SOFTWARE FOR LARGE-FORMAT
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

FIBER PLACEMENT  |  TAPE LAYING  |  filament WINDING  |  3D PRINTING
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CAESA® SOFTWARE

Automated toolpath generation for Additive Manufacturing. The worldˋs unique combination of 3D printing and tape laying. 

CAESA® Software - Additive Manufacturing

FEATURES

CAESA® MAP

Discover CAESA® as machine-independent CAM software for maximum efficient high-performance manufacturing of composites components. Divided into 8 segments, CAESA® MAP guides you through the features for additive manufacturing. CAESA® is structured according to the categories resources, process or product. Covering multiple processes with one solution.
Additive Manufacturing Features

PROCESS

Automated Toolpath generation for Additive Manufacturing technologies. CAESA® software supports the complete process from path planning to the robot program in a digital twin for the following manufacturing technologies.
1

AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is a fully automated manufacturing process for composite parts. Fiber-reinforced plastics are placed along a path on a tool surface under pressure and temperature.
AFP is mainly used for double curved components. The CAESA® software provides the complete AFP process from path planning to robot program in a digital twin.
2

AUTOMATED TAPE LAYING 

Automated Tape Laying (ATL) is a fully automated manufacturing process for composite parts. Fiber-reinforced plastics are placed along a path on a tool surface under pressure and temperature.
ATL is mainly used for 2D components or low-curvature geometry. The CAESA® software provides the complete ATL process from path planning to robot program in a digital twin.
3

LASER-ASSISTED TAPE WINDING

The laser assisted tape winding (LATW) is an automated process for manufacturing fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tubular products, such as pipes and pressure vessels.
The CAESA® software provides the complete winding process (helical, polar or hoop) from path planning to robot program in a digital twin.
4

LASER-ASSISTED TAPE PLACEMENT 

The laser assisted tape placement (LATP) is an automated process for manufacturing fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tubular products, such as pipes and pressure vessels.
The CAESA® software provides the complete winding process (helical, polar or hoop) from path planning to robot program in a digital twin.
5

FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING

In Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), material is melted in wire form in a heating chamber and extruded through a nozzle by continuously feeding the material. The process offers high material flexibility (PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG). CAESA® expands FDM with completely new fields of application with REAL 3D slicing for robot-based 3D printing.
6

FUSED GRANULATE MODELING

Fused Granulate Modeling (FGM) uses plastic pallets, which are melted within a screw extruder. Because the material flow is mostly constant, CAESA® dynamically adjusts the robot feed in the NC-Code.
7

CONTINUOUS FIBER-REINFORCED MATERIAL EXTRUSION

To reinforce plastics, short or continuous (glass) fibers are added. The individual filaments with continuous fibers or also the addition of fibers during a running process can be realized with the software CAESA®
8

DIRECT ENERGY DEPOSITION

Direkt Energy Deposition uses metal powder, which is melted and applied with a highpower laser at the desired locations. Since the tilt of end effector has an influence on the part quality, the orientation can be optimized with CAESA®.
9

WIRE ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing involves melting a metal wire using an electric arc.

Book a live Demo

Would you like to learn more about the features of CAESA®? Then book a live demonstration to see the full potential of CAESA® and let us know when you are planning to visit the trade fair by sending an e-mail to info@swms.de.

Alternatively, you can simply use our calendar to schedule an appointment.

SIMULATION

Simulation of the additive manufacturing process increases productivity.
CAESA® enables a perfect match between the real system and the digital twin.
1

SINGULARITIES

Singularity tests can be performed with the CAESA®. In the process, critical positions of a 6-axis robot are recorded during occupancy. Singularities are identified in the existing simulation module for robot systems and possible solutions are found.
2

MATERIAL BUILD UP

The material application simulation carried out by CAESA® shows the finished component. The individual layers can also be examined.
The material application simulation is also required for collision checking.
3

COLLISION

The collision test CAESA® prevents contact between the robot, end effector, component and cell.
4

SPEED PARAMETER

In the Speed-Parameter-Simulation, CAESA® can show the different web speeds.
5

AXIS MESSAGES

The simulation for axis angles with the CAESA® software can detect and inform about critical axis positions.
6

PROCESS TIME

The manufacturing time of a component influences the cost calculation. The process time is calculated by CAESA® on the basis of the distance covered and the production speed.

INSPECTION

The fiber placement process can be monitored to ensure that the process is executed correctly. Deviations from the planned path are detected, ensuring uniform fiber distribution and orientation.
1

INLINE-THERMOGRAPHY

Inline thermography is part of the quality management and enables the detection of defects in the process. The obtained data are managed with a digital twin.
2

AI-BASED CLASSIFICATION

The data collected during the process is processed and categorized by an AI. In the AFP area, the AI detects fuzzballs, foils, etc.
3

3D LOCATION OF DETECTED OBJECTS

The categorized errors are compared with the digital twin. The position of the occurring errors can thus be clearly determined and communicated to the machine operator. In this way, the errors can be identified during the process and precautions can be taken if necessary.

