Specimen for the evaluation of new features as described in the R&D project.

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the global software solutions provider for the printing industry, announces its continued investment in the expansion of its Additive Manufacturing (AM) software portfolio, with an additional R&D project aimed at adding multiple new functionalities to its CLOUDFLOW Maker AM workflow software. The Flemish Government has committed to supplying HYBRID Software with a grant, confirming the relevance of the innovative research to be undertaken in HYBRID Software’s AM Business Unit.

The project’s goal is the development of next-level functionalities in CLOUDFLOW Maker, including a “from CAD to postprocess” software solution for Binder and Material Jetting technologies. These new functionalities will drive down the Cost Per Part while increasing the quality, reliability, and repeatability of the process.

Kris Binon, HYBRID Business Unit Manager for AM, is very pleased to hear the confirmation of government endorsement: “We have a solid business case, driven by true market need and delivered from our in-house expertise. We’re glad we’ve been able to adequately substantiate this claim to the government, as we believe this project is going to create tangible added value for AM machine operators. Our team has already begun setting up tests that will quantify some of the parameters to be applied in our software, in alignment with our goal of achieving positive effects on binder usage, print speed and energy efficiency.”

Nick De Roeck, Co-President of HYBRID Software, shares “The 3D-printing industry is at a crossroads: as printer producers and users turn towards industrialization, they need software to support that evolution. At such point in time, optimization and streamlining are key concepts. To achieve that, HYBRID can leverage its expertise in the industrialization of printing for labels & packaging and develop value-added functionalities for 3D and Additive Manufacturing. This project fits that scope entirely. It takes us where we intent to be and lays the foundation for further growth of the group.”

Adds De Roeck, “Some of the R&D efforts will also benefit our existing solutions. We’re particularly looking at applying AI to further enhance the development of new algorithms, for example for advanced dithering and ink management. Our co-development projects with the first selected Binder and Material Jetting OEM’s will also be announced in the near future.”