SimsLayer (Not Yet Functional)
FEA simulation of 3D-Printed Parts
This idea is birthed when I asked myself if there are efficient simulation tools specifically designed for 3D-Printed parts. Because there is no doubt of assumption that they have entirely different mechanical properties due to the manufacturing process involved.
Why 3D-Printed Parts needs specialized simulation tools:
While general Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software can be used, dedicated additive manufacturing (AM) software is far superior for this specific purpose because it understands:
= Layer-by-layer material addition rather than assuming the entire part exists at once.
= Directional material properties (anisotropy), especially for fiber-reinforced filaments.
= Thermal history of the part throughout the build.
= Structural integrity as it relates to directional loading due to layer-by-layer orientation of the part(s)
This is particularly vital for metal 3D printing, where material costs are high and failure is expensive!
Stages Involved:
> Geometry or model is prepared in a CAD software
> Geometry is either sliced using an external slicer or SimsLayer slicer
> Geometry is imported into SimsLayer
> Geometry is sliced if not already
> GNN optimizes layers
> Preprocessing is carried out
> Meshing
> GNN optimizes mesh
> FEA
> GNN suggests optimization for geometry