SPR-Pathfinder®
The software for intelligent, automated depowdering in postprocessing
Intelligent, software-controlled depowdering is the game-changer for fully automated serial cleaning of additively manufactured parts. In 2018, the software prototype developed by Siemens Technology in a joint project was unveiled publicly for the first time under the name SiDAM. Now, Solukon has acquired exclusive rights to the software, developed it into a Solukon product, and is bringing it to the AM market under the new name, SPR-Pathfinder®. Solukon therefore enables customers to purchase licenses for the first time.
To remove excess powder from complex internal structures, the software uses the build job’s CAD file to calculate the ideal motion sequence in the Solukon system. The calculations are based on a flow simulation that analyzes the part’s digital twin. With SPR-Pathfinder® Solukon makes the digital twin of a part usable in postprocessing for the first time.
5 reasons to remove powder automatically with SPR-Pathfinder®
Optimized degree of part cleanliness, even with complex internal geometries
Significant time savings compared to manual programming
Fully automated serial cleaning of 3D printed parts
Without any human programming effort through automatic calculation
Simultaneous calculation for different parts on one build plate
SPR-Pathfinder® is compatible with the following Solukon systems:
SFM-AT350/-E*
SFM-AT800-S
SFM-AT1000-S
SPR-Pathfinder® already runs on Solukon SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S machines from serial number 1.
*Only current serial numbers of the SFM-AT350 are compatible with the SPR-Pathfinder®.
With Siemens De-powdering Software Algorithm for Additive Manufacturing Technology & License
Intelligent depowdering process with SPR-Pathfinder®
1. Upload the file to SPR-Pathfinder®
The user uploads the part's CAD file in STL-format using drag and drop or the file browser.
2. Set the calculation parameters
This includes information on the material.
3. Specify the file storage location
The user can store the depowdering sequence to be calculated either locally or on an external storage device (e.g., USB stick).
4. Start the calculation
The calculation time varies depending on the device’s processing power and the complexity of the part.
5. Transfer the cleaning program
The individual cleaning program can be loaded into the Solukon system via USB stick or OPC UA (optional, upon request).
Product details
- calculation of the whole build job
(also different parts on one build plate) - consideration of material-specific flowability
- pre-simulation of powder removal processNew
- optional pre-cleaningNew
- dynamic calculation of the voxel sizeNew
Demo version
You want to test the performance of our depowdering software on your application?
Get your free 30-day trial version now.
Attention: You can only test the software if you have a Solukon system SFM-AT800-S or SFM-AT1000-S or the latest version of the SFM-AT350.
FAQ SPR-Pathfinder®
Installation
On which devices can SPR-Pathfinder® be installed?
The software can be installed on one PC with Windows operating system.
What are the system requirements?
Operating system Windows 10 or more recent version
RAM > 8 GB
Minimum 50 GB hard disc space
CAD file in STL – format
License
Is there a free trial?
A 30-day demo version can be provided upon request.
Does Solukon offer a test calculation as a service?
Yes, upon request, given that your company uses a Solukon system already.
What does a license include?
With the purchase of a software license, the SPR-Pathfinder® can be installed and used on one computer. The number of geometries that can be calculated is not limited.
What is the difference to SiDAM?
SiDAM is a software prototype developed by Siemens Technology 2018 in a joint project with Solukon, that was only available to a select number of Siemens’ and Solukon’s development partners. Now, Solukon has acquired exclusive rights to the software, developed it into a Solukon product, and is bringing it to the AM market under the new name, SPR-Pathfinder®, enabling Solukon customers to purchase licenses for the first time.
Can programs for several Solukon systems be calculated with one software license?
Yes, with one software license, programs can be created for any number of SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S.
Function
How does SPR-Pathfinder® work?
SPR-Pathfinder® uses the build job’s CAD file to calculate the ideal motion sequence in the Solukon system. The SPR-Pathfinder® calculations are based on a flow simulation that analyzes the part’s digital twin. The individually calculated motion sequence is then read by the Solukon system, which in turn runs the programmed paths.
Which Solukon systems is the software compatible with?
SPR-Pathfinder® is compatible with the Solukon systems SFM-AT800-S und SFM-AT1000-S from serial number 1 and with latest models of the SFM-AT350.
Does SPR-Pathfinder® also work with older Solukon systems?
Yes. The software can run on SFM-AT800-S and SFM-AT1000-S models – already starting with serial number 1 of those models. For the SFM-AT350 only the latest systems are compatible.
Do I need a network connection?
No network connection is required to use SPR-Pathfinder®.
Is SPR-Pathfinder® a cloud-based or on-premise solution?
The SPR-Pathfinder® software is an on-premise solution.
Which file format is required for SPR-Pathfinder®?
A CAD file in STL-binary-format is required.
Why is SPR-Pathfinder® needed?
Geometries produced by the LPBF process are increasingly complex. This complexity poses a challenge to users during depowdering: it is not obvious how the component must be moved so that the excess powder inside the part can be removed. This is where SPR-Pathfinder® comes into play. It analyzes the geometry and calculates the required movement pattern.
