Oqton Wins ASTRO-InSPIRE Distortion Challenge for LPBF Software

Oqton has won the second annual ASTRO-InSPIRE Tech Challenge, beating out major engineering software names in a competition focused on one of metal additive manufacturing's most stubborn problems: part distortion in laser powder bed fusion.

The challenge, hosted by ASTRO America and Florida State University's InSPIRE institute, asked competitors to deliver distortion prediction and compensation solutions for LPBF. Part distortion happens when residual stress builds up during the layer-by-layer heating and cooling cycle. That stress can bend or crack complex metal parts, and it remains one of the biggest obstacles to scaling metal AM for production.

Oqton's winning approach uses simulation and geometry compensation tools built into its 3DXpert platform. The company tested its method on Inconel 718, a nickel-based superalloy widely used in aerospace and defense. Judges evaluated the solutions against real-world parts rather than simple test coupons, which meant competitors had to prove their tools worked at production scale, not just in theory.

Ansys, Siemens, Dassault, Autodesk, and Cadence all entered the competition. Oqton's win marks the second year in a row that a software-focused company has taken the top prize. Last year, ADDIGURU and Additive Assurance won for in-situ monitoring solutions.

ASTRO America runs the challenge on behalf of defense manufacturers including Boeing, GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, and Siemens Energy. The goal is to separate research-stage tools from production-ready ones. Dr. Abdalla R. Nassar, ASTRO South's VP and General Manager, said the competition is about identifying the tools and technical confidence needed to scale additive manufacturing for critical domestic production.

Sridharan Hariharan, Oqton's Global VP of Sales and Customer Success, said the challenge's use of real parts set a higher bar than typical academic benchmarks. He noted that Oqton's approach to distortion prediction and compensation in Inconel 718 came out on top because it matched the rigor customers already demand in day-to-day operations.

The trophy itself was 3D-printed in metal, a fitting detail for a competition about manufacturing. The showcase took place in Destin, Florida, with Rep. Jimmy Patronis on hand to recognize the competitors. The event also highlighted Northwest Florida's growing role in aerospace and defense manufacturing, supported by FSU InSPIRE and Triumph Gulf Coast.

For Oqton, the win validates its strategy of wrapping simulation and compensation directly into the print preparation workflow. That lets engineers catch distortion risks before a build starts, rather than discovering them after a part fails or requires expensive rework. As defense contractors push more metal AM into serial production, that capability is becoming a requirement, not a luxury.