solidThinking
Develops simulation-driven design software (Inspire, Evolve) for topology optimization and generative design specifically for additive manufacturing, enabling engineers to create lightweight, structurally efficient parts for 3D printing.
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- Altair
Technology & Products
Key Products
solidThinking Inspire; solidThinking Evolve; Inspire Print3D
Technological Advantage
Verified advantage: Algorithms enable up to 15% weight reduction and 3x fatigue life increase in metal AM parts (e.g., Sintavia case study). Defensible through integration with Altair's simulation suite and patents on optimization methods.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces product development time and material costs by up to 50% through automated topology optimization, enabling creation of complex, lightweight designs that are impossible with traditional methods, directly integrated with 3D printing workflows.
How They Differentiate
3x faster concept generation than traditional CAD tools, with direct simulation-to-print workflow for metal AM (e.g., Inspire Print3D for SLM), offering 30% better weight optimization compared to generic simulation software.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Design engineers, product designers, architects, and scientists in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing seeking to optimize parts for AM production.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Automotive; Manufacturing; Industrial Design
Competitors
Ansys Additive Suite; Autodesk (Inventor, Netfabb); Simufact Additive
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Acquired by Altair in 2008; expanded product offerings include Altair 365 cloud-based simulation and integration of Click2Cast products post-2015 acquisition; global distribution network and part of Altair HyperWorks suite.
Major Milestones
Founded in 1991; Acquired by Altair in 2008; Released Inspire Print3D in 2019 for metal AM simulation
Notable Customers
Sintavia; Scania Group; Evenflo Company, Inc.