Softshaper is a professional software targeted at industrial machines producing in 3D printing technology, also compatible with low-budget 3D printers, has just presented the latest installment of key functions.
The latest edition of the software is Softshaper 2021 equipped with a number of functions that are worth getting to know if you are considering changing the current software.
Softshaper as one of the first software on the market has a layer modification solution – Individual modification of individual layers or their groups to assign a separate print technology.
The Softshaper application allows individual modification of each layer and specific features of the model only in those areas where it is necessary. This approach allows you to save time and material, while significantly increasing the strength of the print and obtaining the required technological features.
The structure generation function includes automatic and manual support, offering a wide range of support shapes – depending on technological needs. Parameterization of the support process allows you to change the type of filling, modify support areas, as well as the ability to generate a contour. The program allows you to compensate for the impact of the adhesion forces of the model and the bottom bracket by being able to control the offset of these structures in the XY plane and in the Z axis.
The Softshaper application has two types of support generation – automatic and object-oriented. In the first case, areas requiring support structures are automatically detected by the software. Object-generated support structures give the user the ability to add or remove selected objects, so that he has control over the support area.
The software also allows you to specify the parameters of support’s density. Thanks to this it is possible to set a higher density of the support in particularly important areas. In others, however, the density of supports can be selected in terms of the required rigidity. This process translates into faster total print time.
The process of printing from thermoplastic materials is greatly influenced by the thermal phenomena occurring in the extruded material. Depending on the geometry of the model and the generated trajectory of the head movement, process nodes in the form of small geometry printing may appear on the model. That is why it is important for the user to have full control over the technological process.
The Softshaper application allows you to modify these parameters by automatically adapting the speed and cooling values on the model. It is possible to specify places that require increased or reduced cooling of the print layers. This function significantly improves the quality of printed models and the degree of detail reproduction. The Softshaper application allows smooth control of 3D printing speed and cooling time of the layer.
Softshaper software provides an Intuitive Interface that facilitates work on many models. Important from the perspective of prototyping and production support is the ability to generate and save Reports made in the work program, and support for designers and 3D printing technologists is ensured by advanced printing simulation. The color and numerical representation of the printing process enables accurate planning of speed, cooling, settings for a specific material, and even a single layer. The ability to create, save, transfer and re-use the program’s technological files is provided by Work on Profiles and Projects, and Dedicated Postprocessors ensure defining the individual features and functions of each machine, adapted to the technological requirements of the industry.