CADS Additive is the latest product to be added to the Hexagon additive manufacturing stable, bringing its specialised powder-bed fusion build-preparation software to users.
CADS Additive has been a partner of Hexagon since 2021, integrating 3D printing set-up and support structure creation capabilities with Hexagon’s Simufact Additive process simulation software.
Hexagon states that shared development roadmaps will further improve the tool’s workflows, allowing users to adjust the orientation and support structure of their 3D prints.
It is expected that this will help shorten the AM workflow and provide easy-to-follow steps to mitigate quality implications caused by changes to the orientation or support structure.
The AM Studio software from CADS Additive is already connected to Hexagon’s Nexus digital platform. Hexagon says that the software will complete the platform’s Nexus-enabled AM workflow, applying its technology portfolio to CAD model preparation, build preparation, simulation-based optimisations, quality and production intelligence, and the automation of CAM to finish parts.
“Our investments reflect the growing importance of additive manufacturing, which has huge potential but has been held back by a fragmented ecosystem that means manufacturers are not getting the results they need fast enough,” said Hexagon CEO Paolo Guglielmini.
“The acquisition of CADS Additive enables us to provide our customers with integrated tools that empower manufacturing teams to reduce waste and increase efficiency as they move from prototyping to production.
“Opening up the Nexus platform to our ecosystem partners and providing building blocks like CADS Additive helps customers improve their processes throughout the manufacturing value chain and realise the potential of industrial additive manufacturing.”
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Perg, Austria, CADS Additive has 21 employees serving 150 customers in 25 countries through 19 resellers. The company will operate as part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division.
