# Simulation as an Enabler: Pan Michaleris & Erik Denlinger on the Evolution of Additive FEA

- Show: [Additive Snack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack)
- Published: 2026-05-06
- Length: 55m
- Episode: 31
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7ba9d25

## Summary

Pan Michaleris, founder of Pan Optimization, and Erik Denlinger, co-founder and chief engineer, discuss the evolution of finite element analysis (FEA) in additive manufacturing. They explain how PanX software predicts distortion, thermal stress, and material properties to replace costly trial-and-error builds, particularly for large aerospace components. The conversation covers the shift from expert-driven simulation to automated workflow integration with machines like EOS and Velosis, and the cautious role of AI surrogate models in qualification.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=6) Introduction and Guest Backgrounds
- [5:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=310) History of Simulation and the Need for FEA in Additive
- [14:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=852) PanX Commercial Capabilities: Distortion and Thermal Prediction
- [19:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=1172) Workflow Integration and Automation for Engineers
- [32:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=1938) Qualification, Material Properties, and Parameter Control
- [41:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit#t=2487) AI Surrogate Models and Future Roadmap

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Pan Optimization (company)
- PanX (product)
- Autodesk (company)
- Penn State (other)
- EOS (company)
- Velosis (product)
- AMCM Aerospike (product)
- Inconel 718 (material)
- Ansys (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How Simulation Technology is Reshaping Product Design w/ Dr. Masha Petrova](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2024-05-21-how-simulation-technology-is-reshaping-product-design-w-dr-masha-petrova) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Free Online PDX Event: Simulation in Product Development](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2024-07-03-free-online-pdx-event-simulation-in-product-development) (Being an Engineer)
- [21. AI Rescues Firefighters, NASA Prints Spacecraft Parts, Plug & Play Prosthetics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-06-08-21-ai-rescues-firefighters-nasa-prints-spacecraft-parts-plug-play-prosthetics) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [174: Agile Product Development & Additive Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-05-04-174-agile-product-development-additive-manufacturing) (Product Startup)
- [S6E46 Rick James | ANSYS & Engineering Simulation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-14-s6e46-rick-james-ansys-engineering-simulation) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Additive Snack.