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Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Use the Selective Laser Melting process for additive manufacturing.
Analyze (SLM)
Run an additive manufacturing analysis, then view and plot the results.
Result Types for SLM
3D printing analysis for SLM produces results for displacement, Von Mises stress, collision distance, layer shifting, and failure index.

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Parametric Modeling
Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
Implicit Modeling
Create implicit models with primitives, lattices, point clouds, fields, offsetting, Booleans, inverting, smoothing, morphing, and filleting.
Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
Motion
Set up and run a motion analysis, plot the results, and export the results.
Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
Design Explorer
Evaluate designs by using geometric variables and applying a design-of-experiments (DOE) or optimization method. We recommend fully constraining your sketch when sketch variables are used in the design exploration.
Manufacture
Set up and run a basic porosity or thinning analysis.
Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
  Use the Selective Laser Melting process for additive manufacturing.
  - Print Part (SLM)
    Select parts to print and assign materials for selective laser melting.
  - Printer
    Configure the 3D printing bed. You can select a default printer or choose from several standard printers.
  - Orientation (SLM)
    Orient the part in relation to the printing bed.
  - Support
    Create and partition supports required for 3D printing.
  - Slice
    Examine the part in layers to validate its geometry before 3D printing.
  - Export
    Export a file containing the prepared part and/or supports for 3D printing.
  - Calibration
    Print a small part (also called a coupon) to measure the deformation of the material after printing, and use this data to calibrate the print analysis.
  - Analyze (SLM)
    Run an additive manufacturing analysis, then view and plot the results.
    - Run Options: Local vs. Remote
      Choose whether to run jobs locally or on a remote job server.
    - Run an SLM Analysis
      Run an SLM additive manufacturing analysis for the selected print parts.
    - View SLM Analysis Results
      View, animate, and plot the results of a 3D printing analysis.
    - Animate and Record Results
      If you've previously run a 3D printing analysis, use the Animation toolbar to animate and record the results.
    - Result Types for SLM
      3D printing analysis for SLM produces results for displacement, Von Mises stress, collision distance, layer shifting, and failure index.
  - Compensated Geometry
    Export a compensated .stl file. You can select from several simulation runs.
- Binder Sinter
  Use the Binder-Sinter process for additive manufacturing.
Rendering
Adjust the materials and environment of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Inspire Python API
Learn how to access the Inspire Python API including online help, quick start demos, and the Extension Manager.
Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

Result Types for SLM

3D printing analysis for SLM produces results for displacement, Von Mises stress, collision distance, layer shifting, and failure index.

Displacement

The displacement result type shows how much your model will displace or deflect during the 3D printing process. The areas of the model that are the darkest orange will have the most displacement.

When reviewing displacement results, you should check that the order of magnitude of the displacement and the shape of the deformation make sense. Use the Animation tools on the Analysis Explorer to view the shape of the deformation.

von Mises Stress

The von Mises stress results can be used to predict part performance and durability. Areas shown in orange/red have exceeded the peak stress.

Collision Distance

This result type shows the distance between the printer’s recoater and the top material layer of the printed part. If this distance is less than 0, the recoater will collide with the part when printing.

Layer Shifting

This result type shows the surface roughness that occurs when a printed layer contracts as it cools, and the next layer is printed according to the dimensions of the file.

Note: This result does not consider inter-layer differences that are inherent to the part's design, but only the effects of thermal contraction.

Failure Index

This result type will help you to identify regions where the part may break or crack. Regions colored in red represent failure areas, orange represents critical areas, and gray represents safe areas.