[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":129},["ShallowReactive",2],{"Q3qnSERFU1ELSZgdgjBpVjAexzndfS-BsftOP_BhDyk":3,"_apollo:default":127,"_apollo:identified":128},{"seo":4,"posts":15},{"social":5,"openGraph":11,"__typename":14},{"twitter":6,"__typename":10},{"cardType":7,"username":8,"__typename":9},"summary_large_image","dassault3ds","SEOSocialTwitter","SEOSocial",{"defaultImage":12,"__typename":13},null,"SEOOpenGraph","SEOConfig",{"nodes":16,"__typename":126},[17],{"id":18,"slug":19,"title":20,"uri":21,"excerpt":22,"locale":23,"featuredImage":26,"tableOfContents":34,"content":46,"date":47,"translations":48,"author":49,"tags":63,"globalTags":77,"brands":101,"keywords":112,"seo":115,"__typename":125},"cG9zdDozMTYwNDg=","composite-design-to-manufacturing","From Composite Design to Manufacturing: How 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA MODSIM Integrates the Entire Workflow","\u002Fbrands\u002Fcatia\u002Fcomposite-design-to-manufacturing","\u003Cp>An integrated composite workflow that unifies design, simulation and manufacturing to improve performance and accelerate production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":24,"__typename":25},"en_US","Locale",{"node":27,"__typename":33},{"large":28,"__typename":29,"medium_large":28,"thumbnail":30,"srcSet":31,"sizes":32},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-768x512.jpg","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.3ds.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fmodsim-for-composites-design-3_11zon-2048x1365.jpg 2048w","(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45],"From Disconnected Processes to an Integrated Workflow|from-disconnected-processes-to-an-integrated-workflow-0","Start with Simulation-Driven Composite Design|start-with-simulation-driven-composite-design-1","Optimize the Layup for Performance|optimize-the-layup-for-performance-2","Move from Concept to Detailed Composite Design|move-from-concept-to-detailed-composite-design-3","Validate the Composite Structure Before Manufacturing|validate-the-composite-structure-before-manufacturing-4","Design with Manufacturing in Mind|design-with-manufacturing-in-mind-5","Connect Engineering Definition to Manufacturing|connect-engineering-definition-to-manufacturing-6","Simulate and Program Automated Fiber Placement|simulate-and-program-automated-fiber-placement-7","One Connected Composites Process|one-connected-composites-process-8","Conclusion|conclusion-9","FAQ|faq-10","\n\u003Cp>Designing and manufacturing composite parts involves a complex chain of activities. Engineers need to define and optimize layups, validate structural performance, account for manufacturing constraints and prepare production processes. When data, teams and tools are disconnected across these stages, engineering teams can face inefficiencies, repeated work and costly iterations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdiscover.3ds.com\u002Fmodsim-composites-design\">\u003Cstrong>3DEXPERIENCE CATIA MODSIM for Composites Design\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> takes an integrated connected approach. By bringing composites design, simulation and manufacturing preparation together on the \u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\u002F3dexperience-catia\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\u002F3dexperience-catia\">3DEXPERIENCE platform\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong>, it enables teams to work from a unified data model throughout the composite part lifecycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"from-disconnected-processes-to-an-integrated-workflow-0\">\u003Cstrong>From Disconnected Processes to an Integrated Workflow\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In a traditional composites’ workflow, design, simulation and manufacturing preparation can involve different teams, tools and datasets. Preliminary sizing, detailed design, structural analysis, process simulation and production data generation may happen as separate activities, creating handoffs between engineering and manufacturing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>3DEXPERIENCE approach\u003C\u002Fstrong> integrates these activities into a continuous process. Design engineers, simulation engineers and manufacturing engineers can work with integrated data and processes, supporting collaboration from preliminary design through manufacturing preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This creates a more unified foundation for developing complex, production-ready composite parts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-with-simulation-driven-composite-design-1\">\u003Cstrong>Start with Simulation-Driven Composite Design\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The process begins with \u003Cstrong>simulation-driven concept development\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, during layup sizing, engineers can quickly define stiffener positions and iso-thickness zones for composite materials. The workflow also supports finite element model setup, structural simulation and design exploration. Model reduction into beam elements can further support faster convergence during the sizing process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Instead of treating simulation as a downstream activity, engineers can use analysis to inform the design from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"optimize-the-layup-for-performance-2\">\u003Cstrong>Optimize the Layup for Performance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Once an initial concept is established, engineers can explore different layup configurations and identify designs that meet requirements while improving performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With \u003Cstrong>parametric design studies\u003C\u002Fstrong>, teams can evaluate multiple objectives and use design improvement studies to automatically search for better designs. Engineers can also author, monitor and postprocess design exploration studies directly within the workflow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This simulation-driven approach helps engineers optimize composite structures while considering the trade-offs that naturally occur during design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"move-from-concept-to-detailed-composite-design-3\">\u003Cstrong>Move