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