CAMT Software & Digital Workflow Flashcards

What is the primary advantage of the AMF (Additive Manufacturing File) format over the traditional STL format?

Answer: AMF natively supports color, multiple materials, and curved surface data

AMF (Additive Manufacturing File format) extends STL by supporting color, multiple materials, curved triangle patches, and descriptive metadata that the STL format cannot encode.

What type of specialized software is used to prepare and manage builds specifically for powder bed fusion systems like SLS and SLM?

Answer: Build preparation software such as Materialise Magics or EOS Print

Specialized build preparation software like Materialise Magics or EOS Print is designed to handle powder bed fusion–specific requirements including part nesting, support design, and process parameter management.

What does the 'layer view' or 'print preview' feature in slicing software allow an operator to verify before starting a build?

Answer: The toolpath for each individual layer to identify potential issues before printing

Layer view allows operators to visually inspect the planned toolpath for every layer, helping identify missing supports, infill errors, or perimeter issues that could cause a build failure.

What is a 'brim' in FDM slicing software, and how does it differ from a raft?

Answer: A brim is a single-layer flat border around the part base; a raft is a multi-layer mesh beneath the entire part

A brim is a single-layer flat extension printed around the part's footprint to increase bed adhesion, while a raft is a thicker multi-layer structure placed beneath the entire part.

When exporting a build file for a metal SLM machine, which parameter setting most directly controls the final surface finish quality of the part exterior?

Answer: Contour scan speed and laser power for border tracks

The contour (border) scan speed and laser power settings control the melt pool behavior at part edges, directly determining the surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of the final part.

In a multi-material FDM workflow, what is the purpose of a 'purge tower' or 'prime tower' generated by slicing software?

Answer: To purge residual material from the previous color or material before printing on the actual part

A purge or prime tower is a sacrificial structure printed alongside the main part where the printer purges mixed or residual material from one extruder before depositing the next material on the actual part.