Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a global leader in digital reality solutions combining sensors, software, and autonomous technologies, is launching a new 3D printing software solution that centralizes distributed data across manufacturing processes, enabling manufacturing collaboration and workflow automation.

Hexagon announced today the launch of its HxGN Additive Manufacturing Suite, designed to support the adoption of industrial-scale additive manufacturing (AM).

Available through Hexagon's digital reality platform, Nexus, the Hexagon Additive Manufacturing Software Suite integrates four core Hexagon software products to eliminate the challenges of process expansion and repetition due to compatibility issues, and improve stable factory operation and the efficiency of 3D printing service operations.

While commercial solutions focused on prototyping often limit their application to manufacturing applications due to complexity and high costs, Nexus supports agile, iterative work without the constraints of vendor-specific tools and software.

The Hexagon Additive Manufacturing Software Suite is a manufacturing-focused, high-performance 3D printing software solution that includes Hexagon's core software: Designer (CAD software for manufacturing and design review); AM STUDIO (AM Studio, It combines Simufact Additive (software for manufacturing process simulation and optimization) and Esprit Edge (CAM for post-process CNC machining of metal AM parts).

Manufacturers can design more efficiently through workflow automation supported by the updated Nexus platform. Furthermore, printer production preparation is streamlined with high-efficiency support structures, slicing, and hatching capabilities, enabling rapid cost estimation, optimized printing strategies and build orientation, and the ability to identify and resolve issues early in the product process. Powered by digital twin technology powered by artificial intelligence, Esprit Edge ensures precise and efficient operation by optimizing the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) operations required for post-processing of metal additive manufacturing parts.

“Additive manufacturing is a core technology in the manufacturing industry and is poised to scale and be adopted to produce high-quality parts for critical applications across a wide range of industries,” said Chuck Mathews, general manager of Hexagon’s Production Software. “Hexagon’s new suite of additive manufacturing software products will enable manufacturers to manage their additive manufacturing processes efficiently, time-wise and budget-wise with streamlined workflows and a more efficient, scalable, and reliable process.”

“With the demand for expanding additive manufacturing technologies, manufacturers need to automate processes for efficient operations and optimize production virtually before parts are built,” said Parth Joshi, chief product and technology officer for Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. “The new Hexagon Additive Manufacturing software suite perfectly complements our extensive additive manufacturing portfolio and will continue to support additional additive manufacturing technologies across industries like medical and aerospace as we advance additive manufacturing operations.”