Image-Based Meshing — From CT Scans to CAE
RETOMO
Image-based meshing that turns 3D image data — such as CT scans — into high-quality meshes for CAE analysis. Bridges the gap between scanned imaging and simulation by performing image segmentation and generating volume / surface meshes directly from the reconstructed image stack.
Overview
From Image Stack to Solver-Ready Mesh
RETOMO from BETA CAE Systems (now part of Cadence) is the software for image-based meshing. It turns 3D image data — such as computed tomography (CT) scans — into high-quality meshes for CAE analysis.
It generates separate meshes for all materials in a scan in a single pass. Streaming meshing algorithms let users work with large databases without sacrificing resulting quality — well suited to handling multi-material objects efficiently.
Capabilities
Built for Image-Driven Geometry
3D Volume Rendering
Solid and transparent 3D volume rendering visualises different materials with distinct colours. Instantaneous changes in number of materials or inter-material thresholds.
Multi-Material Segmentation
Multiple materials handled simultaneously during image segmentation — generate separate meshes for all materials in a single pass.
Streaming Meshing
Algorithms let users work with large image stacks without sacrificing mesh quality. Memory-efficient for big datasets.
Intuitive UI
Minimal, intuitive interface — tools and functions grouped on a ribbon bar so the workflow stays close to hand.
BETA Suite Integration
Meshes feed directly into the ANSA / EPILYSIS / META workflow for downstream pre-processing, solving, and post-processing.
Scan-to-Sim Workflow
Bridges scanned imaging and simulation — image segmentation through volume / surface mesh generation, no separate handoff stages.
Typical Applications
Where RETOMO Excels
Biomechanics & Medical
Patient-specific modelling from CT / MRI scans — orthopaedics, cardiovascular, dental, surgical planning.
Reverse Engineering
Capture as-manufactured geometry from scans — analyse parts where original CAD is missing or no longer accurate.
Materials & Composites
Internal structure captured via CT for materials and composites analysis — fibre orientation, void content, microstructure.
Defect / Porosity
Defect and porosity inspection turned into simulation-ready models — predict performance impact of real-world manufacturing variation.
Workflow
CT Scan to CAE Model in One Tool
Import Image Stack
Bring in CT / MRI / other 3D image data. Large image stacks supported with streaming algorithms.
Segment Materials
Multi-material image segmentation in a single pass — solid + transparent 3D volume rendering for visual control.
Generate Mesh
Generate separate volume and surface meshes for every material in the scan — quality preserved at scale.
Hand Off to CAE
Export to the BETA suite — ANSA for pre-processing, EPILYSIS for solving, META for post-processing.
Related
Works Well With
ANSA Pre-Processor
BETA CAE sibling — natural downstream destination for the meshes RETOMO produces.
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Fidelity Hexpress
Cadence Fidelity meshing — use when downstream CFD is the target rather than ANSA / EPILYSIS / META.
Learn More
Fidelity Pointwise
Interactive CFD mesh control — alternative downstream pre-processor for the Fidelity world.
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Get Started
From Scan to Simulation
Talk to Craftronics about RETOMO — image-based meshing for biomechanics, reverse engineering, materials, and defect analysis.