# Design for AM: CAD Tools, Simulation, Voxels & the Future of AM Design

- Show: [Additive Snack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack)
- Published: 2025-05-06
- Length: 41m
- Episode: 9
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe448235

## Summary

Dr. Andreas Vlahinos, a leading expert in additive manufacturing design, discusses the evolution of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) with host Fabian Alefeld at RAPID + TCT 2025. He highlights the shift from parametric CAD to simulation-driven design using implicit and voxel-based tools like PTC Creo and Entop, which enable real-time analysis within the CAD environment. Vlahinos illustrates these capabilities through high-impact projects, including custom medical implants for femur reconstruction and high-performance heat exchangers, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between design and manufacturing teams to avoid failures like residual stress and cracking.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=6) Introduction: Dr. Andreas Vlahinos and the Evolution of DfAM
- [1:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=99) Simulation-Driven Design: From Parametric to Voxel-Based Tools
- [6:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=391) Tool Differentiation: PTC Creo, Entop, and Interoperability Challenges
- [10:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=624) Case Studies: Custom Medical Implants and High-Performance Heat Exchangers
- [15:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=904) Heat Exchanger Design Process: Feasibility, CFD, and Design Exploration
- [19:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=1197) Manufacturing Constraints and Process Simulation to Prevent Failures
- [28:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=1698) Collaboration Between Design, Manufacturing, and Post-Processing Teams
- [30:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-05-06-design-for-am-cad-tools-simulation-voxels-the-future-of-am-design#t=1804) Inspiring Innovation: Natural Structures and Educating the Next Generation

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- RAPID + TCT 2025 (other)
- PTC Creo (tool)
- Entop (tool)
- Magics (tool)
- Siemens NX (tool)
- Vermont State University (other)
- Colorado State University (other)

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- [174: Agile Product Development & Additive Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-05-04-174-agile-product-development-additive-manufacturing) (Product Startup)
- [S5E15.5 PDX: Ian McEachern](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2024-04-17-s5e15-5-pdx-ian-mceachern) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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