Thermo-Calc 2023b Available Now

Blog , Company News , Databases , Release News , Software
Wednesday 6 September 2023

Introducing Thermo-Calc 2023b, released in June 2023. This release introduces an all new Additive Manufacturing Module, primarily designed for modeling the powder bed fusion process in Additive Manufacturing. Six new and two updated databases are also included in the release. The release also focuses on new functionality that couples various calculators together, making it easy to share data between modules in the software, and much more.

Update Released

An update to Thermo-Calc 2023b was released on September 6, 2023. If you installed Thermo-Calc 2023b before September 6, you are encouraged to update your software as this update includes critical bug fixes.

Read about the Update

Highlights of Thermo-Calc 2023b

New Additive Manufacturing Module
GUI Improvements
Scheil and Diffusion Homogenization Calculations
Additional Improvements to the Scheil Calculator
Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)
Numerical Algorithms of the PMM Re-written
Improvements to the Yield Strength Model
New Property Model: Solvus for Ordered Phase – Ni
New and Updated Databases

Read the Release Notes

Webinar on Thermo-Calc 2023b Release

Watch our on-demand release webinar to learn about the exciting new features and new databases included in Thermo-Calc 2023b. In this webinar, the developers who worked on the release will speak directly about these exciting new developments.

Watch the Webinar

New Additive Manufacturing Module

Thermo-Calc Software is excited to announce the release of an Additive Manufacturing Module. The Module was released in closed beta last December, but is now available for purchase for the first time ever. The all new Additive Manufacturing Module is primarily designed for modeling the powder bed fusion process in Additive Manufacturing.

AM-Module-multi-layer-simulation-with-Ti64-alloy — *The setup and results of a multilayer simulation in the new Additive Manufacturing Module.*

The most distinctive feature of the Additive Manufacturing Module compared to other tools is that all the required thermophysical material properties needed for the AM simulations are generated directly from our databases using the Scheil Calculator. This data can also be exported and used in external finite element programs for use in casting, for example, or other applications.

All the required thermophysical material properties needed for additive manufacturing simulations are generated directly from Thermo-Calc databases.

The module solves the multiphysics problem of a moving heat source that melts and solidifies metal powder. The multiphysics simulation involves thermal conduction, fluid flow, evaporation-, radiation- and convective- heat loss.

The new Additive Manufacturing Module also couples with both the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) and the Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) so that the probe data that is generated when running an AM calculation can be used as input for diffusion and precipitation simulations.

All users who have a license for Thermo-Calc 2023b can test the new Additive Manufacturing Module for free using the Material Library template from the homescreen of the software or the first three examples included in the software.

A comprehensive Getting Started Guide is also available that walks users step-by-step through setting up a common workflow.

GUI Improvements

Several improvements have been made to the Graphical User Interface in the 2023b release.

The biggest change is that Composition Profile and Thermal Profile settings are now entered directly in the Configuration window and viewed in a tab in the Visualizations window. Previously, they were entered in pop-out windows, which limited their space and made them inconvenient to view and edit.

GUI-improvements-Thermo-Calc-2023b — *Composition Profile and Thermal Profile settings are now entered directly in the Configuration window and viewed in a tab in the Visualizations window.*

Additionally, there is now a Table input option for Composition Profiles, which allows you to import data. This was already available for Thermal Profile, but the functionality has been expanded. This change primarily affects Diffusion and Precipitation calculations.

Examples D_09_Ni_Post_Weld_Heat_Treatment_From_File.tcu and P_14_Precipitation_Fe-C-Ferrite-Grain_Growth_with_Zener_Pinning.tcu showcase this improved functionality.

Homogenization-activity-tree-Thermo-Calc

Scheil and Diffusion Homogenization Calculations

Thermo-Calc 2023b introduces homogenization calculations to the Graphical User Interface. Users can now add diffusion calculators as successors to Scheil Calculators, which automatically makes Scheil data from the segregation profile available for use in the Diffusion Calculator. A new homogenization template has been added to the homescreen of the software, making this new functionality easy to set up.

A new example is available that models the homogenization of a cast Ni-Cr steel and compares predictions with experimental data: D_10_Fe_Homogenization_from_Scheil.tcu.