from Concept to Detailed Composite Design\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the design progresses, the layup can be developed in greater detail while maintaining associativity with the engineering definition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The detailed design capabilities provide tools for reviewing and modifying the layup, creating associative solids and surfaces from plies, and generating outputs such as 3D sections and 2D documentation. Integration with platform review tools also supports collaboration across the engineering process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The result is a more connected transition from preliminary concepts to detailed composite definition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ds-video\">\u003Ca data-3ds-videoplayer=\"modal\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=whINzbn3ad4\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cspan class=\"ImageCover Border Block\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\u002F\u002Fimg.youtube.com\u002Fvi\u002FwhINzbn3ad4\u002Fhqdefault.jpg); width:100%; height: 100%;\">\u003Cspan class=\"Btn--circle isCenter\">\u003Ci class=\"Icon Icon--playBig\">\u003C\u002Fi>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Composites winglet - Detailed Design Validation\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FwhINzbn3ad4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"validate-the-composite-structure-before-manufacturing-4\">\u003Cstrong>Validate the Composite Structure Before Manufacturing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Detailed validation is another critical step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With \u003Cstrong>Composite Structures Analysis Engineer\u003C\u002Fstrong>, composite plies, zones or grids can be mapped onto meshes, while composite shell sections can be used for structural analysis. Fiber orientations can also be computed from manufacturing parameters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Because the simulation remains associative with the design, engineers can iterate quickly on the composite layup during preliminary design. Dedicated capabilities also support complex nonlinear simulations within the 3DEXPERIENCE environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This enables teams to evaluate structural behavior and refine the design before committing to manufacturing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"design-with-manufacturing-in-mind-5\">\u003Cstrong>Design with Manufacturing in Mind\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Composite performance depends not only on structural design but also on how the part will actually be manufactured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For manual layup, the workflow includes \u003Cstrong>draping simulation\u003C\u002Fstrong> to assess manufacturability and visualize how the plies behave on the mold. Engineers can account for material excess, identify fabric distortion and generate optimized flat patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The process can also generate shop-floor documentation with associated operations and work instructions, together with integrated laser projection capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For automated fiber placement, teams can investigate different AFP configurations and define manufacturing process requirements as early as possible, helping improve communication between engineering and manufacturing. These capabilities are provided through the CATFIBER DFM add‑on from our partner Coriolis, which also supports additional composite manufacturing processes including braiding, forming and filament winding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"connect-engineering-definition-to-manufacturing-6\">\u003Cstrong>Connect Engineering Definition to Manufacturing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The connection continues into production management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>MBOM associative to the manufacturing definition\u003C\u002Fstrong> provides improved traceability and quality throughout the manufacturing process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Manufacturing engineers can then define and validate process plans in 3D, describe transformation steps, balance production resources and add textual instructions and 3D annotations to describe manufacturing operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Process engineers can publish process plans and related work instructions, which can then be executed as shop orders using DELMIA Apriso Execution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"simulate-and-program-automated-fiber-placement-7\">\u003Cstrong>Simulate and Program Automated Fiber Placement\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For automated manufacturing, \u003Cstrong>CATFIBER MPS\u003C\u002Fstrong> extends the workflow with automated fiber placement simulation and programming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Engineers can simulate and program robot trajectories directly within the 3DEXPERIENCE environment. The solution is also independent from AFP machines, helping create a bridge between engineering and manufacturing while supporting production preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This connection helps teams move from the digital definition of a composite part toward manufacturing execution with greater continuity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"one-connected-composites-process-8\">\u003Cstrong>One Connected Composites Process\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The value of \u003Cstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\u002Fcatia-v5\u002Fmodsim\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\u002Fcatia-v5\u002Fmodsim\">3DEXPERIENCE CATIA MODSIM\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fstrong> for Composites Design lies in connecting the entire workflow rather than optimizing individual steps in isolation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>From \u003Cstrong>layup sizing and optimization\u003C\u002Fstrong> to detailed design, structural validation, manufacturing preparation, MBOM creation, process planning and fiber