SDTools

Name

SDTools

Legal name

SDTools

Website

https://sdtools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Simulation Software

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Developer Tooling & SDK Platforms (BPAMAOAD)

Keywords

• Structural dynamics software
• Vibration analysis tools
• Modal analysis consulting
• Finite element modeling
• MATLAB engineering toolbox

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software licenses (SDT toolbox): Sale of Structural Dynamics Toolbox (SDT) licenses for MATLAB, with options including SDT-base, SDT-modules (FEMLink, Viscoelastic, Piezoelectric, JobH, Runtime), and SDT Runtime for deployment without MATLAB. Licenses are sold via web store with annual pricing.
2. Vibration consulting services: Consulting engagements on vibration problems covering testing, Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA), FEM modeling, hybrid twins, and training. These engagements often lead to custom software application deployments and deepen customer relationships for software adoption.
3. Custom software development and deployment: Ad hoc custom software solutions developed from successful consulting R&D projects, packaged into production-ready GUI applications and deployed via Runtime compilation for customer environments that may not include MATLAB.
4. Training services: Training programs on structural dynamics, experimental modal analysis, and SDT software usage offered as part of the service portfolio.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SDTools develops and markets the Structural Dynamics Toolbox (SDT) for MATLAB, providing 3-D finite element modeling, experimental modal analysis, test/FEM correlation (hybrid twins), and domain-specific modules (FEMLink, Viscoelastic, Piezoelectric, JobH, Runtime). The company also delivers specialized pre-built solutions for pantograph/catenary interaction (OSCAR), train/track dynamics (Dynavoie), and brake squeal analysis. Alongside the software, SDTools offers vibration consulting, training, and custom software development services, with custom applications deployed via SDT Runtime into customer production environments.

Product overview

SDTools develops and markets the Structural Dynamics Toolbox (SDT) for MATLAB, a comprehensive platform consisting of the core SDT product plus modular extensions. The core SDT enhances MATLAB capabilities in controls and signal processing through extensions for 3-D finite element modeling, experimental modal analysis, and test/analysis correlation. The SDT-base module provides foundational functionality while specialized modules (FEMLink, Viscoelastic, Piezoelectric, JobH, Runtime) extend capabilities for specific use cases. SDTools also offers vertical solutions including OSCAR for pantograph/catenary interaction, Dynavoie for train/track interaction, brake squeal analysis, and test expansion on FEM. The toolbox interfaces with major commercial finite element software (Abaqus, Ansys, MSC Nastran, NX Nastran), simulation tools (Simulink, Simpack, Excite), and experimental measurement systems (Siemens Testlab, Polytec, NI).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SDT-base: Core structural dynamics toolbox for MATLAB providing FEM simulation, experimental modal analysis, hybrid twins, and automatic reporting capabilities.
• SDT-FEMLink
• SDT Runtime
• OSCAR
• Dynavoie