Previously, this functionality was only available in Console Mode. This functionality requires a license for the add-on Diffusion Module (DICTRA).

Additional Improvements to the Scheil Calculator

A new feature in the Scheil Calculator allows for delta ferrite to austenite transition in steel, also known as BCC to FCC transition. This new feature is useful if you have a steel that solidifies with delta ferrite that is fully transformed to austenite during solidification. This feature is available in Graphical and Console Modes.

A new example has been added for the graphical mode: T_18_Scheil_with_Delta_Ferrite_to_Austenite_Transition.tcu.

Four new plot variables are added to the Scheil Calculator in both Console Mode and Graphical Mode:

Graphical Mode:

Average composition of solid phases, Volume fraction of liquid, Volume fraction of solid, and Volume fraction of solid phase
In Console Mode:

Volume fraction of liquid (VL), volume fraction of all solid phases (VS) volume fraction of solid phase (VS(ph)), Mole fraction of an element in solid phases (XAVG(el)), and Mass fraction of an element in solid phases (WAVG(el))

These are also available with the APIs TC-Python and TC-Toolbox as new methods.

Finally, Advanced options have been moved to their own tab. This offers a cleaner work environment as we continue to add options to the calculator.

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)

The Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) has received several updates to expand the control users have over the data.

For the Matrix phase, Mobility Enhancement has been renamed to Mobility Adjustment so that users can now adjust individual elements in addition to the whole system.
For the Precipitate phase, when working with the PE Automatic Growth Rate model, users can now set the trans-interface mobility adjustments. This can be adjusted for individual elements or the whole system.
When Zener pinning is enabled in the Matrix phase, users can now set the zener pinning parameters for each precipitate phase. This allows users to define the maximum grain size in terms of precipitate radius and precipitate volume fraction. Previously the Zener pinning parameters were set in the core of the software and could not be changed.

Several examples have been updated to demonstrate these new features in the Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA). Refer to the release notes for more details.

Numerical Algorithms of the PMM Re-written

The numerical algorithms in the Process Metallurgy Module have been re-written for the 2023b release, making the Module more robust and drastically increasing the stability—especially of the kinetic process simulations.

PMM-comparison-2023a-versus-2023b — *Tests comparing the Process Metallurgy Module in Thermo-Calc 2023a versus Thermo-Calc 2023b show dramatic improvements to stability, especially with kinetic process simulations.*

Improvements to the Yield Strength Model

The Yield Strength Model has received several updates in this release.

A new Simplified Mode has been added to the model that makes it easy for users to get started with a calculation by only requiring a minimum amount of user inputs. This allows users to quickly get an idea of the trends in their material before doing more advanced calculations.
A new precipitation strengthening model has been added to the Advanced mode of the Yield Strength Model - the Deschamps model.

Example PM_G_04_Yield_Strength.tcu has been updated to include the new Deschamps Model in addition to results from the other models.

New Property Model: Solvus for Ordered Phase – Ni

A new Property Model is introduced in the Nickel Model Library – Solvus for Ordered Phase – Ni.

An example has been created demonstrating this new model: PM_Ni_03: Critical_Termperatures_Alloys_718.

Users who have a license for the Nickel Model Library and a valid Maintenance and Support Subscription receive this new model for free.

New and Updated Databases

The 2023b release includes six new databases, as well as updated databases. Many of the databases have been updated in preparation for the new Additive Manufacturing Module.

New Model for Surface Tension

Surface tension of liquid was reassessed in many databases in the 2023b release. The new assessments use the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) model instead of the Modified Guggenheim model to improve the accuracy of the predictions.

