moves
across the surface of the powder-bed or build plate.
Laser Concurrency Factor This factor describes how efficiently multiple lasers work together
to build a part.
Perimeter Build Time (min)
Total time (minutes) for the build of the finished part’s critical
features (external dimensions, or perimeters) – adjusted by the
Perimeter Build Factor.
Area Build Time (min) Total time (minutes) for the build of the parts interior, non-
exposed, layers – adjusted by the Infill % parameter.
Recoat Time (min) The amount of time dedicated to recoating layers, estimated using
the Recoat per Layer and the Calculated Layer Count.
Delay Time (min) Sum total of all delay time per layer & other delay times.
Support Build Time (min) The amount of total build time dedicated to building support
features; Adjusted by Support Infill %
Total Build Time (min) Total amount of time dedicated to machine building up of the part.
This value includes the Total Perimeter Build Time, Total Area Build
Time, Recoat Time, Delay Time and Support Build Time.
Build Rate A description of the build process in volume over time, informing
the user how quickly the material was deposited.
Side Note – Many OEMs will describe the Build Rate of their
equipment in a material spec sheet. It should be noted that both
Build Speed and Build Rate are highly contingent upon a slew of
other parameters and machine settings and can only be generally
estimated for controlled scenarios.
Vertical Build Speed A description of the process build speed driven by the overall build
speed and the part’s vertical dimension (Z-axis).
Heat Up Time (min) The time required to Heat up the build chamber ready for sintering.
Cool Down Time (min) The time required for the Part and build chamber to cool down
ready for removal from the build chamber.
Part Weight The computed finished part weight.
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Mold Cast Forge – Isostatic Pressing
Isostatic pressing is a forming process that applies equal pressure in all directions on a pre -
formed part, or powder compact to achieve maximum uniformity of density and
microstructure without the geometrical limitations of uniaxial pressing.
Isostatic pressing is performed “cold”, "hot”, or “warm”. Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) is used
to compact green parts at ambient temperatures. Warm isostatic pressing (WIP) differs from
CIP only in that shapes are pressed at warm temperatures around 100°C. Hot Isostatic
Pressing (HIP) is used to fully consolidate parts at elevated temperatures by solid -state
diffusion. HIP can also be used to eliminate residual porosity from a casting, sintered, or
Powder Metal parts.
ENGINEERING DESCRIPTION
Engineering Description Parameters
Material Form Choose from either Pre Form or Powder material forms. This choice
changes the Process Description parameter inputs. If Powder is selected,
a Fill time parameter is displayed, and an initial estimate computed.
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Engineering Description Parameters
Method Choose from either Hot, Cold or Warm methods.
Parameter Description
Hot
Isostatic
Press
(HIP)
HIP is a densification method for powders, compacts, or preformed parts
such castings. It applies a gas pressure of 100 to 200 MPa and
temperatures to 2200°C. An inert gas, most commonly argon, is used as
the pressing fluid. The goal is to improve the performance of critical parts
by eliminating defects and porosity resulting in fully dense compacts .
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Schematic of conventional HIP
Two HIP methods are used today for compacting parts: direct HIP, which
applies to encapsulated powders, and post-HIP, which applies to pre-
sintered compacts without interconnected porosity. The HIP and CIP
processes can also be combined, sometimes called CHIP. In CHIP, loose
powder is cold-compacted, then sintered, then post-HIPed to achieve fully
dense parts.
The HIP process is rather slow, and a cycle may take 10 to 15 h,
depending on part size, material, and furnace design.
Cold
Isostatic
Pressing
(CIP)
CIP is mainly a powder-compacting process for obtaining 60 to 80%
theoretically dense parts ready for sintering. Because of the good green
strength obtained with this forming method, pre-machining before
sintering is feasible without causing breakage.
Low-cost elastomer tooling is used for isostatic pressing, but close
tolerances can only be obtained for surfaces that are pressed against a
highly accurate steel mandrel. Surfaces in contact with the elastomer
tooling may require post machining when tight tolerances and good
surface finishes are specified.
A typical cycle time for a production press ranges from 5 to 30 min,
depending mainly on size, powder volumetric compaction ratio, and pump
selected. This speed is rather slow but can be improved by higher-volume
pumps, better vessel use, and improved loading mechanisms.
Warm
Isostatic
Pressing
(WIP)
WIP follows the same path as CIP except the parts are compacted both at
pressure and low temperature around 100°C. The pressing fluid water
may be substituted with oil.
Batch
Quantity Enter the batch quantity of parts that will be loaded into the press. A
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least/likely/most range may be entered.
