To Set Up and Run a Simulation

An overview of how to use Autodesk Simulation Utility for Netfabb and where to get more information.

How to set up a part-scale powder bed fusion simulation

1. On the Simulation menu, review and adjust Simulation settings as necessary.
   
   
2. Create a new simulation project and select Powder Bed Fusion.
   
   
3. Import one or more 3D geometric files for which to simulate the additive manufacturing process. One or more additional geometry files may be imported to model support structures.
   
   
4. In the process parameter (PRM) file library, identify a PRM file that matches the processing parameters and material of the part to simulated, or create a new custom PRM file if none currently exists.
   Note: A license of Local Simulation is required to generate new PRM files.
   
   
5. If necessary, adjust the orientation of the part by right clicking on the part in the Browser and selecting Move.
   
   
6. In the Machine dialog specify the PRM file for the processing parameters and material of the component.
   
   
7. Use the Build Plate panel to specify the build plate material, size, build plate heating, and mechanical constraints.
   
   
8. In the Operating Conditions dialog, choose the ambient temperature and thermal boundary conditions during processing.
   
   
9. Use the Heat Treatment panel to detail the time-temperature values of a stress relief heat treatment cycle, if one is used.
   
10. Select mesh settings appropriate for the size and complexity of the component.
    
    
11. Generate a Mesh Preview to ensure adequate voxel representation of the source geometry and to check for flaws in the mesh that could affect simulation results.
    
    
12. Solve the simulation on the local computer.
13. Reference any notifications in the top right of the screen as they appear or review the log files for errors or warnings.
    
    
14. Examine model results.

How to set up a directed energy deposition simulation

Note: Simulation Utility LT cannot run directed energy deposition (DED) simulations. These require the full Simulation Utility, installed with NetfabbLocal Simulation.

1. On the Simulation menu, review and adjust Simulation Utility settings to suit your project if necessary.
   
   
2. Create a new simulation project and select Directed Energy Deposition.
   
   
3. Import a laser vector (LSR) file. An LSR file specifies the power, speed, laser spot size, beginning and end points, and timing of the laser vectors to build a DED component.
   
   
4. Specify the material and absorption efficiency on the Machine panel. Laser based DED systems absorption efficiencies are generally in the range of 30-40%. Electron beam systems typically have much higher absorption efficiencies, between 88-98%
   
   
5. In the Build Plate dialog, specify the size, build plate heating, and mechanical constraints.
   
   
6. In the Operating Conditions dialog, choose the ambient temperature and global convection coefficient during processing.
   
   
7. Select mesh settings appropriate for the size and complexity of the component.
   
   
8. Generate a mesh preview to ensure adequate voxel representation of the source geometry and to check for flaws in the mesh that could affect simulation results.
   
   
9. Solve the simulation.
10. Reference any notifications in the top right of the screen as they appear or review the log files for errors or warnings.
    
    
11. Examine model results.

See the Tutorials in the Help for videos and step-by-step walkthroughs of simulation solutions, using sample files that you can download from an Autodesk website.