Abstract
Toolcraft AG, a Germany-based pioneer in 3D metal printing and customized manufacturing technologies, wanted to simplify its additive manufacturing process, improve traceability, reduce errors, and save time. As an early adopter of additive manufacturing, the company previously used multiple software solutions across its seven-to-nine-step process chain, creating complexity, data translation requirements, and potential traceability issues. By adopting Siemens NX additive manufacturing software, toolcraft consolidated design, additive manufacturing, machining, and related processes into a single digital environment. This enabled the company to work with one file throughout the process chain, reduce complexity and error rates, improve traceability, accelerate communication of design changes, and achieve improvements in quality and accuracy.
Key Takeaways:
- Unified manufacturing process: NX enabled toolcraft to perform its additive manufacturing functions in one software solution.
- Reduced process complexity: Working with one file across the process chain simplified operations and reduced data translations.
- Improved traceability: NX provided a full digital thread to support traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
- Reduced errors and work time: The consolidated process helped lower error rates and reduce the time required for manufacturing activities.
- Advanced additive manufacturing: NX supported part optimization, FEM calculations, topology optimization, and preparation for 3D printing.
- Streamlined production: Design, additive manufacturing, and machining were connected within a single software environment.
- Faster design changes: NX made it easier to communicate CAD model changes between departments.
- Improved quality and accuracy: Toolcraft achieved significant improvements in the quality and accuracy of manufactured parts.
- Multi-machine support: NX supported toolcraft’s use of different 3D printing systems, including Trumpf, EOS, and Concept Laser.
- Future-ready manufacturing: NX supports toolcraft’s plans to evolve from powder-bed additive manufacturing toward full five-axis additive manufacturing.
