QuesTek adds niobium tools to ICMD platform

QuesTek Innovations is adding a Niobium Suite to its ICMD materials design platform, with support from CBMM, to help engineers model niobium-based alloys faster and with less trial-and-error. The release aims to speed development for aerospace, energy and additive manufacturing applications, including high-temperature and extreme-environment uses.

Why it matters: - The new Niobium Suite is aimed at cutting materials-development timelines for industries that need stronger performance under extreme conditions. - QuesTek says the capability should reduce reliance on expensive trial-and-error experimentation. - The update expands ICMD’s reach into niobium-based alloy systems, a category important for aerospace, energy and additive manufacturing.

What happened: - QuesTek Innovations announced the upcoming release of its Niobium Suite inside the ICMD materials design and engineering platform. - The announcement came Aug. 25, 2026, from Evanston, Illinois. - The suite was developed after a series of client engagements involving niobium-containing materials. - QuesTek also worked with CBMM, a global niobium producer and technology company, on the effort.

The details: - The Niobium Suite adds models and data specific to niobium-based alloy systems. - Engineers and materials scientists can use the platform to evaluate performance trade-offs more quickly. - ICMD can be used to predict behavior in extreme environments and tailor materials for specific applications. - The platform is designed to help users simulate how niobium-based materials affect microstructure and performance early in development. - QuesTek says the capability supports faster iteration and more confident decision-making. - Niobium is used to improve strength, durability and high-temperature performance in advanced materials. - CBMM’s Adam Young said the collaboration combines CBMM’s niobium expertise with QuesTek’s computational design tools to accelerate high-performance materials for the energy transition and next-generation industrial applications. - QuesTek has worked with CBMM to expand understanding of niobium’s role in advanced materials such as nickel-based superalloys. - QuesTek also collaborated with government agencies and industry to advance computational materials design for extreme-environment applications. - In collaboration with ARPA-E, QuesTek built a CALPHAD database and modeling suite for Nb-based alloys that was validated against a novel Nb-superalloy on the ULTIMATE program. - The ARPA-E work supports modeling and optimization of established alloys like C-103 and next-generation Nb-superalloys for high-temperature uses including jet engines and in-space thrusters. - Bill Mahoney, QuesTek’s chief operating officer, said the Niobium Suite is intended to help customers solve complex materials challenges faster and more predictably. - QuesTek says the ICMD platform is being expanded as a broader solution for designing advanced materials with greater precision. - The company says the release opens new opportunities in high-temperature alloys, structural components, energy systems and advanced manufacturing. - QuesTek directs users to try the Niobium & γ″ Strength in IN718 Calculator for more exploration. - QuesTek says its Materials by Design technology and ICMD software reduce development time and cost while increasing the performance of novel materials. - The company says it is the first in its market to execute the full cycle from novel design to production, certification and flight operations with proprietary materials. - Fast Company named QuesTek a 2025 Most Innovative Company. - CBMM says it serves more than 500 customers in 50 countries and is headquartered in Brazil with regional offices in the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States. - CBMM says its technology serves infrastructure, mobility, aerospace, healthcare and energy sectors. - The company says it has spent more than seven decades developing niobium projects and partnerships around the world. - CBMM includes a link for more information at CBMM | Niobium and another at niobium technology and applications. - QuesTek includes a LinkedIn page for social media updates.

Between the lines: - The niobium launch builds on prior client work rather than starting from scratch, which suggests QuesTek is productizing proven internal and collaborative research. - The ARPA-E validation adds technical credibility for aerospace and space applications, where materials qualification is especially demanding. - CBMM’s participation gives the release both supply-chain relevance and a commercialization angle.

What's next: - QuesTek is positioning the Niobium Suite as part of a broader ICMD expansion. - The company expects the tool to support faster development of niobium-enabled materials across established and emerging applications. - Users can explore the related calculator as QuesTek continues building out the platform.