Simpleware Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Simpleware Software

1. How do I get started with Simpleware?

The Simpleware ‘Help’ tool comes with many step-by-step tutorials (including data) covering various features and workflows. Also, visit the online learning library for short instruction videos, and for more in-depth training, sign up to online training courses. And don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts if you have any questions.

2. Is Simpleware software CE marked and FDA cleared as a medical device?

Yes, the product ‘Simpleware Medical’ has FDA 510(k) marketing clearance and CE marking, and is developed to ISO 13485:2016 quality standards. Please visit the Regulatory Information page for more details on the certification.

Please note that only Simpleware Medical is the recommended software for medical and/or clinical use. The general version of Simpleware should only be used for non-clinical research purposes. It should not be used in any process where FDA or CE marking is required.

3. Can I customize the workflow and tools within Simpleware based on my specific requirements?

Yes, you can tailor your toolsets according to your needs. The ‘My tools’ tab allows you create a custom ribbon with your commonly used tools, or those needed for your workflow to get convenient access to them, all in one place.

4. What scripting languages can Simpleware software support?

All Simpleware functionality is accessible from a fully documented scripting API, with bindings available for Python and C#. You can also generate code by using the macro recording functionality.

5. What types of models can be exported from Simpleware? Are they compatible with CAD/CAE/3D printing applications?

Yes, export IGES and STEP files to all leading CAD packages, generate high-quality volume meshes for your preferred FE/CFD solver, and produce print-ready STL, OBJ, 3MF files for 3D printing with ease.

6. Can I request a free trial of Simpleware software?

Yes, visit the Simpleware Software Trial page to register for fully-supported 30-day trial version of the complete Simpleware software suite.

Software Tools & Features

Image processing

1. What types of image data can I process with Simpleware? What file formats are compatible?

You can import image data from MRI, CT, micro-CT, and other 3D & 4D imaging modalities. File format include DICOM, DICONDE, stack of images, and 3D/volume image. Check out the Technical Datasheets for a detailed list.

2. What tools are available in Simpleware to deal with challenging image data?

Simpleware software provides an extensive set of filters for smoothing, noise and artifact reduction to clean up noisy or low-contrast image data. To segment complex data, special features can quickly remove disconnected regions, holes or noise, split regions, and close cavities.

3. Can I register more than one dataset? Can Simpleware combine image data from CT and MRI scans?

Yes, you can register any dataset (background image, mask, surface/volume mesh, and 2D X-ray images), from either the current project or an external project. Watch short tutorial videos for step-by-step instructions.

4. Does Simpleware software have automatic segmentation tools?

Simpleware software offers a wide range of segmentation tools from automatic to manual options for accurate processing of image data. Additionally, Simpleware anatomy-specific Auto Segmentation tools feature fully automated AI-powered segmentation and landmarking. Learn more

5. How does Simpleware handle large datasets? Are there any limitations on data size or complexity?

There are no inherent limitations on data size or complexity. Performance and computational resource may impact the software’s ability to handle extremely large files, but its parallel computing capabilities can help mitigate this issue.

Auto Segmentation

1. Do I have to segment all the parts listed?

No, you can use the selector diagram to select only the parts you want to segment, and also choose to include landmarks or not.

2. Can I choose to segment only part of the image?

Yes, choose the user-defined region of interest to select which area to segment. This is really useful when you are working with lower body scans for example.

3. The anatomy I wish to segment isn’t listed, how can I segment it?

Use Simpleware software’s extensive range of image processing and segmentation tools to segment different anatomies, or contact us about our fully customized AI/ML solutions. Learn more

4. What hardware is required?

Simpleware Auto Segmentation tools require a hardware specification with a NVIDIA graphics card with a minimum of 4GB of video memory. Visit the System Requirements page for more details.

Surface Tools

1. What types of CAD files can Simpleware import? Can I fix them if necessary?

You can import the following surface objects: STL, PLY, IGES/IGS, STEP/STP. Yes, you can use the Check and Fix option to fix self-intersections of CAD files or to make a part watertight.

2. How do I position CAD objects in relation to my image data?

There are a range of tools in Simpleware software to position and orientate your CAD file including automatic snap or landmark-based registration, and position and orientation tool to translate, rotate and scale the object in 2D or 3D.

3. What can I sync with SOLIDWORKS®? Can I link and un-link files?

You can sync SOLIDWORKS parts and/or assemblies to automatically update design changes made in SOLIDWORKS. All parts/assemblies can be linked, un-linked, and re-linked.

4. Can I edit surface objects in Simpleware?

There are a number of tools available in the Simpleware software that allow you to edit surface objects, such as Boolean operations, surface filters to smooth, decimate, resurface, fill holes, surface editing to group/ungroup, extrude, hollow, clip.

5. Can I control the amount of surface detail that is included in my CAD model?

Yes, you can change the surface fitting, specific or adaptive tolerancing. You can also view the control points used to fit NURBS patches and change these as required.

6. Which CAD packages can I export to from Simpleware?

Any CAD package that can import IGES or STEP (which is almost all CAD packages).

