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Collaboration provides improved workflow for image-based biomechanical simulations

Materialise NV, which develops the medical image processing solution Mimics®, the leading tool to convert medical scanner images to accurate 3D models for structural or fluid simulations, has collaborated with ANSYS, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANSS), a global innovator in engineering simulation technology, to provide interoperability with their products. The latest Mimics 12.1 version enables users to export to the ANSYS® Workbench™ format. This feature will facilitate the workflow for the fast-growing Mimics user community, leading to successful bioengineering worldwide. As a result, the new Mimics 12.1 is now a tool of choice for preparation of ANSYS simulation models used to analyze biomechanical phenomena.

Realizing that many users perform finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations as an important part of their biomedical research and product development, Materialise has continuously invested in strengthening Mimics’ link to engineering simulation software. In the new 12.1 version, this culminated in the incorporation of volumetric mesh generation in Mimics. Using image-based material assignment, Mimics prepares very accurate volumetric mesh models directly from image data, ready to be analyzed with any CAE package. Although Mimics already offered interoperability with software from ANSYS, including ANSYS® CFX®, ANSYS® FLUENT® and ANSYS® Mechanical™ products, a major advancement in the new 12.1 version enables the Mimics user to export 3D files to the ANSYS® Workbench™ platform, enhancing workflow for the many engineers who benefit from this integrated multiphysics simulation platform.

Swift collaboration between Materialise and ANSYS resulted in the quick implementation of the ANSYS Workbench export in Mimics, allowing for a smooth interface between both products and accommodating the needs of many biomedical engineers. "As the field of engineering simulation rapidly progresses, and the medical world finds more applications for this innovative technology, it is critical that ANSYS provide users with a seamless interface between image data and our simulation software," said Thierry Marchal, director, industry marketing at ANSYS, Inc. "With the export to ANSYS Workbench made possible in the new Mimics 12.1 release, Materialise and ANSYS have made an important step toward this goal. We are proud to be pioneering technology that has the potential to positively impact biomedicine across the globe."

“When talking with our clients and investigating their needs, we saw that patient-specific FEA/CFD simulations are gaining importance in the medical field,” says Materialise’ Biomedical Department Manager Koen Engelborghs. “We have been investing in improving the preparation workflow for this. With the new volumetric mesh generation and the ANSYS export, our joint customers can benefit from the best of both worlds.”

The Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Austria is one such customer, using the solution to research biomedical applications. “We use Materialise Software (Mimics, 3-matic) in combination with ANSYS and a long-standing channel partner, CADFEM GmbH, to perform patient-specific implant analysis and optimization,” said Karl Entacher, project leader of FWF L526-B05 at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. “The usage of Mimics and 3-matic is essential for biomechanical 3-D modelling within our projects. The well-defined interface between Materialise modeling software and ANSYS enables us to carry out accurate biomechanical finite element analyses. The continuous enhancement of this interface provides us important support for the solution of future biomechanical problems.”

About ANSYS

ANSYS, Inc., (NASDAQ: ANSS) founded in 1970, develops and globally markets engineering simulation software and technologies widely used by engineers and designers across a broad spectrum of industries. The Company focuses on the development of open and flexible solutions that enable users to analyze designs directly on the desktop, providing a common platform for fast, efficient and cost-conscious product development, from design concept to final-stage testing and validation. The Company and its global network of channel partners provide sales, support and training for customers. Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., with more than 60 strategic sales locations throughout the world, ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ approximately 1,700 people and distribute ANSYS products through a network of channel partners in over 40 countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.

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