{"id":29240,"date":"2026-04-13T15:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/blog\/simulating-in-cad-vs-external-software\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T15:11:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:11:13","slug":"simulating-in-cad-vs-external-software","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/en\/blog\/simulating-in-cad-vs-external-software\/","title":{"rendered":"Simulating in CAD vs external software"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Crumb trail&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0rem||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;0rem||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0rem||||false|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;11007&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Code&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size: .7em;||text-transform: uppercase;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1rem||1rem||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_title featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0rem||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Simulations are an important part of product development. Yet the way engineers perform simulations varies widely. Some work with external FEA software, while others run simulations directly within their CAD environment. What is the difference and when do you choose which approach?   <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2rem||0rem||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider divider_weight=&#8221;2px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Working with external simulation software<\/h2>\n<p>Traditionally, a CAD model is exported to a separate simulation tool. There, the model is prepared, run through and analyzed. <\/p>\n<p>This works fine, but often involves extra steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>exporting and importing models<\/li>\n<li>Resetting materials and boundary conditions<\/li>\n<li>less flexibility for changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Especially with multiple iterations, this process can be time-consuming.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Multiphysics-animation.gif&#8221; alt=&#8221;FEA simulation of engine block with deformation analysis and stress distribution in Multiphysics for IronCAD&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Multiphysics animation&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Simulate within your CAD model<\/h2>\n<p>An alternative is to run simulation directly in your CAD environment. This is also called CAD-integrated FEA simulation. <\/p>\n<p>With an integrated solution, you work in the same model in which you design. Changes can be immediately recalculated without having to switch between different tools. <\/p>\n<p>This makes the process clearer and faster, especially during the design phase.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjEzMDg3In19@&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Trial version Multiphysics&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _dynamic_attributes=&#8221;button_url&#8221; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-f52cc46c-103a-4f3e-bb71-6efb5f79ee25&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-f52cc46c-103a-4f3e-bb71-6efb5f79ee25%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>What does this mean in practice?<\/h2>\n<p>The biggest difference is in how quickly you can iterate. This makes it easier to substantiate design choices as you are designing. <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0rem||2rem||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Within CAD&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#xf2f6;||fa||900&#8243; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2rem|2rem|1rem|2rem|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|8px|8px|8px|8px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can switch gears faster<\/li>\n<li>Does simulation become part of your workflow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;For external software&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#xf2f5;||fa||900&#8243; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2rem|2rem|1rem|2rem|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|8px|8px|8px|8px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does each change cost additional steps<\/li>\n<li>Is the threshold to re-simulate higher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>When do you choose which approach?<\/h2>\n<p>Both methods have their place. External simulation software is often used for very complex or specialized analyses. <\/p>\n<p>Simulation within CAD is especially interesting when you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Want to quickly validate during design<\/li>\n<li>Want to compare multiple variants<\/li>\n<li>Want to depend less on external tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/multi.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;FEA simulation of a mechanical part with stress distribution in Multiphysics for IronCAD&#8221; title_text=&#8221;multi&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The role of Multiphysics in IronCAD<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/en\/extensions\/multiphysics\/\">Multiphysics<\/a> for IronCAD allows you to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations directly within your CAD model.<\/p>\n<p>You work in the same environment and can immediately re-calculate changes. This makes it easier to make simulation part of your design process. <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>The choice between simulating within CAD or with external software depends on your application.<\/p>\n<p>For many design issues, an integrated solution is an efficient way to gain insights faster and speed up iterations.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-f52cc46c-103a-4f3e-bb71-6efb5f79ee25&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-f52cc46c-103a-4f3e-bb71-6efb5f79ee25%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Drive&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Want to know more?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Want to see how this works in IronCAD? Check out Multiphysics for IronCAD or try it yourself with a trial version. <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][dipi_button_grid flex_direction=&#8221;row&#8221; justify_content=&#8221;flex-start&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _dynamic_attributes=&#8221;link_option_url&#8221; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjExMjMyIn19@&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][dipi_button_grid_child button_id=&#8221;Proefversie&#8221; button_type=&#8221;dp_button&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Multiphysics trial version&#8221; button_link=&#8221;@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjEzMDg3In19@&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _dynamic_attributes=&#8221;button_link&#8221; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221; button_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#xf054;||fa||900&#8243; button_icon_placement=&#8221;right&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; button_custom_padding=&#8221;10px|35px|10px|35px|true|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22button_bg_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#474747&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/dipi_button_grid_child][dipi_button_grid_child button_id=&#8221;Meer info&#8221; button_type=&#8221;dp_button&#8221; button_text=&#8221;More info&#8221; button_link=&#8221;@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjEzMDgyIn19@&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _dynamic_attributes=&#8221;button_link&#8221; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;gcid-heading-color&#8221; button_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#xf054;||fa||900&#8243; button_icon_placement=&#8221;right&#8221; button_on_hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; button_custom_padding=&#8221;10px|35px|10px|35px|true|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22button_bg_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22button_bg_color__hover%22%93}&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; button_bg_color__hover=&#8221;#1694b2&#8243; button_bg_enable_color__hover=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/dipi_button_grid_child][\/dipi_button_grid][dipi_button_grid _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dipi_button_grid][dipi_button_grid _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/dipi_button_grid][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/ironcad.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/software-box-ironcad-multiphysics-1.webp&#8221; alt=&#8221;Software box of extension Multiphysics for IronCAD.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;software-box-ironcad-multiphysics (1)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the difference between simulating in CAD and external FEA software? 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