Covestro and ParaMatters jointly develop anisotropic optimization software

Materials company Covestro and ParaMatters, a multi-threaded generative design and manufacturing optimization software company, announced their jointly developed optimization software for anisotropic materials. By combining ParaMatters expertise in design and manufacturing optimization technology, and Covestro knowledge in engineered materials, the two companies are delivering a complete anisotropic design and workflow that unlocks the full potential of filament extrusion 3D printing with fiber-reinforced materials.

Using the new optimization tool, designers and engineers can quickly obtain the most optimal part design based on material deposition and fiber orientation and generate the most efficient printer toolpath. The result is materials, weight, and cost savings – while maintaining part performance – that surpass what can be achieved today by engineers relying on experience or intuition.

Benefits of anisotropic materials

Additively manufactured parts produced from fiber-reinforced materials are a valid alternative to metal parts due to a better strength-to-weight ratio – reducing part costs and supply chain complexities. That said, none of the existing topology optimization tools were able to consider these anisotropic materials. Until now. Following successful initial evaluation by leading aerospace users, including Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company), on multiple filament extrusion printers, Covestro and ParaMatters are introducing the beta version so more users can exploit the full benefits of anisotropic materials.

Covestro and ParaMatters will be showcasing the new software at RAPID + TCT 2021, from September 13 to 15 at McCormick Place, Chicago, on Covestro booth E7212.

Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company), with deep expertise in composites design and manufacturing, was one of the first companies to fully evaluate and validate the value of ParaMatters anisotropic generative design and manufacturing engine.

Marc Fette, CEO of Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (an AIRBUS Company): “The anisotropic behavior of 3D printed parts with fiber reinforcement allows us to gain weight potentials compared to conventional approaches. With our pre-existing methods of working, the design and sizing of 3D printed parts require multiple tools. ParaMatters anisotropic optimization capabilities allow us to combine multiple stages into a single step, enabling us to cut development times by orders of magnitude and create stronger and more light weighted components”.

Avi Reichental, ParaMatters co-founder and Chairman added: “We are proud to partner with Covestro and be the first to market with such a powerful design and manufacturing optimizer for the benefit of aerospace, defense and automotive customer around the world.”

Hugo Da Silva, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Covestro, added: “The collaboration between software, materials and equipment players takes manufacturing, material science and generative design to the next level. We can now realize large savings in materials, printing time and cost while maintaining performance and quality. Definitely a promising route toward scalable and more sustainable 3D printing.

Users who want to join the expanding beta program as well as providers of filament-based extrusion 3D printers that want to qualify and certify their systems can contact ParaMatters here.

To learn more, check out this media kit and watch this video.

To learn more about upgrading your current filament extrusion 3D printer into a full capability composite system, Covestro and ParaMatters are organizing a series of webinars. More information on this link.