Note. If a press contains many different part types, use a separate work element
to describe the quantity of each part type in the press. And use the Press
Loading % parameter to describe how much space and costs should be
allocated to each part type.
Cycle Time
(Hrs) The time the part(s) spend in the press. The cycle time is entered as a
Least/Likely/Most range, which allows you to input a range of possible values to
capture any uncertainty. Default values are presented based on the press
method chosen, but you can override these values.
Op.
Attendance
%
The operator will not need to be in permanent attendance while the parts are in
the press. Depending on the press method, the operator will likely only be
required to make occasional visits to check the process. During the remainder of
the time, the operator can be working on other tasks.
Use the Operator Attendance Factor to apportion the appropriate percentage of
the cycle time to the component being costed. The operator attendance factor is
entered as a Least/Likely/Most range, which allows you to input a range of
possible values to capture any uncertainty. Default values are presented based
on the press method chosen, but you can override these initial values. Reducing
the Operator Attendance Factor will reduce the allocated cycle time/cost.
Cycle Cost
Per Hour Optionally enter the cost of energy required per hour to run the press. Long
press cycle times with minimal operator attendance, may need to be captured
separately but included as part of the final part costs. A least/likely/most range
may be entered.
Load/Unload
(mins) The time required to load parts ready for inserting into the press, and unloading
them after the press cycle. You can override the computed value. A
least/likely/most range may be entered.
Fill (mins) The time required to fill a predefined mold with powder ready for load ing into the
press. You can override the computed value. A least/likely/most range may be
entered.
Insert Time
(mins) The time required to insert the entire batch into the press. You can override the
computed value. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Press
Volume
(Optional)
(in³/ mm³)
Optionally enter a press volume to compute a press loading %. If a press volume
is entered, press loading % is computed based on the (Envelope Part Volume *
Batch Quantity) / Press Volume. You can override the computed value. A
least/likely/most range may be entered.
Press
Loading % Press loading % represents the percentage of press operator/process time to
attribute to an individual part based on the specific loading situation expected.
With press loading at 100%, all time and costs associated with running the
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press will be amortized across the batch quantity specified. A press loading of
50% will amortize half the time and costs associated with running the press.
If a press volume is entered, an initial press loading % will be computed based
on the (Envelope Part Volume * Batch Quantity) / Press Volume. You can
override the computed value. A least/likely/most range may be entered.
Servermode Script Updates
A RunVBSScript command was added so you can run external VBS scripts from within
servermode scripts.
By way of example, you can use the FlexportOutput data command to get data from SEER,
followed by a RunVBSScript command to parse the SEER output into another application of
your choosing. The VBS script can be elaborate as the user is capable of creating them.
The command format is as follows:
RunVBSScript [TAB] …\[PathToVBSFile]\[VBSScriptFile].vbs
A MergeSubProject command has been added. You can use this command to merge
individual projects into a single master project
MergeSubProject [TAB] [OPTIONAL PATH]\*.MFG
INI File Updates
During first time initialization of MFG 8.1, You can optionally merge MFG 8.0 AppData INI
files to work with 8.1 (assuming they are presently installed during first time initialization).
The MFGTools - INI File Manager.XLS file (saved in the Tools directory) contains individual
worksheets for each of the configurable *.INI files. Use this tool to customize and manage
changes.
Note.
The MFGTools - INI File Manager.XLS file has new tables and columns to work with
MFG 8.1. Older copies of this file will need to be modified to work with 8.1.
Alternatively, move data from your older copies into the most recent copy.
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MFGData.INI
The MFGData.INI file stores process specific data such as rates, machine data, operation
data and other modifiable data. New data tables were added, and others updated to support
new features for the SEER-MFG 8.1 release.
[MACHINING-OPERATIONS]
Added column 7 for RPM cap.
Name/Column Description
c7: RPM Cap Enter the maximum allowed value for a each machining operation.
[MACHINING-OPERATION-DATA]
Added the following variables.
Name/Column Description
Thread Cutting
Speed Adj
; factor is computed based on the thread diameter ^ 0.1048.
Deep Hole Diam
to Hole Depth
Factor
; when hole depth is equal to, or greater than hole diameter multiplied by
this factor, deep hole speeds and feeds will be used.
Deep Hole Drill
Speed Factor
; factor used to adjust hole speeds for deep hole drilling/boring.
[TOOL-ELEMENT-MAPPING]
Added c14 to support tool list options for Additive Manufacturing.
Name/Column Description
c14: Additive
Manufacturing
; enter a 1 or 0 to include or exclude the tool from appearing in the Tool List.
