Authentise, a provider of workflow software for additive manufacturing, is making digital materials tracking easier for AM powders thanks to its new Material Management feature. The software update will enable users to track every step of the AM powder workflow, including sieving, blending and printing, creating a full digital thread for the material.
The new Material Management feature is integrated closely with the Authentise Manufacturing Execution System (AMES), automatically linking material traceability reports to printed parts made from the material in question. This integration facilitates an end-to-end digital thread that encompasses the full material history as well as machine data, operator actions and more.
For ease-of-use, the new software feature is available through the Authentise app, meaning that users can easily update the status of materials and print jobs on the go. Other more detailed features, like full reports and material genealogy trees are accessible through the browser.
“We’re excited to be the only independent provider with an end-to-end digital material and part traceability solution,” said Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise. “There’s still so much we don’t know about the additive process: how do storage conditions affect end part quality? How many times can we recycle, under what conditions? As a result, too much money is wasted as we default to the most secure and expensive options. Too many parts still end up being printed with virgin powder unnecessarily. The integration of our unique ability to draw together data from machines, operators, testing and now materials finally gives us the tools to understand these processes fully, and explain them to our partners.”
TWI Ltd., a research and technology organization based in the UK, is already leveraging the new Authentise offering and is seeing benefits. “Digital Material Management is the missing piece of the puzzle for us,” explained Miguel Zavala, Project Leader in Laser Additive Manufacturing. “As a certified Lloyds Register lab, we have to prove that we’re following the right process at all times. The combination of AMES with a seamless material tracking tool delivers a full digital traceability of not only what we’ve done but everything that has happened to the part. We can use that data to improve our processes, provide automated reports to clients and work with our partners to develop better machines, materials, processes and designs.”
This Materials Management feature is not the only new addition to Authentise’s software solution: earlier this month, the company integrated Addiguru’s real-time process monitoring solution with its AMES platform. This collaboration is expected to provide users with more vital information about the AM process and improve practical use of AM monitoring systems.
