Efficient Process Simulation for Metal 3D Printing with RISTRA-AM

RISTRA-AM is an innovative simulation software that reliably and quickly predicts distortion in metal 3D printing (Laser Powder Bed Fusion, LPBF). Thanks to GPU-accelerated calculations, it runs up to 80 times faster than comparable solutions, saving time and resources and opening up new possibilities in design and production processes.

Challenge: Distortion in Metal 3D Printing

In additive manufacturing of metal components, internal stresses arise due to intense heating and cooling, which can lead to deformation. These so-called distortions reduce component quality, cause scrap, and can even damage printers.
Although conventional simulation methods can already be used to avoid such problems, their simulation times are often too long for use in automated (optimization) processes.

Simulation Makes Deformation Predictable

Based on our many years of experience in developing the GPU-based finite element solver RISTRA , we have developed a software library specifically designed for the simulation of additive manufacturing processes.
It uses the inherent strain method, in which internal stresses are modeled using calibrated approximate values. This makes it possible to efficiently calculate distortion without having to simulate the entire thermal process.

Thanks to specially developed algorithms and data structures, the software can fully exploit the parallel computing power of modern graphics processing units (GPUs). As a result, simulation runs are up to 80 times faster than with established CPU-based methods.
This not only enables significant time and cost savings, but also opens up new ways of working, such as virtually testing multiple part orientations or simulating material-saving support structures.

Have We Aroused Your Interest?

Contact us for more information and discover how our software can optimize your production processes!
We would be happy to discuss possible licensing or cooperation opportunities with you.