ExOne
3D-printed water-jacket sand core.

Generative AI Solutions for Additive Manufacturing

March 14, 2023
A new package of software programs allows users to seamlessly manage their build preparation, printers, accessories, and processes in one cloud-based location

DESKTOP METAL INC. launched Live Suite — a package of premium software applications with all-new functionality for users of the company’s Additive Manufacturing 2.0 systems across Team DM brands.

Building on the success of Live Sinter simulation software, Live Suite lets users make their digital design data come alive easily and accurately in 3D printed metal, polymer, and ceramic parts. Live Sinter uses an advanced multi-physics approach based on state-of-the art GPUs to simulate the end- to-end printing and sintering process — generating new design shapes that will deliver the desired final part within tight tolerances.

Also, Live Sinter applies machine learning to calibrate this simulation process to match real-world results for the world’s largest install base of binder jet systems.

“AM 2.0 is a digital manufacturing process that is ultimately powered by software, and we believe Live Suite offers the most intuitive and powerful AM software on the market,” stated CEO Ric Fulop.

Live Suite will come standard with most new hardware this year, and it eliminates the need for users to purchase other expensive 3D printing software programs to use their equipment. “Our strategy remains focused on keeping digital manufacturing accessible, so our users have the tools they want and don’t pay for expensive features they don’t need,” Fulop added.

Live Platform is the cloud-based hub for all Live Suite applications and services. Organized into four content categories — build, manage, learn, and support — the hub enables users to manage their entire workflow in one convenient location with 2FA security.

Live Platform is also the new central administration hub for Live Suite, with the ability to provision and manage Desktop Metal 3D printing systems and users, as well as access firmware updates, knowledge, and technical support. A new Business Units feature allows larger companies with multiple users and departments to manage 3D printer permissions and controls for groups.

Customers also will be able to use Live Platform to add on a wide range of application- specific options, such as part serialization or optimized build instructions for specific parts ranging from dentures to valves. Examples of special add-on features include Autopilot, which automates build preparation for both dental and additional part-specific applications, and Live Monitor, which will soon be available to remotely view jobs as they progress through printers and ancillary equipment.

In all, Live Suite contains:

-  Live Sinter, a popular tool among users of the Desktop Metal Shop System, as well as X-Series and Production System, metal printers. This application simplifies production of sintered metal parts via binder jetting with powerful, generative AI multi-physics sintering simulation and new, scan-based adjustments that deliver parts with tight tolerances. The software achieves this by predicting and generating sinter-ready, printable designs in as little as 20 minutes.

-  Live Build MFG is a desktop-based build preparation software that replaces and upgrades Desktop Metal’s Fabricate MFG application. Live Build MFG will support build preparation for all binder jet 3D printing of metal, wood, ceramic, and sand designs. Customers currently using ExOne X-Prep or other similar tools will be phased into Live Build MFG over the next 12 months.

-  Live Build DLP is desktop-based build preparation software for customers of Desktop Health and ETEC digital light processing (DLP) printers for photopolymer, elastomer, and foam. Customers currently using Envision One RP and other similar tools will be phased into Live Build DLP over the next 12 months.

-  Live Studio is a cloud-based build preparation software that replaces and upgrades Fabricate. Live Studio supports slicing and build preparation for Desktop Metal’s Bound Metal Deposition systems, including the Studio System 2.

Learn more at www.desktopmetal.com.