Oqton Wins ASTRO-InSPIRE Tech Challenge with Distortion Prediction Software
Oqton's software solution for predicting and compensating part distortion in metal 3D printing has won the second annual ASTRO-InSPIRE Tech Challenge.
Oqton, a provider of additive manufacturing (AM) software, has won the second annual ASTRO-InSPIRE Tech Challenge, a competition organized by ASTRO America in partnership with Florida State University’s InSPIRE Institute. The challenge focused on finding the best solution for distortion prediction and compensation in powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, a critical issue in metal 3D printing.
The competition saw Oqton outperform industry giants such as Ansys and Autodesk. Distortion in 3D-printed parts is caused by residual stress from thermal changes during the layer-by-layer build process. Oqton's solution uses simulation and geometry compensation tools to address these issues before printing, reducing the need for costly trial-and-error in materials qualification.
ASTRO-InSPIRE, part of the broader AM Forward initiative, aims to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in the U.S. defense sector. The challenge highlights the growing importance of software solutions in overcoming technical barriers, such as part distortion, which have long hindered the scalability of metal AM.
Last year’s winner, ADDIGURU, focused on in-situ monitoring, while this year’s win by Oqton signals a shift toward predictive software tools. The competition underscores the increasing role of collaboration and innovation in advancing AM technologies for industrial and defense applications.
Oqton's win highlights the growing importance of predictive software in addressing key challenges in metal 3D printing. By reducing distortion through simulation and compensation, the technology supports more efficient materials qualification, a critical step for broader AM adoption. This aligns with the broader push toward standardized, software-driven solutions in additive manufacturing, particularly in high-stakes sectors like aerospace and defense.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.