The startup develops software that analyzes computer-aided design files to identify opportunities for additive manufacturing and perform geometry analyses. This technology enables manufacturers to reduce industrial printing costs and optimize production efficiency by pinpointing economically viable parts for three-dimensional printing.
Funding
$5.9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
AKBFXFounders
Product
Problem
Manufacturers often struggle to identify the most cost-effective production methods for their parts, especially when considering additive manufacturing alongside traditional techniques. Determining which parts are suitable for 3D printing, CNC machining, or other processes requires extensive analysis and expertise, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for cost reduction.
Solution
CASTOR is a software platform that analyzes CAD files and 2D technical drawings to identify opportunities for cost optimization in manufacturing. The platform automatically discovers parts suitable for alternative manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing, CNC machining, injection molding, investment casting, and die casting. By considering factors such as material properties, geometry, and cost estimation, CASTOR suggests optimal materials, technologies, and design changes to reduce costs and improve supply chain resilience. The software integrates with PLM/MES systems to streamline digitalization and enhance digital manufacturing workflows.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes manufacturing businesses, from medium to large enterprises, that produce low-volume, high-mix parts, as well as engineers involved in design, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
Features
- Analyzes CAD files (Creo, SOLIDWORKS, NX, CATIA, Inventor, Solid Edge), STEP (STP) files, STL files, and 2D drawing files
- Identifies cost reduction opportunities by suggesting alternative manufacturing methods and materials
- Automates large assemblies' analysis to identify optimal materials and manufacturing technologies for thousands of parts at once
- Improves supply chain resiliency by identifying parts with faster manufacturing lead times
- Identifies redesign opportunities to optimize part designs, reduce material waste, and improve manufacturability
- Estimates manufacturing costs based on material costs, machine time, labor hours, and post-processing requirements
- Assesses part geometry, material, and GD&T specifications to estimate post-processing needs and costs
- Offers a stress test feature that automates mechanical analysis to evaluate design safety and reliability
- Calculates potential carbon emission savings by comparing traditional and alternative manufacturing methods
- Integrates with Siemens Teamcenter and PTC Windchill