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At Formnext in Frankfurt, Germany, Markforged released new simulation features for its additive manufacturing software. Simulation is available as a free trial until April 2023, and the company expects to make the feature accessible through a paid subscription thereafter.

Markforged says virtual testing validates the strength of advanced composite parts and automatically optimizes print parameters to help lower cost and speed production. The company also notes that more fully incorporating 3D printing into tooling and end-use applications requires confidence in finished part strength. Simulation seeks to replace the current design/print/break testing cycle norm with virtual testing.

As an example, Markforged points to Larsen Motorsports, which builds jet engine drag racing vehicles. These feature stock aluminum steering wheels that are designed for much larger hands than those of rookie House of Kolor sponsored dragster driver, Josette Roach. Larsen Motorsports used the new simulation feature to design and print a continuous carbon fiber reinforced Onyx steering wheel to replace aluminum and fit Roach’s hands.

Markforged said its simulation program is designed for additive manufacturing and works within the familiar Eiger software slice and print workflow, so that any user can validate part strength and stiffness through virtual testing by identifying anchor and load surfaces and then entering values for loads, factor of safety and maximum deflection. They can then optimize parts by automatically determining print settings for floors, walls, infill and fiber reinforcement. Cloud-based Simulation is available worldwide as a free trial for anyone with a Markforged Eiger account.