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Documentation

Documentation

Read and download installation guides, documentation sets (containing user guides), examples, release notes, tutorials, and more. The content in these guides are available as online help as well as in PDF format.

Thermo-Calc Online Help

In 2015 we created an Online Help system that users can access from within Thermo-Calc (press F1 or from the menu select Help > Online Help). The Online Help system is searchable and easy to use.

TC-Python Help and Documentation

TC-Python has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally,  troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues. All of these resources are available at the TC-Python Help page.

TC-Python Help page

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help and Documentation

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally,  troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues. All of these resources are available at the TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help page.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Help page

Current Documentation

Release Notes

Installation Guides

All Installation Guides

For all products, includes the Quick Install guides for Standalone (SUNLL) Windows and macOS systems, instructions for TC-Python and TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, with the full installation instructions for all platforms (Windows, macOs, and Linux) and license types (SUNLL and NWL).

Quick Install for Windows or macOS

A quick installation of Thermo-Calc Software products on supported Windows or Mac platforms. These manuals are optimal for Single User Node Locked Licenses (SUNLL) and for the Free Educational Package version of the software. Linux users should refer to the full Thermo-Calc Installation Guide for instructions.

TC-Python Installation Guide

The full PDF installation guide for the Software Development Kit (SDK) TC-Python. Note this is also included in the Thermo-Calc full installation guide.

Documentation Sets and User Guides

Guides for all Thermo-Calc Products

The information below is about the PDF documentation for the current version of the software. A Documentation Set contains a variety of user guides packaged together in one PDF. Previous versions of the PDF documentation can be found in the Archive section below on this page.

It is recommended you search the help (press F1 in Thermo‑Calc) if you cannot find what you are looking for in a particular PDF.

Thermo-Calc Documentation Set

The Thermo-Calc Documentation Set is one PDF that includes the information needed to work with the Thermo‑Calc software. By having all content in one PDF it enables you to search almost all the content just like you would when in the online help.

Includes the following: the full Installation Guides, Graphical Mode User Guide and the Graphical Mode Examples, and then a variety of Console Mode content with guides specific to Console Mode such as Data Optimization User Guide (for PARROT), the Database Manager User Guide, the DATAPLOT User Guide, and the Pourbaix Diagram Educational Material. All the information about the Add-on Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module and Process Metallurgy Module is included as is detail about the Steel Model and Nickel Model Libraries, which contain specialized sets of Property Models.

It does NOT include the following: Add-on Module specific documentation [i.e. Diffusion Module (DICTRA), Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)], SDK content, or specific technical information for all the databases. Also see the separate Thermo-Calc Console Mode Example Macros PDF.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Documentation Set and Quick Start Guides

The Diffusion Module Documentation Set is one PDF that contains ALL of the Thermo-Calc documentation PLUS additional information you need to work with this Add-on Module such as the Diffusion Module Quick Start Guides for Console Mode and Graphical Mode. By having all content in one PDF it enables you to search the content almost as you would when in the online help. It does NOT, however, include any SDK content or specific technical information for all the databases. Also see the separate Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Console Mode Example Macros PDF listed in the Examples section.

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) User Guide

The Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) User Guide is a standalone user guide. The key difference is that it includes theory specific to this Add-on Module, which is not included in the Thermo-Calc Documentation Set (but it in the help).

Process Metallurgy Module

This Add-on Module is available in Graphical Mode only and the content is contained in the online help plus the Thermo‑Calc and/or Diffusion Module Documentation Sets. For this Add-on Module, there are also more in-depth application examples only available on the website.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module

This Add-on Module is available in Graphical Mode starting with 2023b. The same content in the User Guide is contained in the online help plus the Thermo‑Calc and Diffusion Module Documentation Sets.

Steel Model and Nickel Model Libraries

The Steel Model Library and Nickel Model Library are available in Graphical Mode only and the content is contained in the online help plus the Thermo‑Calc and/or Diffusion Module Documentation Sets where these are described along with the other Property Models.

TC-Python Online Help and PDF

TC-Python has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally, troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Online Help and PDF

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® has its own searchable documentation that is generated directly from the program. Additionally, troubleshooting and diagnostic tools are made available to help you resolve any issues.

* Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the release notes

Other Software Development Kits (SDKs)

  • TQ-Interface Programmer Guide: The TQ-Interface is available as a way to make Thermo‑Calc an integral part of application programs such as those for process simulation, microstructure evolution modeling, and materials property prediction.
  • TC-API Programmer-Guide

Property Model Development Framework

The Property Model Development Framework is now integrated into TC‑Python. The Property Models that previously used the Jython API are discontinued. Existing Jython-based Property Models are no longer supported as of the Thermo‑Calc 2022a release. It is recommended that you migrate to the new Python Property Model framework that is based on regular Python 3 and has full support for any Python package including NumPy, SciPy, and so forth.

Database Technical Information and Examples Collections

Links to the database technical information and examples collections are available via the individual database pages.

Learn about Databases

Examples

Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode

Over 85 examples to get started using Graphical Mode in Thermo-Calc. Includes collections for Thermo-Calc, plus the Thermo-Calc Property Models (including examples for the Steel and Nickel Model Libraries), plus all Add-on Modules — Diffusion Module (DICTRA), Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA), Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module, and Process Metallurgy Module.

Thermo-Calc Console Mode

More than 45 examples using Console Mode in Thermo-Calc. Also see the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) for more Console Mode macro examples.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) Console Mode

Comprehensive set of examples using the Diffusion Module (DICTRA). Graphical Mode examples for the Diffusion Module are included with the Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode examples.

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

These examples can only be run if you have a Software Development Kit (SDK): TC-Python, TQ-Interface, TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, or TC-API. If you do not have an SDK, you can view the examples to get an idea of how the SDKs work.

All of these links are to zip file downloads.

Property Model Development Framework

This is integrated into TC‑Python.

Database Examples Collections

Links to the database technical information and examples collections are available via the individual database pages.

Learn about Databases

Getting Started Guides

Learn how to get started in Thermo-Calc with our Getting Started Guides. We offer getting started guides for Thermo-Calc, the Diffusion Module (DICTRA), and the Additive Manufacturing Module.

The Thermo-Calc guide teaches you how to navigate within the program, set up a simple calculation with our different templates, save your results, and more!

The Diffusion Module (DICTRA) guide shows how to set up a simple diffusion calculation by guiding you through the set-up of a calculation example of a Fe-Cr-Ni diffusion couple with different nickel contents.

The Additive Manufacturing (AM) guide demonstrates how to set up a common workflow, which involves steady-state, single track, and multi-layer simulations.

Visit the Getting Started Guides

Archive

Release Notes

Current
2023
2022
2021

2015-2020

2014 and Earlier

2014
2013

2019 to 2023

The current release is 2024a and the documentation is found above.

The 2019 to 2023b release documentation PDFs are below. All of this information (and more) is also accessible from the online help in Thermo-Calc for each specific release. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help > Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Note that the Additive Manufacturing Module and Process Metallurgy Module information is included with both documentation sets as part of the Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode User Guide. The Additive Manufacturing Module also has its own User Guide. 

Thermo-Calc

Installation Guides

For all products, includes the Quick Install guides for Standalone (SUNLL) Windows and macOS systems, plus instructions for TC-Python, with the full installation instructions for all platforms (Windows, macOs, and Linux) and license types (SUNLL and NWL).

Documentation Set

Graphical Mode Examples Guide

Console Mode Example Macros (PDF)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) Module

Note that in addition to the standalone User Guide, the Additive Manufacturing Module information is included with both documentation sets as part of the Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode User Guide.

User Guide

Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

Documentation Set

Quick Guide – Graphical Mode

Quick Guide – Console Mode

Console Mode Example Macros (PDF)

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)

User Guide

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

TC-Python API Programmer Guide

TC-Python Installation Guide

Also included in the full installation guide and as part of the TC-Python Help. 

TQ-Interface SDK Program Guide

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Programmer Guide

Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the release notes

Legacy Version

The PDFs below are for the legacy version of the SDK, which is deprecated as of 2023a.

TC-API Programmer Guide

There are no changes between releases for this document, only the title page. Note that this API is discontinued as of Thermo-Calc 2024a. It is recommended that customers start using one of our other APIs. Contact the Thermo-Calc sales team for more information.  