Databases using the new model: TCFE13, TCCU6, TCPMAG2, TCNOBL3, TCTI5.1, TCNI12.1

New Databases

TCFE13: Steels and Fe-Alloys Database

The full gas description is included
Assessed Fe-Mn-Ti system
Revised Cr-Fe-Ni-Si subsystems (Cr-Fe-Si, Cr-Ni-Si) to increase the accuracy of phase equilibria involving the FCC/BCC/LIQUID phases
The surface tension was re-assessed by using the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) sub-regular solution expansion mode
Updated the diamond molar volume and corrected wrong volume parameters
Revised S-Zr and Fe-S-Zr
Estimated Fe-Nb-S
Revised the liquid in Fe-O-Y and C-Ni-Si

Learn more about TCFE13

MOBFE8: Steels and Fe-Alloys Mobility Database

The mobility parameters for N in FCC_A1 Ni, Fe-Ni, Fe-Cr and Cr-Ni are assessed
Added mobility of C and Fe in CEMENTITE and M5C2 phases
Added more mobility for FCC_A1 and BCC_A2 Fe-X and Fe-X-Y systems:

BCC_A2: Fe-Cu, Fe-Si, Fe-Ti, Fe-V, Fe-Zn, Fe-Al-Mn, Fe-Al-Ni, Fe-Al-Ti, Fe-Al-V, Fe-Cr-Mo, Fe-Cr-V, and Fe-Mn-Si

FCC_A1: Fe-Co, Fe-Ni, Fe-V, Fe-Zn, Fe-Co-Ni, Fe-Co-Cu, Fe-Cu-Ni, Fe-Ni-Ti, Fe-Ni-V, and Fe-Co-Cr

Learn more about MOBFE8

TCNOBL3: Noble Metal Alloys Database

Thermal conductivity (THCD) and electrical resistivity (ELRS) added for all phases
Viscosity of liquid and Surface tension of liquid added
Volume description for all phases added
Complete gas description added
4 binary systems reassessed
13 ternary system reassessed

Learn more about TCNOBL3

TCCU6: Copper-based Alloys Database

Adds electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity description:

Focus on FCC_A1 phase, all other phases included

Assessed all binary systems where experimental data was available

Validated various multi-component Cu-alloys
The surface tension was re-assessed based on the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) sub-regular solution model.

Learn more about TCCU6

TCPMAG2: Permanent Magnetic Materials Database

New Elements and Phases:

Three new elements added: Co, Dy, and Tb; now a 9 element framework

35 new phases added (total of 54)

The gas description is included
New Binary and Ternary Systems:

21 new assessed binary systems (for a total of 36)

18 new assessed ternary systems (for a total of 29)
Surface Tension Re-assessed:

The surface tension was re-assessed based on the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) sub-regular solution model

Learn more about TCPMAG2

SSUB7: SGTE Substances Database

In this version of the database, there are 3388 condensed stoichiometric compound phases and one huge gaseous mixture phase. It now contains assessed thermochemical data for 5985 substances (3388 condensed compounds and 2597 gaseous species). This is an increase of 200 condensed compounds and 39 gaseous species.

Learn more about SSUB7

Updated Databases

This release also includes updates to two databases and three demo databases.

TCNI12.1: Nickel-based Superalloys Database

The nickel-based superalloys database was updated to version TCNI12.1. Users who have a license for TCNI12 and a valid Maintenance and Support Subscription receive this upgrade for free.

Mismatches between the two liquid descriptions (IONIC_LIQ and LIQUID) were found and fixed for:

Gibbs energy parameters in Al-N, Mg-Ni, Co-Ni-V, Mn-Ni-P, Mn-Ni-Si, Mo-Ni-P

Volume parameters in Ni-Re, Cr-Fe-Ni
Fixed the magnetic model applied to the M2B_TETR phase
Updated the Diamond molar volume
The surface tension of the LIQUID was re-assessed based on the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) sub-regular solution model
The surface tension was added for the IONIC_LIQ

Learn more about TCNI12.1

TCTI5.1: Titanium and TiAl-based Alloys Databases

The Ti/TiAl-based alloys database was updated to version TCTI5.1. Users who have a license for TCTI5 and a valid Maintenance and Support Subscription receive this upgrade for free.

The surface tension was re-assessed based on the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu (R-K-M) sub-regular solution model.

Learn more about TCTI5.1

Updated Demo Databases

CUDEMO 2.0:

Added the GAS phase with full description

Added the ELRS-THCD of all phases

Added viscosity and surface tension of LIQUID
FEDEMO 5.0:

Added the GAS phase with full description

Added the ELRS-THCD of all phases

Updated the surface tension of LIQUID
MFEDEMO 3.0:

Added the cementite phase

Updated the mobilities on par with MOBFE8