Independent AM additive manufacturing software solution
Additive manufacturing (AM) preparation and optimization processes are a series of independent steps. Independent additive manufacturing (AM) software solutions describe products that handle different parts of the additive manufacturing (AM) process and require the use of other products to form a complete workflow. The additive manufacturing (AM) workflow is not a one-way workflow. In addition to the changes made at the beginning of the design, you may need to go back and change some settings, so that the model has printing feasibility later in the process.

For example, the simulation results may show that the modeling failed, which requires changing the support structure or orientation, which in turn may affect the lattice structure. In addition to the need to consider print-related changes, customers may also need to initiate a technical change order (ECO) at any time, which requires the smooth integration of geometric changes throughout the entire phase of the existing design. Therefore, a good additive manufacturing (AM) solution should not only handle all the different steps, but also effectively solve the interaction problem between them. When using a standalone AM additive software solution, this interaction is inefficient. Although it contains multiple software solutions, different environments and file formats, due to multiple data transfers and conversions, this cumbersome and repetitive process is very time-consuming and error-prone. Although the use of multiple software may be acceptable in the early stages of prototyping or experimental additive manufacturing, this method does not make using additive manufacturing a mainstream manufacturing technology.

Integrated additive manufacturing (AM) software solution
The Integrated Additive Manufacturing (AM) software solution is a one-stop software solution that can handle the entire Additive Manufacturing (AM) workflow, where each function of the process can interact smoothly.

This simplified workflow provided by the integrated additive manufacturing (AM) software plays a key role in optimizing the total cost of AM operations (TCO) and is therefore critical to the profitability of manufacturers.
Because changes to the CAD model can be made at all stages of the additive manufacturing (AM) process, easy interaction between each function of the workflow becomes critical.
The following examples highlight the importance of integrated solutions:
• Using analysis and simulation as part of the design environment facilitates easy problem identification and changes to the model as required, which can optimize time-consuming processes.
• Change the hole diameter or component direction and automatically adjust the lattice structure.
• The customer initiates a change order and needs to update all design processes accordingly. The smooth integration of geometric changes can be easily accomplished through a system based on parameter history records.
3DXpert ™-3D Systems’ integrated integrated additive manufacturing (AM) software
3DXpert provides a one-stop integrated solution for the entire metal additive manufacturing process, from pre-print preparation, print optimization and simulation design to post-printing post-processing CNC subtractive material processing operation procedures. In addition, 3DXpert provides a complete solution that is larger than the sum of parts. It not only combines all design, simulation and optimization tools in the same mode, but also provides a completely simplified process by using the same environment for the entire process. Looking ahead to the future of metal additive manufacturing, the simplified workflow provided by 3DXpert is a key component of successful 3D printing of production-grade metals, reducing risk, increasing production efficiency, and reducing the total operating cost of metal additive production.