placement programming, teams can work within a connected environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This approach supports a unified data model, enabling designers, simulation engineers and manufacturing engineers to collaborate around the same product definition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The result is a composites development process designed to reduce disconnected work, improve traceability and help teams optimize performance and manufacturing earlier in the lifecycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-9\">\u003Cstrong>Conclusion\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Composite engineering requires a balance between \u003Cstrong>performance, weight, manufacturability and production efficiency\u003C\u002Fstrong>. By connecting design, simulation and manufacturing preparation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fcatia\">\u003Cstrong>CATIA\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> MODSIM for Composites Design helps teams make decisions earlier, maintain continuity across the product lifecycle and move more efficiently from concept to production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>👉 \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdiscover.3ds.com\u002Fmodsim-composites-design\">Download the ebook here\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq-10\">\u003Cstrong>FAQ\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>What is 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA MODSIM for Composites Design?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It is a integrated composites engineering approach that brings together composite design, simulation, optimization and manufacturing preparation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>How does CATIA MODSIM support composite layup optimization?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It enables parametric design studies and design exploration to identify composite designs that meet requirements and improve performance while considering multiple objectives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>How can engineers validate composite structures?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Composite Structures Analysis Engineer provides capabilities for mapping plies, zones and grids onto meshes, computing fiber orientations from manufacturing parameters and running complex nonlinear simulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>How does the solution support composite manufacturing?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It supports both manual layup and automated fiber placement, including draping simulation, flat-pattern generation, manufacturing documentation, AFP configuration and manufacturing process definition, as well as braiding, forming and filament winding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>How does 3DEXPERIENCE improve traceability in composites manufacturing?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>An MBOM associated with the engineering definition helps maintain traceability between engineering and manufacturing, while integrated process planning and work instructions help connect the digital product definition to production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>Who is Olivier Nallet? \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>Olivier Nallet is a CATIA Engineering Industry Process Expert Senior Specialist within CATIA Multi Discipline Engineering organization\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n","2026-09-21T10:04:03",[],{"node":50,"__typename":62},{"nicename":51,"description":52,"slug":53,"name":54,"firstName":55,"lastName":56,"avatar":57,"__typename":61},"oliviernallet","","OlivierNallet","Olivier Nallet","Olivier","Nallet",{"default":58,"url":59,"__typename":60},"mm","https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F9dba6abb6a73b4feed81d4b37beb232c3f7641142436c0f5475ee55107d086dc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"edges":64,"nodes":72,"__typename":76},[65],{"isPrimary":66,"node":67,"__typename":71},true,{"slug":68,"name":69,"__typename":70},"design-simulation","Design & Simulation","Taxonomy_topic","PostToTaxonomy_topicConnectionEdge",[73],{"id":74,"name":69,"uri":75,"__typename":70},"dGVybTo4NTU5","\u002Ftopics\u002Fdesign-simulation\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_topicConnection",{"nodes":78,"__typename":100},[79,84,88,92,96],{"id":80,"name":81,"uri":82,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo4ODM0","3DEXPERIENCE platform","\u002Ftags\u002F3dexperience-platform\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":85,"name":86,"uri":87,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo4ODMy","AI","\u002Ftags\u002Fai\u002F",{"id":89,"name":90,"uri":91,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo5MTMx","Engineering","\u002Ftags\u002Fengineering\u002F",{"id":93,"name":94,"uri":95,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo4ODQ4","MODSIM","\u002Ftags\u002Fmodsim\u002F",{"id":97,"name":98,"uri":99,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo5MTA0","Virtual Twin","\u002Ftags\u002Fvirtual-twin\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":102,"nodes":109,"__typename":111},[103],{"isPrimary":66,"node":104,"__typename":108},{"slug":105,"name":106,"__typename":107},"catia","CATIA","Taxonomy_brand","PostToTaxonomy_brandConnectionEdge",[110],{"name":106,"slug":105,"__typename":107},"PostToTaxonomy_brandConnection",{"nodes":113,"__typename":114},[],"PostToTaxonomy_keywordConnection",{"title":116,"metaDesc":117,"opengraphAuthor":52,"opengraphDescription":117,"opengraphTitle":20,"opengraphUrl":118,"opengraphSiteName":119,"opengraphPublishedTime":120,"opengraphModifiedTime":121,"twitterTitle":52,"twitterDescription":52,"readingTime":122,"metaRobotsNoindex":123,"__typename":124},"Composite Design to Manufacturing","Integrated composite design‑to‑manufacturing workflow that improves performance, validation and production efficiency.","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-frontoffice-contrib-prd.itvpc.3ds.com\u002Fbrands\u002Fcatia\u002Fcomposite-design-to-manufacturing\u002F","Dassault Systèmes blog","2026-09-21T10:04:03+00:00","2026-09-21T10:04:09+00:00",6,"index","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1789997144954]