Diamond-Like Prototypes
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE; www. msoe. edu) has developed a patented modeling technique called “TetraLattice,” which is said to be based the crystalline structure found in diamonds.
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE; www.msoe.edu) has developed a patented modeling technique called “TetraLattice,” which is said to be based the crystalline structure found in diamonds. TetraLattice creates complex, 3D structures with lattice interiors rather than solid material, making them lighter weight while still maintaining their strength. MSOE recently issued its first license for TetraLattice to DSM-Somos, which will offer “TetraShellTM” hollow build software.
“Until now, hollow build stereolithography (SL) software has been restricted primarily to investment casting pattern applications,” says DSM Somos Product Development Manager, Brian Bauman. “The TetraShell software will allow SL part builders to widely vary wall thickness, as well as to adjust support parameters—and consequently opens doors previously closed to SL because of cost or weight considerations. Due to overall reduction of mass, the TetraShell hollow build style will create considerable material savings for customers with bulky parts, while at the same time increasing part accuracy.”
TetraShell is a proprietary DSM Somos application module supported by Materialise’s Magics software and can be used on all current SL equipment.
