Velo3D’s Flow Developer Enhancement Simplifies Parameter Development Process

Velo3D’s Flow Developer print preparation software unlocks full transparency and control of the parameters used in the 3D printing process. With the flexibility of Flow Developer, users can transfer their experience and knowledge from previous projects, develop new material processes and control their optimization objectives. This software enhancement greatly simplifies the migration of additive manufacturing (AM) projects to Velo3D’s fully integrated solution.

Developer is available for users of Flow 7.0, the latest version of Velo3D’s print preparation software that seamlessly turns traditional design files into print files. Developer grants editor-level access to print parameters, giving companies maximum flexibility and control when working with their Velo3D AM solution. With this access, users can import proven parameters they have developed, optimize default parameters for specific application needs, and develop parameter sets supporting new material development for novel solutions and specific applications. Once a part that was produced using Developer has been qualified, users can scale production leveraging the control, quality and repeatability of Velo3D’s AM solution.

“It can be a challenge to produce repeatable results across different metal 3D printers — even when they’re the same model of printer. However, Velo3D’s solution can consistently produce parts within spec across any of its printers, which provides huge benefits for companies looking to scale production of their parts,” says Thomas Pomorski, additive manufacturing manager at Ursa Major. “When our team first tested Flow Developer, we transferred parameters we developed on a non-Velo system, hoping we could easily produce the same part on Velo3D’s system and then take advantage of the scalability it provides. On our first try, we imported a part with highly complex, sensitive features and achieved incredible results that were within specification. Since then, we’ve accomplished the same process with other parts and, in some cases, have been able to reduce print time by nearly 50% without sacrificing accuracy or quality.”

Prior to its general release, Developer was made available to select customers for feedback, including Ursa Major, a privately funded company developing rocket propulsion technology. During this phase, engineers were able to directly transfer their custom parameters into their Velo3D solutions with exceptional results, the company says. Developer gave early-access customers the ability to easily scale production of their parts as their applications matured from development to production.

“Velo3D’s mission has always been to provide an additive manufacturing solution that delivers repeatability from machine-to-machine, which is still a big shortcoming with legacy metal 3D printers,” says Brad Kreger, Velo3D CEO. “Previously, we did this by providing predefined parameters within the system, which left customers wanting to know what’s inside our ‘black box’ and looking for more flexibility. When you combine Flow Developer with our ability to produce identical parts using the same print file, we strike the perfect balance between usability, repeatability and flexibility. This has allowed these early access customers to think outside the box of conventional additive manufacturing to progress beyond their current limitations and realize true production scalability for their parts.”

Flow is a key part of Velo3D’s unique approach to AM, which differs from competitors’ offerings by providing a fully integrated solution that includes hardware and software, which come together to ensure machine-to-machine consistency. In addition to Flow and the Sapphire family of printers, the company’s solution also includes Assure quality assurance software, which monitors a print layer-by-layer to ensure consistent geometric accuracy, surface finish and material properties throughout a finished part.