[ROUGH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]
A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each rough machining operation based on
the material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
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Code ; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c13:
Operation Type
; c1 – c13 – lists the speeds in ft/min (m/min) that that will be used for the
relative material machinability code.
[FINISH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]
A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each finish machining operation based on
the material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c16:
Operation Type
; c1 – c16 – lists the speeds in ft/min (m/min) that that will be used for the
relative material machinability code.
[SECONDARY-OPERATION-SPEEDS]
A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each secondary machining operation (Drill,
Ream, Tap, Threading etc.) based on the material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
SEER-MFG 8.1 with Aero 5.1 Release Notes
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used.
c1 – c6:
Operation Type
; c1 – c16 – lists the speeds in ft/min (m/min) that that will be used for the
relative material machinability code.
[ROUGH-OPERATION-FEEDS]
A new table. Displays the feeds to be used for each rough machining operation based on the
material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c12:
Operation Type
; c1 – c12 – lists the feeds in in/mm that that will be used for the relative
material machinability code.
[FINISH-OPERATION-SPEEDS]
A new table. Displays the feeds to be used for each finish machining operation based on the
material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c15:
Operation Type
; c1 – c15 – lists the feeds in in/mm that that will be used for the relative
material machinability code.
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[SECONDARY-OPERATION-SPEEDS]
A new table. Displays the speeds to be used for each secondary machining operation (Drill,
Ream, Tap, Threading etc.) based on the material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c4:
Operation Type
; c1 – c4 – lists the feeds in in/mm that that will be used for the relative
material machinability code.
[OPERATION-DOC]
A new table. Displays the depths of cut to be used for each of the machining operations
listed in columns c1 through c6, based on the material machinability.
Name/Column Description
c0; Material
Machinability
Code
; displays the machinability / code values. Machinability Code values can be
edited, and new values and rows can be added to this table.
; machinability / code values MUST be numerically ordered from low to high
; if the selected material machinability is equal to a value in c0, that row
data will be used.
; if there is no exact material machinability match, the nearest lower value
will be used, e.g. if material machinability = 33, the row data for 30 will be
used.
c1 – c6:
Operation Type
; c1 – c6 – lists the depths of cut in in/mm that that will be used for the
relative material machinability code.
[AM-PROCESS-DATA]
A new table. A set of modifiable variables rates and factors for the Additive Manufacturing
work element.
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Name/Column Description
SLASpeedAdjustmentFactor ; adjusts the Stereolithography computed speed
SLAPerimeterBuildRateFactor ; adjusts the Stereolithography speed for building perimeters
FDMBuildSpeed ; The default Fused Deposition Modelling Speed
FDMPerimeterSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Fused Deposition Modelling Speed for building
perimeters
FDMSupportSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Fused Deposition Modelling Speed for building
supports
FDMSupportDensity Factor ;
DEDWireFeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition feed
DEDPerimeterSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition speed for building perimeters
DEDSupportSpeedFactor ; adjusts the Direct Energy Deposition speed for building supports
[AM-PRINT-RESOLUTION]
A new table. Used to set default layer heights for each operation based on a print resolution
choice.
Name/Column Description
c0; Print
Resolution
Range
; the list range that appears in the print resolution choice list
c1 – c6:
Operation Type
; c1 – c6 – lists the default layer heights (in/mmm) for each of the print
resolution settings
[AM-BUILD-SPEED]
A new table. Used to set default layer heights for each operation based on a print resolution
choice.
Name/Column Description
c0; Print
Resolution
Range
; the list range that appears in the print resolution choice list
c1: FDM Speed ; c1 - lists the default print speed (in/mmm) for the Fused Deposition
Modelling (FDM) process, for different print resolution settings
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[INFILL-PERCENT]
A new table. Used to set default infill percent values based on a print resoluti on choice.
Name/Column Description
c0; Print
Resolution
Range
; the list range that appears in the print resolution choice list
c1 – c2 ; c1 – c2 - list the default infill and support infill % values for different print
resolution settings
[AM-BUILD-RATE]
A new table. Used to set default build rate values for direct energy deposition based on a
print resolution choice.
Name/Column Description
c0; Print
Resolution
Range
; the list range that appears in the print resolution choice list
c1 – DED Rate ; c1 - lists the default rates (lbs/min) (kgs/min) for different print resolution
settings for the direct energy deposition operation
MATERIAL.INI
The Material.INI file stores material specific data for each of the main work element types.
New data tables were added, and others updated to support new features for the SEER-MFG
8.1 release.
[MATERIAL-JETTING]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Jetting process.
