The `parametric_utils.py` module#

Summary#

Functions

`build_rate`	Calculate the build rate.
`energy_density`	Calculate the energy density.

Description#

Provides utility functions used during a parametric study.

Module detail#

parametric_utils.build_rate(scan_speed: float, layer_thickness: float, hatch_spacing: float | None = None) → float#

Calculate the build rate.

This is an approximate value useful for comparison but not for an accurate prediction of build time. The returned value is simply the product of the scan speed, layer thickness, and hatch spacing (if provided).

Parameters:

scan_speedfloat: Laser scan speed.
layer_thicknessfloat: Powder deposit layer thickness.
hatch_spacingfloat, default: None: Distance between hatch scan lines.

Returns:

float: Volumetric build rate is returned if hatch spacing is provided. Otherwise, an area build rate is returned. If input units are m/s and m, the output units are m^3/s or m^2/s.

parametric_utils.energy_density(laser_power: float, scan_speed: float, layer_thickness: float, hatch_spacing: float | None = None) → float#

Calculate the energy density.

This is an approximate value useful for comparison. The returned value is simply the laser power divided by the build rate. For more information, see the build_rate() method.