About Autodesk Netfabb Local Simulation

Autodesk® Netfabb® Local Simulation is a non-linear finite element thermo-mechanical solver for additive manufacturing (AM) processes. With the graphical user interface, Local Simulation users can easily set up, execute, and examine analysis results. Advanced users may prefer the command-line interface to access advanced or beta features of Local Simulation.

Simulation can be used to perform predictive modeling of the AM build process to help guide the design and manufacture of AM parts. Simulation can model AM processes directly, using traditional moving-source thermo-mechanical methods, or rapidly model large and complex geometries using a unique accurate and fast multi-scale methodology. These models result in histories of temperature, distortion, and stress fields, which coupled with warnings for support structure failure or recoater blade interference, can be used to improve manufacturability for a variety of AM technologies.

For information on installing and setting up Local Simulation, see Local Simulation Installation and Setup. Downloadable PDF versions of Local Simulation Help are available from the Download Page in the form of a User Manual (user.pdf) and Examples Manual (examples.pdf).

This guide includes the following sections:

• Keyword Listing. A reference for users who prefer to run Local Simulation through the direct execution of input files, rather than using the GUI.
• Simulation Examples. A set of simulation walk-throughs, using sample files.
• Common Errors and Warnings. A listing of the messages that can arise during a simulation run, and what these messages mean.
• Units of Measure. A list of the standard units used in Local Simulation for physical properties