INTERFACES

1

CATIA

A direct connection to CATIA allows to directly extract information on open parts and to map them in CAESA®. Geometric objects can be imported directly to CATIA.
2

SIEMENS NX

CAESA® can communicate with NX. The slicing results can be exported from CAESA® to NX, where they can be integrated into the previous process planning.
3

3MF

The further development and optimization of the STL format.
4

STEP

The STEP is a part of the CAESA® software. It is responsible for storing and displaying complex data formats in mathematical output (coordinate systems, lines, areas, points).
5

IGES

The STEP is a part of the CAESA® software. It is responsible for storing and displaying complex data formats in mathematical output (coordinate systems, lines, areas, points).
6

STL

Simple format for pure graphical representation of parts. This format contains only the triangular information of the tesselated bodies.
7

BA SOUL

COMING SOON
8

FIBERSIM

COMING SOON
9

ANSYS

COMING SOON

ANALYSIS

CAESA® provides detailed component analysis by process time, waste and cost. The results are delivered in a clear summary of the relevant component data. They are used for precise planning for production.
A

COMPONENT COST

CAESA® analyzes and optimizes the generation of courses and layouts. The laminates are optimally adapted to the machine. CAESA® calculates the component costs via the material usage and the production time.
B

UNDER-EXTRUSION

Under extrusion occurs when less material is conveyed than is actually needed. This happens, among other things, because the layer height changes within a layer during real 3D printing. These deviations are detected by CAESA®.
C

OVER-EXTRUSION

Over extrusion occurs when more material is conveyed than is actually needed. This happens, among other things, because the layer height changes within a layer during real 3D printing. These deviations are detected by CAESA®.
D

OVERHEATING

Since material often has to be melted in additive manufacturing processes in order to apply it, the manufactured component becomes hot. In order to prevent unwanted deformation (e.g. sagging of material), certain cooling times must be observed. By storing these parameters, CAESA® dynamically adjusts the manufacturing speeds.
E

MATERIAL CONSUMPTION

CAESA® calculates the material consumption by the robot path traveled, offset by other parameters such as the layer height. This allows the user to decide in advance whether the component meets his requirements (weight, material consumption, ...) or whether it should still be adapted.
F

CO2 EQUIVALENT

The CO2 equivalents can be calculated and displayed in CAESA®. The prerequisite is that the customer provides the respective data required for the calculation (average equivalent electricity consumption, material production, etc.).
G

WEIGHT

Based on the material consumption, CAESA® calculates the actual weight.
H

OVERLAPS

The singularity check allows critical position of a 6-axis robot to be pointed out during occupancy. Adds a singularity check to the existing simulation module for robot systems. The machine kinematics are used for the simulation and any singularities and possible solutions are identified.
I

GAPS

Different types of gaps are created during the laying of the tracks. Parallel gaps and triangular gaps can be created. CAESA® analyses the minimum and maximum distances. CAESA® for example, avoids overlaps.
J

ANGLE DEVIATION

The maximum angle deviation of the Tows is generally +/-5°. The angle of the Tows is to be measured with the so-called measuring rosette to the neutral fiber. The measuring rosette consists of a plane which passes through the intersection of the line to be measured and the neutral fiber. The plane is perpendicular to the neutral fiber. Furthermore, the measuring rosette consists of a line which points in the normal direction of the plane and also has its origin in the intersection of the line to be measured and the neutral fiber. The angle of the line to be measured is measured to the line of the measuring rosette.
K

STEERING

Steering is the deviation of a CFRP sheet from a straight line. Stresses arise due to different lengths of the edge contours. Steering always occurs at non-geodesic fiber runs or when depositing on non-planar surfaces. CAESA® analyzes the path for the optimum radius.
L

BRIDGING

AFP has great potential on multi-curved surfaces. The resulting effects such as gaps, bridging and steering can be analyzed and controlled with CAESA®. The deformation behavior of a compaction roller is also analyzed. CAESA® shows the limits of the deformability of the compaction roller.
M

MACHINING END OF PLY

Machining End Of Ply (MEOP) specifies the area to be covered. CAESA® analyzes the MEOP area for maximum allowed gap areas.

