Since the launch of its first machine, BLT has established a software R&D team focused on creating specialized software for metal AM. Over recent years, BLT has built a comprehensive software ecosystem tailored to over 400 metal AM machines & systems, covering the entire manufacturing process. The newly upgraded BLT Intelligent Manufacturing Software Ecosystem will bring more comprehensive, efficient and intelligent metal additive manufacturing solutions.
Efficiency Enhancement and Function Optimization: Build Planning Software, BLT-Build Planner
BLT-BP V2, BLT build planning software, coupled with more than 10 years of production experience of hundreds of PBF-LB/M machines and systems, covers all of BLT’s machines and systems and supports dozens of laser configurations.
The development team has significantly improved the slicing efficiency for large, complex components. For example, a high-performance, large, complex structural component that previously required 168 hours for slicing can now be completed in just 0.41 hours with BLT-BP V2, a 99% efficiency increase. Additionally, the software can improve printing efficiency by an average of 6.9%, with a maximum increase of 27%.
BLT-BP V2 supports free movement of multi-laser split lines, which optimizes the collaborative utilization rate between multiple lasers and improves printing efficiency. Its variable layer thickness function enables the printing of variable layer thickness between different parts, as well as variable layer thickness at different heights of the same part, ensuring both fast manufacturing and high surface quality for fine structures. BLT-BP V2 also provides enhanced data security through tiered encryption of parameter box.
More Convenient: Intelligent Modules Safeguarding the Printing Process
BLT-AutoCAL
Galvanometer is the key to precise laser scanning in metal 3D printing. BLT-AutoCAL aims to solve the common problem encountered in the production of metal 3D printing, deviations in galvanometer accuracy due to complexity of the machines and systems environment. It enhances calibration efficiency and precision, boosts printing accuracy and quality, and increases production efficiency.
The previous generation of calibration products takes more than 120min, while BLT-AutoCAL only takes about 40min to complete the calibration. BLT-AutoCAL boasts higher calibration accuracy, with a maximum accuracy of ±0.03mm. It only takes 2 hours of hands-on training with no need for manual calibration after hardware deployment and setting of hardware parameters in advance.
BLT-3D Reconstruction
The forming defects cannot be traced when accidents occur in production process. BLT-3D Reconstruction intelligent module monitors the forming process in real-time and quickly identifies defects, enabling accurate quality trace. Additionally, the forming part is visualized in real time, and the quality is assured by comparing layer by layer. This capability enables precise detection of high-risk areas for subsequent processes, thereby enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
BLT-Temperature Field Monitor
BLT-Temperature Field Monitor is a newly developed intelligent module for metal 3D printing. It uses high-precision infrared camera for real-time monitoring of the target, which can display the temperature gradient of the printed part and the distribution of the temperature field, thus enabling faster detection of part defects. Featured with linkage control with BLT-MCS, it takes pictures and stores them at key points in the part printing process, making it easy for users to trace defective parts back to their source. It also assists technicians to check and adjust the printed process parameters with the printed temperature field data, making it easier for designers and technicians to carry out more comprehensive product programming.
Furthermore, BLT-Automatic Grafting can achieve high-efficiency and high-precision batch grafting; BLT-Intelligent Recoating Detection enables intelligent identification of various abnormal conditions on powder spreading to maintain machine in time. These software further enhance overall printing efficiency and product quality, facilitating cost reduction, efficiency enhancement and quality improvement in industrial mass production.
Upgraded Intelligent Production Line Management Software: BLT-MES
BLT also optimized BLT-MES 2.0 with enhanced capabilities and new features to further strengthen the management of production processes. Based on user feedback, the software has undergone further upgrades.
The upgraded BLT-MES features process-level quality management, enabling real-time monitoring of process data, self-filling of data and improved process management based on actual performance as well as the customization of new process forms. It also supports quick data retrieval and enhanced data analysis capabilities to improve the forming process. The upgraded editable 2D dashboard feature allows for virtual reproduction of production line scenarios, making it ideal for more than 10 or even 100 units of metal AM machines and systems.
BLT contributes to the innovation and transformation of the manufacturing industry, leveraging its intelligent manufacturing software ecosystem to inject new impetus into the sector. BLT will continue to revolutionize the software front, leading the era of mass production in metal additive manufacturing with more efficient and higher-quality solutions.