Volume Mesh Tools

1. Can I assign material properties to the mesh?

Yes, using the Simpleware FE module you can assign homogeneous, placeholder, or greyscale-based material definitions to each mask in your model.

2. What mesh formats can be exported?

Software-specific exports are available for: Adina, Ansys, COMSOL, LS-DYNA, Matlab, as well as generic exports including Nastran, Patran, and VTK.

3. Can I control the mesh size?

There are many options to control the size of the type of mesh elements generated in the Simpleware FE module. The meshes can be refined or decimated per part (image-based mask or surface object if included) and/or specific regions of interest can be generated with their own mesh settings.

4. Can I import existing volume meshes?

Yes, then you can add them to exiting models, re-mesh them, assign new material properties and more.

Measurements

1. How can I quickly measure and quantify data? What options are available?

Simpleware software includes quick, push-button statistics and measurement options which allow you to quickly compute commonly required quantities , and perform measurements with a Simpleware project file. Check out the Technical Datasheets for a list full list of available metrics.

2. Can I generate custom reports?

Yes, Simpleware comes with a large variety of statistics available, including built-in templates for the most common sets of statistics, and the capability to create user-defined templates. The Simpleware Reference Guide provides detailed instructions how to input custom functions and create custom templates.

3. What file formats are supported for exporting measurements and statistical data from Simpleware?

You can export data in PDF, HTML and CSV format for external analysis.

3D Printing

1. Can Simpleware place 3D printing connectors automatically?

Yes, Simpleware software can automatically place connectors between two neighboring parts. You can then easily fine tune each placement with interactive widgets to resize and reposition.

2. Does Simpleware have FDA 510(k) clearance for diagnostic 3D printing?

Yes, please see the Simpleware for Point-of-Care (POC) 3D Printing page for a list of printers that have been validated for use with Simpleware Medical as part of an end-to-end FDA-cleared workflow.

3. What are cutting guides used for?

Cutting guides assist surgeons making the required bone cuts as determined by the virtual plan. They are patient-specific to fit exactly on the region of the bone to be cut during surgery. They are usually 3D printed and then sterilized for use within surgery.

4. What file formats does Simpleware support for exporting to 3D printers?

You can export print-ready files in 3MF, STL, OBJ, PLY, 3D PDF and VRML format.

Licensing

1. How do I find my computer’s HostID?

The computer HostID (or mac address) is a unique identifier for your computer, all licenses (including trial licenses) are linked to a HostID. You can access your HostID by running the getmac command from the command prompt on windows. Please follow the steps below explaining the process: 

1. Press the [Windows] + [R] keys. The “Run” window appears
2. Type "cmd" and click "OK". A command line window appears
3. Type "getmac" and press [Enter]
4. Highlight HostID information by using the mouse cursor and holding down the left mouse button. If more than one HostID is listed, select the first one.
5. Only highlight the characters that make up the HostID, in the window this is labeled as Physical Address, for example D4-81-D7-27-C5-CA
6. Press [Enter] (or [Ctrl]+[C]) to copy to the clipboard.
7. Paste ([Ctrl]+[V]) the information into the "HostID" field.

2. What operating system platforms are supported? Is there a version that runs on Linux?

Simpleware software is fully supported on 64-bit Windows and Linux operating systems. Please visit the System Requirements page for full details on all supported operating systems. Please note that Simpleware Medical and Simpleware Design link tools are not available in the Linux operating system.

3. What are the minimum technical requirements for installing Simpleware?

Please visit the System Requirements page for full details on the minimum and recommended system requirements.

4. What licensing options are available?

Select your software package from the following options:

• License tier: Simpleware Base OR Elite, OR Simpleware Medical Base OR Elite
• License configuration: Node-Locked OR Floating
• License term: Annual OR Multi-year

Please visit the Simpleware Licensing Options page for further details.

5. Do you have academic/research licenses?

Yes, the Simpleware University Bundle gives academic and research institutions access to Simpleware tools and technology. The only limitation is that these licenses must be used for academic research only whose results are published in peer-reviewed academic journals. Please visit the University Research page for further details.

Technical Support

1. What technical support does Synopsys offer to its users?

All Simpleware licenses come with maintenance and support from our team of experts. Our engineers will give you tailored advice, ensuring your use of the software is as efficient as possible. Maintenance also includes bug fixes, upgrades (minor and major) and allows node-locked licenses or a floating server license to be moved to another computer at no additional cost.

Consultancy Services

1. What services do you provide to customers?

Covering everything from consultancy services to custom script development and software training, our experts are here to find the best solutions for your workflows. Benefit from our team’s in-depth knowledge and receive services tailored to your unique needs. Learn more

2. Can you build a customized Auto Segmentation tool tailored to meet my specific requirements?

Yes, harness the power of our expert engineering knowledge and AI/ML to create an automated solution purpose-built for your needs. Our team will use problem-specific data, and work with you to deliver a fully customized solution for your current processes. Learn more

3. Can you integrate Simpleware technology and benefit my workflows?

Yes, we provide tailored scripting, plugin, and software development to enhance your 3D image processing and model generation workflows. We can automate workflows, build custom wizards, integrate machine learning algorithms, and expand the functionality of Simpleware software products to streamline your processes. Learn more