Examples (Zip Folders)

Graphical Mode

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

Console Mode – Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

TC-Python

TQ-Interface

There are usually no changes between releases for these examples.

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®

Starting with 2021b, TC-Toolbox is completely rewritten. For details see the feature page or read the release notes

Legacy Version

The examples below are for the legacy version of the SDK.

DATAPLOT

There are no changes between releases for these examples.

Thermo-Calc Property Model Framework Guide

Note that the Property Model Framework is deprecated and is now part of the TC-Python documentation. 

2016 to 2018

The release documentation PDFs for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 are below.

All of this information (and more) is also accessible from the online help in Thermo-Calc. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help >Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Thermo-Calc

Installation Guides

Documentation Set (aka User Guide)

Graphical Mode Examples Guide

Console Mode Example Macros

  • 2018b2018a
  • Console Mode Examples Guide: 2018b2018a (note that this information is also in the Thermo-Calc Documentation Set)

Thermo-Calc Property Model Framework Guide

New as of 2018a.

Diffusion Module (DICTRA)

Documentation Set (aka User Guide)

Quick Guide – Graphical Mode

New as of 2018a.

Quick Guide – Console Mode

New as of 2018a.

Console Mode Example Macros PDF

Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA)

User Guide

Software Development Kits (SDKs)

TC-Python API Programmer Guide

New as of 2018a.

TQ-Interface SDK Program Guide

  • 2018b2018a
  • 2017b2017a
  • 2016b /2016a (part of the SDK Documentation Set, which incudes TC-API, TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, and TQ-Interface Programmer Guides)

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® Programmer Guide

  • 2018b2018a
  • 2017b2017a
  • 2016b2016a (part of the SDK Documentation Set, which incudes TC-API, TC-Toolbox for MATLAB®, and TQ-Interface Programmer Guides)

TC-API Programmer Guide

There are no changes between releases for this document, only the title page.

Examples (Zip Folders)

Graphical Mode – All

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

There were no changes between a and b releases for these examples.

Console Mode – DICTRA

There were no changes between a and b releases for these examples.

TC-Python

New as of 2018a.

2015 and Earlier

2015

The 2015a and 2015b release documentation PDFs are below.

Starting with the 2015a release, all of this information (and more) is also accessible from the online help in Thermo-Calc. To access it, in Thermo-Calc press F1 or go to Help >Online help. The content in the help corresponds to the version of the Thermo-Calc installed.

Thermo-Calc

DICTRA

TC-PRISMA

Examples (Zip Folders)

These examples are the same for 2015a and b

Graphical Mode

Console Mode – Thermo-Calc

Console Mode – DICTRA

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB

TC-API Programmer Guide

TQ-Interface Programmer Guide

2014

Historically, there were separate software versions for Thermo-Calc and the SDKs. The documentation included below is from:

2013

This is the software documentation relevant to various releases between 2008 and 2013. Historically, there were separate software versions for Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, TC-PRISMA, and the SDKs. There was also a less formal release cycle than there is today. The documentation included below is from:

2007 Tutorial

2007 Tutorial

Problems to be solved with Thermo-Calc from Mats Hillert

**See the Academia resource page for current academic material.**

A set of exercises from the text book “Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations” by Mats Hillert, Cambridge University Press (2007) that are intended to be solved using Thermo-Calc Department of Materials Science & Engineering KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Sweden.

All the problems are based upon a textbook by Mats Hillert. Phase Equilibria, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2007 ISBN-13: 9780521853514.

The Problems

These problems and their computerized solutions are open to anyone for reading and studying. However, in order to produce your own solution by following those presented in this document, you need at least the Thermo-Calc Classic version R. 

The present collection of problems has not been designed to make a general instruction to the use of Thermo-Calc, but will introduce you to features essential for solving special questions raised by the problems. Solving these problems with Thermo-Calc by following a detailed path is instructive, and will give a deeper insight in how thermodynamics works.

The problems are designed as exercises to various sections in the textbook and are collected chapter-wise. You can download one PDF that includes all problems for Chapters 1 to 11.

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