Engineers can optimise FDM parts for real applications with reduced trial-and-error testing
Stratasys has partnered with Novineer, a generative modelling, design, and simulation software company, to integrate Novineer’s NoviPath, a validated polymer performance simulation solution, with Stratasys’ GradCAD Print Pro software
By integrating the two, engineers will have a quicker, cost-effective way to design lighter, stronger parts with predictable performance, while reducing physical testing for safety-critical, load-bearing applications.
Novineer’s technology will utilise GrabCAD toolpath data to simulate part behaviour in real-world applications. The solution provides a prediction accuracy which early customers have reported enables weight reductions of up to 35% on load-bearing parts by accounting for build orientation, infill patterns, layer direction, and material-specific properties.
Ali Tamijani, CEO and co-founder of Novineer, said, "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. 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.”
Traditional finite element analysis tools ignore the material's extrusion layer-by-layer nature, treating 3D-printed parts as uniform pieces, making it impossible for engineers to predict how extruded parts will perform in real-world applications accurately. Novineer’s integration utilises process-aware GrabCAD data to deliver accurate predictions of strength, stiffness, and failure behaviour.
Victor Gerdes, vice president of software at Stratasys, said, “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. 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.”
NoviPat works with GraCAD Print Pro, enabling users to launch simulations using the same toolpath data used to print FDM parts. Engineers can identify likely failure locations, define application-specific load cases and safety factors, and iterate virtually until they meet performance requirements, all 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 provide a pre-validated material library, starting with Antero 800NA, FDM Nylon 12CF, and ULTEM 9085 filament.
The Novineer integration enables Stratasys to extend its ecosystem to cover the complete engineering workflow for its industrial FDM printing solutions, including design and print preparation, performance validation and production. The solution provides engineering teams with:
- 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.
