QuesTek Expands ICMD Platform with Simulation-Based Tools for 3D Printing

U.S.-based company QuesTek Innovations has expanded its ICMD software platform with new features focused on simulation-driven materials design for additive manufacturing. The goal of the expansion is to shorten development cycles, reduce scrap rates, and accurately predict material performance during the virtual design phase—minimizing the traditionally costly trial-and-error stages of 3D printing.

The ICMD (Integrated Computational Materials Design) platform enables simulation of melt pool dynamics, microstructure formation, and mechanical properties of additively manufactured components. This allows manufacturers to digitally assess material behavior before any physical printing takes place. These simulation methods have already been validated through the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s AM competitions (2020) and the NIST AM Bench (2022), underscoring their technical credibility.

A central feature of the update is the Alloy Design Toolkit, which allows alloys to be specifically optimized for additive manufacturing processes. This helps prevent material issues such as cracking or porosity early in the development phase.

“Additive manufacturing is reshaping how critical industries design and deliver parts, but uncertainty has slowed adoption,” said Bill Mahoney, COO of QuesTek Innovations. “ICMD lets engineers simulate outcomes before printing, cutting trial-and-error and helping companies bring safer, more reliable products to market faster.”

Additionally, the software provides Printability Maps, which visualize optimal parameter ranges for laser power, scan speed, and layer thickness. These data help users produce dense, defect-free parts and accelerate the transition to series production. QuesTek sees these new capabilities as key components of a fully digital development approach applicable across industries—from aerospace to medical technology.