The use of simulation software in 3D printing has slowly become an integral part of the 3D printing workflow and helps the operator to understand and visualize many of the thermo-mechanical phenomena taking place during the manufacturing of parts. In this article, we delve into why and where simulation software is used in 3D printing processes. If the simulation is performed before any printing has occurred, it can be used to identify if there are any areas of internal stress or mechanical deformation prior to them being physically realized. Simulations are often used in high-value and high-precision 3D printing processes, ergo, all the main 3D printing processes can be benefitted from the use of simulations. The most popular simulation packages revolve around metal welding simulation solvers and are therefore used in a lot of metal 3D printing process. These are often used in metal 3D printing methods, where the fusion temperatures are higher, and simulations help to evaluate the thermo-mechanical constraints during these fusion processes. Anyone who is interested in performing simulation in their 3D printing research should seek out which one would be best for them and work out the relevant advantages and disadvantages towards their own printing process needs.
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