Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions we hear most. Each links to the page with the details.

Is my CAD file uploaded to LoudGears?

No. ForgeNode reads the STEP file, meshes it, and solves it on your workstation. LoudGears stores project details and a signed numerical summary of each result, never the geometry. See Data and security.

Do I need a GPU?

No. A GPU is optional acceleration. CPU Standard runs the same 5 mm analysis on the CPU of an ordinary Windows 11 x64 PC or laptop with 8 cores and 16 GB RAM, typically in a few minutes (one wheel took 2 min 34 s on an 8-core desktop CPU). Standard uses an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA when you have one. See Run an analysis and System requirements.

How long does an analysis take?

A typical run of a STEP file for a wheel of moderate complexity on a supported GPU takes 2–3 minutes, from Add to FEA queue to the verified result. IGES and X_T files first add their conversion time, the CPU route takes longer, and large or complex geometry takes longer to prepare.

Which file formats are supported?

STEP (.step, .stp) and IGES (.igs, .iges), one file of up to 50 MB per analysis. IGES needs an up-to-date ForgeNode, which converts it to a solid on your workstation; see Exporting IGES. Parasolid text (.x_t, .xt) is accepted too: ForgeNode rebuilds it as an exact solid on your workstation; see Exporting X_T. IGES and X_T are in beta: if a run of one fails, export the wheel as STEP and run it again.

Which wheel materials are supported?

Forged 6061-T6 aluminium (the default) and AZ80A-T6 magnesium. Choose one under Wheel material in the run settings before you queue a run; magnesium needs ForgeNode 2026.10.06.1-beta or later. Each material has its own stiffness, density, yield strength and pass rule. See Wheel material.

What does the safety factor mean, and why 3.0?

The safety factor at a point is the material's simplified yield strength divided by the von Mises stress there. For 6061-T6 aluminium, LoudGears requires a minimum of 3.0 across the wheel surface to pass, which leaves margin for real-road impacts and fatigue beyond the static load case. An AZ80A-T6 magnesium wheel passes from 2.5, and 3.0 is recommended. See Read a result.

My result says FEA FAILED. Is something broken?

No. FEA FAILED is a valid engineering verdict: the minimum safety factor is below the material's minimum (3.0 for aluminium, 2.5 for magnesium) for that load case. Look at the hotspots, strengthen those areas, and run a new revision. See Read a result.

Can I analyse front and rear wheels together?

Yes. Export the staggered pair in one file and ForgeNode splits it into two runs, front then rear, in the same project. The rear wheel is half price when both wheels have the same outer diameter (within 1.5%) and spoke count. See Front and rear wheels in one file and Rear-wheel discount.

Am I charged when an analysis fails?

You are charged for a verified engineering result, pass or fail. If a run stops without a verified result, because of a meshing problem, a solver error, or because you cancelled it, the reserved credit is released. See Plans and credits.

Why is re-running a design cheaper?

Once a project has a verified verdict, an identical or slightly changed revision is charged at the lower revision rate. Keep revisions of one design in the same project. See Plans and credits.

Can I view results on another computer?

You can see the verdict, the numerical summary, and reports on any computer where you sign in. The full interactive 3D fields are stored on the workstation that ran the analysis, so open the result there to explore them. See Read a result.

Can I run analyses on more than one workstation?

Yes, up to your plan's device limit. Install and activate ForgeNode on each one. Each run uses the ForgeNode connected to the browser that starts it. See Account, devices, and team.

I got a new computer. How do I move my license?

Remove the old workstation under Account & billing → Manage your devices, then install ForgeNode on the new computer and choose Activate License.

Can I use my own load values?

Yes, with Manual load / torque override, when you have an approved engineering value. The verdict then applies to those values. See Vehicle loads.

Which languages are reports available in?

Chinese, English, and Japanese. You choose the language for each PDF, independent of the app language. See Reports.

Can I put my company logo on reports?

Yes. Workspace owners and administrators upload a logo under Workspace management → Report workspace branding. See Reports.

Is the demo my data?

No. The demo is an archived reference run shown read-only. It creates no project and uses no credits. See Explore the demo.

How do I contact LoudGears?

Signed in, open Support from the account menu to raise a request and follow the conversation. For partnership questions, or if you cannot sign in, email info@loudgears.com. For a problem with an analysis, include the details listed under Contact support.