Objective of the present study is the simulation of an experimental process for the design of 3D-printed joints of a scissor-based deployable shelter for emergency response [1]. The test specimen consists of a 3D-printed joint made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and four aluminum bars with rectangular hollow sections hinged to the joint using steel bolts. At their other ends the aluminum bars are hinged to a rigid steel base, and the load is applied by a tension rod system to the center of the joint. Geometry and material nonlinear analyses (GMNA) were carried out in Abaqus CAE software Version 2021 [2], where all members of the specimen were simulated by 3D solid finite elements, with the aim of predicting the evolution of the experimental process but also determining the deviations between numerical and experimental findings. Nonlinear material laws were adopted for the joints, the bars and the bolts, representing PLA [3], aluminum, and steel, respectively. In addition, all possible contacts of the members were simulated through contact elements. The analysis results demonstrated a high concentration of stresses and material yielding around the bearings of the bars and the joint, already at relatively low load levels, while high stresses develop also inside the joint at higher loads. Significant margins for optimization of the joint topology were established, as inactive areas of the joint were observed for the applied loads.