Import AM models from a .3MF file: You can now import an AM model consisting of part(s) and support geometries directly from a 3D Manufacturing Format, or .3MF file. A new Import from 3MF button is available on the LPBF Process Add-on ribbon. During an import, Geometry Import objects are created and added in the Mechanical application's project tree, and an .stl file is generated for each part and support body and placed beneath the appropriate Geometry Import object. Additionally, an AM Process object is added, and the newly inserted geometries are automatically scoped to it. That is, the part and support geometries are automatically identified and the supports for each part are scoped within a single Support Group under AM Process.

The import function works by reading the structure of the .3MF file. A .3MF file describes geometry by listing the coordinates of vertices and constituent triangles, much like an .stl file. The .3MF file also defines relationships between geometries, such as between parts and their related supports. The Import from 3MF feature supports the core specification as defined by the 3MF Consortium, which includes information about the geometries and their relationships but not material or slicing information.

Improved convergence for base unbolting step: Nonlinear stabilization is now on by default for base unbolting, base removal, and support removal AM process steps to improve convergence. See Stabilization in the Mechanical User's Guide, and Using Nonlinear Stabilization and STABILIZE in the Mechanical APDL documentation for more information.

Improved convergence for removal steps: A new Weak Springs boundary condition object, similar to other structural support objects, is now available to loosely hold parts in place during removal steps. It can be added using the new Weak Springs button on the LPBF Process ribbon, or by insertion under the Static Structural system in the project tree.

Insert a Weak Springs object into an LPBF Static Structural simulation to prevent rigid body motion during post processing steps when the default stabilization is insufficient. In most cases, simulations should be able to reach convergence without this object, but it may be necessary on some occasions. When added, the object automatically scopes all nodes at the bottom of the part and support geometries. It attaches weak springs on the scoping (or a subset of the scoping) to hold the part in place without significantly affecting results.

Location-specific Strain Scaling Factors (Beta feature): With this beta feature, you can specify strain scaling factor (SSF) values that vary in space in AM Inherent Strain simulations. This allows you to account for variability in strains for different locations on the build plate. Previously, a single SSF was applied to all elements of the build. With the beta feature, the existing Tables/Table tree items can be used to specify varying strain scaling factors for X and Y locations. The Tables/Table functionality also permits importing a .csv file of strain scaling factors.

Directional recoater interference (Beta feature): The directional recoater interference capability is an extension of the current recoater interference result. With the new capability, the recoater interference result will be modified to represent a difference in recoater interference likelihood with different recoater directions. Only results on the surface of a part are adjusted based on the recoater direction.