TOOLPATH

The path planning for additive manufacturing is unique. The specific characteristics of the process is the layer-by-layer build-up of material and many limitations of the equipment. The geometries being produced are highly complex and require a high degree of precision, which must be considered in the path planning.
a

PLIES

Composite materials for advanced applications for aircraft components, space structures, racing cars and sporting goods are used in the form of continuous fiber reinforced material in the form of plies. In CAESA®, the ply is the basic unit for the design, analysis or manufacturing process phases.
b

ZONES

A zone in composites is a group with the same physical properties. Zones can be used as a calculation basis in CAESA® for tool path calculation for 2D and 3D laminates.
c

2D PRODUCT

The CAESA® 2D module enables web planning for flat laminar structures. Process reliability and cutting waste are optimized.
d

3D PRODUCT

The CAESA® 3D module works with occupancy algorithms. These do not have problems in the area of material overflow or missing material in curves.
e

COURSES

A course is the direction in which the part is manufactured. This includes reference lines such as the left limit (maximum point in the left direction).
f

STAGGERING

Staggering describes the dislocation between several layers of material. The CAESA® takes into account not only the stacking but also the bonding of the material to obtain a greater load-bearing capacity by means of uniformly oriented tows under the consideration of staggering.
g

BOUNDARY COVERAGE TYPES

Boundaries are an essential information necessary for manufacturing CFRP laminates. CAESA® provides different ways of dealing with multiple and single boundaries. 
h

MINIMUM GAP LENGTH

Minimumm Tow LEngth represents the length of material that must be laid in each case to obtain a safe process. Within CAESA®, larger values can also be selected per layer.
i

MINIMUM TOW LENGTH

Minimum Tow Length represents the length of material that must be laid in each case to obtain a safe process. Within CAESA®, larger values can also be selected per layer.
j

PATCHES

A patch or ply is a reinforcement that does not extend over the entire component. They are applied to areas of the component that are subject to high stress. Patches open up new areas of application for gaps. With the CAESA® software, the function of patches can be used without any problems.
k

REAL 3D

Real 3D allows slicing with complete freedom in three - dimensional space. REAL 3D combines all slicing methods. Complex components with multiple curved surfaces can be sliced.
l

GUIDE CURVE

Another function of the software is the Guide Curve or also called Slicing. A constant position orientation is used and rotated and shifted based on the guide curve. With this, CAESA® enables complex components such as hooks.
M

TILTED

Tilted is an extension of flat slicen. Not only is the guide curve shifted and rotated, but the head tilt is also adjusted. This enables the CAESA® software to reproduce the enlargement of the guide curve, for example for a wine glass, much more easily and in greater detail.
n

NON-PLANAR

Another function to produce complex parts is the NON - PLANAR manufacturing. With this function the software CAESA® can work with multiple curved surfaces.
o

PLANAR

Planar Slicing describes horizontal printing. A layer structure is produced by the CAESA® software without further modifications.
p

FEATURE BASED

Featured based slicing enables the outsourcing of slicing algorithms to individual features. The special component geometries are available to the user as individual slicing functions in CAESA®.

KINEMATICS

Easy integration of new layup heads and machine kinematics. Depending of the machine, CAESA® integrates seemlessly without much difficulty.
1

6-AXIS

With 6-axis systems, not only the X,Y,Z coordinates can be approached translationally, but also the respective tilts or rotations are achieved. This means that curved layers/surfaces can also be used to build the part. Most robots have 6 rotational axes. Most gantry systems have 3 linear axes and 3 rotational axes.
2

5-AXIS

5-axis systems usually consist of three linear axes and 2 rotary axes. The 2 rotary axes open up new possibilities for non-planar manufacturing. The use of support structures can be mostly eliminated.
3

LINEAR

In CAESA®, each machine and robot can be extended by one or more additional linear axes. This increases the reachability and also the print volume by allowing the machine or robot to produce the part.
4

ROTATIONAL

In CAESA®, additional rotation axes can be included, for example to achieve maximum accessibility of certain tilts or rotations. This is often done when the existing axes are restricted by certain axis limits.
5

ROTATIONAL & LINEAR

 The combination of one or more linear and rotary axes can be implemented in CAESA®. This allows maximum accessibility of positions and also the build volume is scalable as desired.

SYSTEM

A

KUKA

KUKA CNC | KUKA KLR
B

SIEMENS

840 D SL
C

BECKHOFF

D

STÄUBLI

E

ABB

F

COMAU

REFERENCES

2D Fiber Placement

Tape laying

Tape laying

Tape laying

STAXX FLEX

Broetje-Automation

JADE HOCHSCHULE

“Printing without limits”

A

MACHINERY MANUFACTURER

Reproduce your machine as a digital twin in CAESA® with the kinematics and postprocessor. Offer a complete package for your customer together with your machine.

B

COMPONENT MANUFACTURER

Component manufacturers create optimized programs for their components with CAESA®. Check profitability with cost and productivity analyses and optimized material usage.

C

RESEARCH INSTITUTES

CAESA® software offers fast program creation for your laboratory. CAESA® is open for new machine concepts, new interfaces and customizable postprocessor.

CAESA® SOFTWARE

Are you interested in one of the above mentioned offers or do you have questions about the CAESA®? Please do not hesitate to contact us!
contact us

BOOK A DEMO

LARS WINDELS

Managing partner

Head of Development

MARC LOEGEL

Teamleader 

Composites

INGO SCHLALOS

Managing partner

Head of Sales