Stratasys Introduces Process-Aware Performance Simulation for Industrial FDM
Stratasys has announced a partnership with Novineer, a generative modeling, design and simulation software company, to integrate Novineer’s NoviPath, a polymer performance simulation solution, with Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print Pro software. The integration gives engineers a faster, more cost-effective way to design lighter, stronger parts with predictable performance, while reducing the need for physical testing for safety-critical, load-bearing applications.
Novineer’s technology will use GrabCAD toolpath data to simulate part behavior in real-world applications. By accounting for build orientation, layer direction, infill patterns and material-specific properties, the solution delivers prediction accuracy that early customers report enables weight reductions of up to 35% on load-bearing parts.
“Partnering with Stratasys embeds NoviPath’s toolpath-aware part simulation into GrabCAD Print Pro, bridging the gap between design intent and real-world part performance,” said Ali Tamijani, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder, Novineer, Inc. “Stratasys users can now predict stiffness, strength, and failure before they hit ‘print,’ cutting trial-and-error, time, and cost while qualifying more FDM parts. As the first OEM to launch this unique solution, Stratasys is redefining what material extrusion can deliver in a production setting.”
Provide Accurate Predictions
Traditional finite element analysis tools treat 3D-printed parts as uniform pieces, ignoring material extrusion layer-by-layer nature. This makes it impossible for engineers to accurately predict how extruded parts will perform in real-world applications with traditional finite element analysis tools. Novineer’s integration uses process-aware GrabCAD data to provide accurate predictions of stiffness, strength, and failure behavior.
“Engineers often over-design FDM parts or rely on trial-and-error testing because they don’t have an easy and accessible simulation solution to predict part performance,” said Victor Gerdes, Vice President, Software, Stratasys. “Integrating Novineer’s simulation with GrabCAD Print Pro lets engineers predict how FDM parts will behave before printing the parts, saving time and costs. It’s a complete, validated workflow for polymer extrusion that no other 3D printer manufacturer offers today.”
NoviPath works with GrabCAD Print Pro, allowing users to launch simulations using the same toolpath data that will be used to print FDM parts. Engineers can define application-specific load cases and safety factors, identify likely failure locations, and iterate virtually until they meet performance requirements – all while staying within the Stratasys software environment. Initial support is expected for Stratasys FDM systems including the F3300, F900, and Fortus 450mc with a roadmap for additional platform expansion. The integration will offer a validated material library, starting with Antero 800NA, FDM Nylon 12CF and ULTEM 9085 filament, with ongoing additions planned.
With the Novineer integration, Stratasys is extending its ecosystem to cover the full engineering workflow for its industrial FDM printing solutions – from design and print preparation through performance validation and production. The combined solution gives engineering teams:
- The ability to identify failure points and load limits before printing
- Proven accuracy, with weight reductions up to 35% on critical parts while maintaining part quality
- Faster time-to-production, reducing validation from weeks to hours
- Lower total cost through lighter parts, faster build times and elimination of time, cost, and iteration of test parts
FDM Performance Simulation in GrabCAD Print Pro is planned to be available in a joint Stratasys & Novineer early access pilot program in Q2 of 2026.
For more information: www.stratasys.com
