TC-Python

About TC-Python

TC-Python is a Python™ language-based SDK available with Thermo-Calc which allows for easy and flexible coupling of Thermo-Calc calculations with other software programs. It was built in the popular language Python™ to give Thermo-Calc users access to many other programs, such as numerical packages like NumPy, SciPy, and TensorFlow, which can now be used in combination with our calculations. It can also be used from within Jupyter notebooks or comparable interactive Python™ consoles.

Many outstanding open source programs are written in Python, so users who have a license for TC-Python have countless options for coupling with free, high-quality development tools. It is truly a tool for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME).

TC-Python can also be used to develop custom Property Models for the Property Model Calculator. User developed Property Models allow you to customize Thermo-Calc to meet your modeling needs.

Designed to Be Easy to Use

The Python language is easier to start with than many other programming languages, for example, Fortran or C, making it a good option even for those unfamiliar with programming languages. TC-Python was designed to be easy to learn and easy to use. For example, it:

Uses intelligent code completion to help users more easily navigate through the available classes and methods.
Allows users to easily do parallel computations.
Takes an object-oriented approach, which makes it easier to reuse information (classes/methods) and more quickly run your calculations when you need to change the compositions.
Guides users through the process of setting up the simulation, using good default values when you are unsure of what to use and prompting you to add missing information, for example. This minimizes the occurrence of errors and makes it an easy option even for those who do not have experience working with APIs.
Includes nearly 30 examples with the installation, which can be used to both learn about the use of TC‑Python and as a way to build your own calculation simulation.

Includes Almost All Calculation Types from Thermo-Calc

From TC-Python, users have access to nearly all Thermo-Calc calculations available from within the Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode, as well as the Add-on Modules, and the majority of features available in the classic Console Mode, including:

Single equilibrium
Phase (map) diagrams
Property (step) diagrams
Scheil solidification simulations
Batch equilibrium - This is similar to single equilibrium calculations, but offers significant performance improvements when calculating a lot of fast single equilibria, which are systems with few or non-complicated phases
Property Models - This includes both pre-installed libraries and custom property models built using TC-Python
Steel Model Library* - a set of Property Models designed to help experts working in the steel industry
Precipitation simulations** - All of the precipitation calculations available in the Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) can be integrated into your own programming workflow with TC-Python. This is the first Thermo-Calc SDK that can be used for precipitation calculations.
Diffusion simulations** - All of the functionality available with the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) in Graphical Mode, and the majority of the commands available with Console Mode, are implemented for use in TC-Python

*Requires a license for the Steel Model Library.

**Users who do not have a Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) or Diffusion Module (DICTRA) license can make calculations with up to three elements using the DEMO versions of the Add-on Modules that are included in all Thermo-Calc installations.

Develop Custom Property Models

TC-Python includes a powerful feature called the Property Model Framework, which allows users to develop custom Property Models and seamlessly integrate them into Thermo-Calc. Property Models are predictive models stored in the software and run in the Property Model Calculator that allow users to easily predict and optimize properties of materials. All Property Models are also available in the Graphical User Interface of Thermo-Calc. By developing your own models, users can essentially customize the software to meet your modeling needs. Learn more at the Property Model Calculator page.

Property Model Calculator