PyAdditive is a Python client library for the Ansys Additive server. The Ansys Additive server is distributed with the Additive option of the Structures package in the Ansys unified installation.
Use PyAdditive to run single bead, porosity, 2D microstructure, 3D microstructure (Beta), and thermal history simulations, as well as custom material tuning. An Ansys Additive Suite license is required to run the simulations and tune materials. End-to-end examples show how you can use PyAdditve. You can download these examples as Python files or Jupyter notebooks and run them locally. For more information, see the PyAdditive documentation.
New in PyAdditive
Newly released functionality for PyAdditive that is included in the 2026 R1 Ansys Additive server include:
Ring mode (Beta): A new ring mode (ring‑shaped) beam profile option has been added to the laser modeling capabilities. This feature uses a mathematical representation to simulate how various donut‑type laser intensity distributions influence melt‑pool behavior in additive manufacturing.
The ring mode includes seven indices (0–6) that adjust the relative intensities of the primary and secondary laser peaks. Index 0 closely aligns with the traditional Gaussian distribution. As the index increases, the primary peak intensity decreases while the secondary peak becomes more dominant, resulting in progressively stronger ring-shaped profiles.
Ring mode beam shapes are commonly used to generate wider melt pools, increasing productivity during bulk build regions. They can also help mitigate keyhole porosity in certain materials, such as AlSi10Mg.
Laser defocusing heat source model (Beta): We’ve introduced a new Laser Defocusing Heat Source Model (Beta) that allows you to simulate how heat is distributed when a laser beam is intentionally offset from its focal point. This model is useful for processes such as welding, cutting, additive manufacturing, and surface treatments where broader, lower‑intensity heat input is desired.
In this initial release, the model supports positive defocus only, meaning the laser’s focal point is positioned above the material surface. This creates a wider, shallower laser spot, enabling you to evaluate conditions where reduced energy density and gentler heating are important.
Defocusing affects energy density, melt pool geometry, thermal gradients, and cooling rates.