QuesTek Adds Additive Manufacturing Simulation Tools to ICMD Platform

QuesTek Innovations has expanded its Integrated Computational Materials Design (ICMD) software platform to include new modeling capabilities for additive manufacturing (AM). The update enables aerospace engineers to simulate melt pool behavior, microstructure evolution, and mechanical performance prior to production, helping reduce trial-and-error cycles and accelerate qualification timelines.

The new AM module supports laser powder bed fusion processes and includes predictive tools for porosity, cracking, and residual stress. These capabilities are particularly relevant for aerospace applications where fatigue life, weight optimization, and material integrity are mission-critical.

Simulation-Driven Design for Aerospace Materials

ICMD’s Alloy Design Toolkit now includes printability maps that guide users in selecting process parameters such as laser power, scan speed, and hatch spacing. This helps mitigate common AM defects and improves build reliability. The platform also supports microstructure-informed fatigue life prediction, enabling engineers to assess part durability under operational loads.

QuesTek’s approach integrates materials science with computational modeling, allowing users to design alloys and predict performance outcomes before physical trials. The company’s tools have been validated by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, underscoring their relevance to high-performance aerospace environments.

Enabling Agile Qualification and Lightweight Structures

As aerospace manufacturers increasingly adopt AM for structural components, propulsion systems, and thermal management solutions, the need for predictive modeling tools has grown. ICMD’s new capabilities support agile qualification workflows and help reduce the time and cost associated with certifying new materials and geometries.

QuesTek’s platform is designed to support both R&D and production environments, offering a scalable solution for aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, and advanced manufacturing teams seeking to integrate AM into mission-critical applications.