Case Study: Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) achieves fast, cost-effective SMD 3D‑printing validation with COMSOL Multiphysics simulation apps

Optimizing 3D Printing Techniques with Simulation Apps

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in the UK faced the challenge of maturing shaped metal deposition (SMD) additive‑manufacturing processes from research to industrial readiness while predicting and controlling thermal deformation that can spoil expensive parts. To address the need for rapid, lower‑cost validation and to enable non‑specialist teams to explore designs, the MTC used Comsol Multiphysics software and the Application Builder to create a tailored SMD simulation app.

Comsol delivered a time‑dependent coupled thermomechanical model packaged as a user-friendly app that predicts residual stresses and final part deflection, lets users vary geometries, heat sources, deposition paths, and materials, and determines whether parts will meet tolerances. The Comsol solution cut reliance on costly physical testing, freed simulation experts from routine runs, increased internal accessibility to simulation for wider teams, and accelerated the MTC’s ability to advance SMD designs toward higher Technology Readiness Levels.

Manufacturing Technology Centre

Borja Lazaro Toralles

Research Engineer