Name/Column Description
c1; Cost ; the material cost per in3 (cm3)
c2; Density ; the material density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c3; Wall
Thickness
; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type
[BINDER-JETTING]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Jetting process.
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Name/Column Description
c1; Cost ; the material cost per in3 (cm3)
c2; Density ; the material density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
[POWDER-BED-FUSION-MATERIALS]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Powder Bed Fusion process.
Name/Column Description
c1; Laser
Absorbance (%)
; the amount of laser absorbance for the material as a percentage. A factor
of 1 is equal 100% absorbance
c2; Heat
Capacity
; the material heat capacity in J/K/in3 (J/K/cm3)
c3; Melt Point ; the material melt point in degrees f or degrees c
c4; Density ; the material density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c5; Cost ; the material cost per lb/kg
c6; Wall
Thickness
; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type
[SLA-MATERIALS]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Stereolithography process.
Name/Column Description
c1; Dp ; the depth of laser penetration in in/mm
c2; Ec ; the material heat capacity in mJ/in2 (mJ/m2)
c3; Cost ; the material cost per lb/kg
c4; Liquid
Density
; the material liquid density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c5; Solid Density ; the material solid density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c6; Wall
Thickness
; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type
c7; Laser Power ; default laser power for the material type
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[DED-MATERIALS]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Direct Energy Deposition process.
Name/Column Description
c1; Cost ; the material cost per lb/kg
c2; Wire Density ; the material wire density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c3; Powder
Density
; the material powder density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
c4; Wall
Thickness
; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type
[FDM-MATERIALS]
A new table. Stores the material data for the Fused Deposition Modelling process.
Name/Column Description
c1; Cost ; the material cost per lb/kg
c2; Density ; the material density in lbs/in3 (kgs/m3)
C3; Wall
Thickness
; default wall thickness in in/mm for the material type
Maintenance Updates & Useful Information
Beta Release (MFG 8.1.14 with Aero 5.1.6)
Machining
Added a Saw Rate and Use Thickness option to Sawing operation.
End Mill Slot Finish Passes update.
Additional Items
Fixed parameter view after Delete of additional operations.
Mold/Cast/Forge
Added a new Isostatic Pressing operation.
SEER-MFG 8.1 with Aero 5.1 Release Notes
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Fixed Computed Setup for the Thermoform Molding Process.
Program Enhancements
Added Auto Save Option.
Added new License path.
Added a new Ribbon UI.
Updated Select Available Reports Dialog.
Updated Select Available Charts Dialog.
Updated SEER-MFG Paths Dialog.
Updated NDT Dialog to display active parameters for either Point or Scan choices.
Expression Editor
Fixed issue with ‘phantom’ custom parameters being displayed after entering a new
element below existing element with custom parameters.
Fixed issue of renaming parameters in one element impacting expressions in other
elements.
Expressions can now use the Part Volume parameter in the mold cast forge work
element.
Added Multi Line expression editor.
Aero Updates
Filament Winding Diameter and Width remain in sync when one or the other input
value is changed.
Aero Cure Autoclave Loading parameter is no longer grayed out when a user
Operator Attendance parameter is entered.
The Max Ply Perimeter calculation has been corrected for the Aero Composites and
Aero Cure work elements.
Misc
Added the operation details report to flexible export – you can now export operation
details for all elements within a project.
Fixed reverse risk chart in Mold Cast Forge.
Fixed Detailed PCB Fabrication user entered test minutes from adjusting when
dialog opens.
SEER-MFG 8.1 is updated to 64 bit, and no longer supports 32bit windows.
SEER-MFG 8.1 is updated with Unicode Support.
Added RunVBSScript servermode command.
Added MergeSubProject command.
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Added GetProcessID command.
Updated the MFGTools - INI File Manager Spreadsheet to support metric/imperial
conversions for PCB tables, Additive Manufacturing, and Machining Feeds and
Speeds data tables.
Fixed MFGParts.xls file macro to auto generate UUID.
Upgrade Information
First Time Initialization
See the INI File Updates section above to learn more about the specific tables and
updates new to 8.1.
Installation
You do not have to uninstall earlier versions of SEER-MFG to install 8.1. In fact, it is
recommended that you maintain your existing installation. We do recommend,
however, that you uninstall any beta release versions you have installed.
File Upconvert
Files from earlier versions can be used in this 8.1 version. However, project files
saved in 8.1 will no longer be compatible with earlier versions. It is recommended
that backups of your project files are made before you save them in 8.1.
Display Configuration
8.1 is best viewed with a 1024 x 768 (or higher) screen resolution.