SATPC0035858 Tab 04 4 SOW Revised..pdf

Statement of Work for Powermill 2024 License

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) requires a PowerMill license with that can accept a .pripost post processor in order to operate the Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) cell.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL 35812

1 Overview

Autodesk PowerMill software is used to program the toolpath for the 6-axis robotic arm and provide the code for the LP-DED system.

The vendor for the LP-DED system provides a custom post processor (.pripost) to inject specific instructions into the toolpathing code that enables the system to operate. These codes include commands such as:

• Laser on/off

• Hopper on/off

• Gases on/off

• Start up codes to position the system relative to the work surface.

This post processor code is made only by the vendor of the toolhead on the robotic arm and is required to successfully operate the system. Only the toolhead vendor can correctly communicate the commands to the toolhead that provide the build quality associated with their machine and utilize it’s full functionality including the tool head vendors Closed Loop Control System that was developed to work in tandem with their system as a whole.

The post processor is only compatible with AutoDesk PowerMill and thus this software is also required for it’s operation.

The post processor also requires updates regularly in order to improve build quality. The toolhead vendor must be the provider of such updates in order to maintain any warranty or build quality guarantees.

The virtual environment that is used to toolpath the robot is unique to our system and therefore further necessitates the toolhead vendors input and modifications as the cell receives upgrades or any changes.

2 Specifications

2.1 PowerMill

The latest version of Powermill, PowerMill 2025, is required to toolpath the robotic arm. This software includes a virtual environment to accurately toolpath the robotic arm.

PowerMill also enables the vendor of the LP-DED tool head to inject specific instructions into the toolpathing code that enables full operation of the LP-DED system.

The powermill software must be compatible with the toolhead vendors .pripost post processor and able to integrate the virtual environment of NASA MSFC LP-DED system. The robot, tool head, powermill, post processor and the control system all work together to create a finished part. The toolhead vendor is the only company that has the technical capability to provide this software and workflow capability.

Powermill must have library access to robotic arms including but not limited to, ABB, Kuka, and Fanuc, all of which are part of industry standard robotic arms.

2.2 LP-DED Toolhead Post Processor

The vendor for the LP-DED toolhead provides a custom post processor that injects operational commands into the toolpath code. This code is proprietary to the toolhead vendor and requires regular updates and modifications as needed for different build geometries.

The post processor is unique to the toolhead vendor and to the setup for the 6-axis robotic arm and LP- DED system.

The toolhead vendor must be able to regularly update the post processor and modify the virtual environment as the cell receives upgrades and modifications. Since they wrote the post processor themselves they are the only company capable of updating it and retaining responsibility for the build quality should issues arise.

2.3 Internet Connectivity and User Licensing

The software must meet the following criteria for internet connectivity and user licensing

• Shall not require internet connectivity for license validation

• Shall not be cloud based or rely on any form of cloud computing

• Shall not require an internet connection for installation

• Shall allow for files to be saved locally

• Shall be available for multiple users through a floating license

3 Milestones The PowerMill license is a one time per year procurement. The toolhead vendor will provide the required information to install the PowerMill software on the appropriate PC’s.

3 Milestones