Products and services

• Structural Dynamics Toolbox (SDT) The core SDT product for MATLAB that enhances controls and signal processing with extensions for general 3-D finite element modeling, experimental modal analysis, and test/analysis correlation, sold as an annual license.
• SDT-base Base SDT module providing core functionality for FEM simulation, experimental modal analysis (EMA), hybrid twins (test/FEM correlation), and automatic reporting capabilities, sold as an annual subscription.
• SDT-FEMLink Extended interfaces with NASTRAN, ANSYS, ABAQUS, UNV, PERMAS, and other finite element software for model import, exchange, and co-simulation workflows, sold as an annual module license.
• SDT-modules — Viscoelastic Module for modeling viscoelastic materials in structural dynamics simulations, supporting damping analysis, sold as an annual SDT module license.
• SDT-modules — Piezoelectric Module for modeling piezoelectric materials and devices in structural dynamics simulations, sold as an annual SDT module license.
• SDT-modules — JobH Job management module providing remote computing capabilities for large finite element models across multiple servers and platforms, sold as an annual SDT module license.
• SDT Runtime Deployment solution enabling unlimited SDT usage for a fixed annual price by compiling SDT-based applications into standalone executables that run without MATLAB, on Windows or Linux.
• OSCAR Pre-built applicative solution for pantograph/catenary interaction modeling in railway systems, delivered as a packaged SDT-based application for railway operators and manufacturers.
• Dynavoie Pre-built applicative solution for train/track interaction modeling in railway dynamics, delivered as a packaged SDT-based application for railway operators and manufacturers.
• Brake Squeal Solution Specialized solution for analyzing and mitigating brake squeal instabilities in automotive applications, leveraging SDTools' proprietary Harmonic Balance Vector (HBV) signal model for squeal occurrence classification and instability region mapping.
• Test Expansion on FEM Solution for expanding experimental test data onto finite element models to enable correlation and validation, supporting hybrid twin development for test/analysis workflows.
• Custom Software Development Ad hoc custom software solutions developed from successful consulting R&D projects, packaged into production-ready GUI applications and deployed via Runtime compilation for customer environments that may not include MATLAB.
• Training Services Training programs on structural dynamics, experimental modal analysis, and SDT software usage offered as part of the service portfolio for enterprise customers and researchers.
• Vibration Consulting Consulting engagements on vibration problems covering testing, experimental modal analysis (EMA), FEM modeling, hybrid twin development, and training for engineers and researchers worldwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Time sub-sampling using HBV signal model reduces brake squeal test data volume by two orders of magnitude
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature25 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SAFRANcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025SAFRAN industrial results were exploited in the VIRM 13 keynote on parametric testing/modeling for rotating machinery. The collaboration supports parametric modal testing and hybrid twin development for aerospace rotating machinery applications.
• StellantiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Stellantis industrial results were used in the VIRM 13 keynote presentation on parametric testing/modeling for rotating machinery, supporting automotive drivetrain and powertrain vibration analysis research.
• EDFcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025EDF industrial results were used in the VIRM 13 keynote on parametric testing and digital twins for rotating machinery, supporting energy sector vibration analysis applications.
• Mercedes-BenzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Mercedes-Benz industrial results were used in VIRM 13 keynote on parametric testing and digital twins for rotating machinery analysis in automotive applications.
• Groupe SNCFcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Three-year PhD collaboration under scientific direction of Etienne Balmes (SDTools) and Olivier Chiello (UMRAE), with industrial supervision from Olivier VO VAN at Groupe SNCF. Research focuses on numerical simulation of rail irregularities using finite element modeling to understand wheel-rail contact mechanics, fatigue, wear, and noise pollution. The PhD candidate Gaetan Guillet is employed by Groupe SNCF for the duration of the project.
• UMRAEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025UMRAE (Universite du Mans / Universite Gustave Eiffel) provides scientific co-direction for the Gaetan Guillet PhD thesis on rail irregularities, alongside SDTools and Groupe SNCF, contributing academic research expertise to the wheel-rail contact modeling project.
• SUD PROTOTYPEminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2025SUD PROTOTYPE built a custom inertial base for SDTools' experimental modal analysis testing in ovens, based on initial design and dimensioning from SDTools' FEM models and sketches. The partnership involves iterative collaboration during manufacturing to validate design steps, resulting in a stiffer base achieving first base mode at 1kHz.
• AstemocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAstemo provides industrial brake measurement data supporting SDTools' brake squeal research using the Harmonic Balance Vector (HBV) signal model. Results have been published in the Journal of Structural Dynamics (JSD25 paper) and presented at multiple conferences (IOMAC 2025, SURVISHNO 2025). This partnership combines industrial measurement data with SDTools' analytical methodology.
• Astemo Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAstemo Ltd. industrial brake squeal measurements were exploited in the SURVISHNO 2025 keynote presentation by Etienne Balmes on squeal qualification and diagnostics for automotive brake systems.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA: SIMULIA (including Abaqus) is a leading structural simulation platform used by the same automotive, aerospace, and railway customers as SDTools. It competes at the FEM/solver layer and is also one of the solvers SDT-FEMLink interfaces with.
• ANSYS: ANSYS Mechanical provides structural dynamics, modal analysis, and vibration simulation as part of a comprehensive CAE suite. While much broader than SDTools, it overlaps on finite element modeling and is one of the FEM solvers SDT-FEMLink connects to today.
• Siemens Simcenter: Siemens' Simcenter portfolio (built on the LMS acquisition) is the broadest commercial platform for vibration testing, modal analysis, and structural dynamics simulation. It directly competes with SDT for enterprise testing budgets while serving a much wider range of simulation needs.

Others

• MathWorks: MathWorks provides the MATLAB platform on which SDT is built. It is not a competitor but the most important platform dependency, and its own Signal Processing and Control toolkits partially overlap with SDT's extended functionality.
• MTS Systems: MTS provides structural and vibration testing hardware and software for automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct software competitor, but serves the same customer base.
• Kistler Group: Kistler supplies piezoelectric sensors and measurement systems for vibration, force, and pressure, with associated analysis software. It is an enabling ecosystem participant that supplies instrumentation feeding into SDT-based workflows.

Direct peers

• Polytec: Polytec is a leading supplier of laser vibrometry hardware and accompanying analysis software for measuring structural vibrations. It is listed as one of SDTools' integration partners and overlaps in the experimental/measurement side of structural dynamics.
• HBK (Brüel & Kjær): HBK combines Brüel & Kjær's vibration/acoustic instrumentation with HBM's data acquisition and analysis software. Its modal analysis and structural dynamics tooling directly overlaps with SDT's experimental and analytical capabilities, especially for test-driven workflows.
• Vibrant Technology (ME'scope): ME'scope is a specialized modal analysis and operating deflection shape (ODS) software package. It is one of the closest direct competitors to SDT's experimental modal analysis and test/FEM correlation strengths.
• Prosig: Prosig provides signal processing, vibration analysis, and data acquisition software for NVH and structural dynamics applications. It targets similar engineering users and is a more direct niche competitor than the broad CAE suites.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sdtools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SDTools