Netfabb Doubles-down to Offer Complete Additive Manufacturing Solution

Enhancements to Netfabb 2017 Highlight Autodesk’s Commitment to Streamlining Additive Manufacturing

Post-Additive Manufacturing Machining Interfaces

Since the significant release of Netfabb 2017 in September, Autodesk has doubled down on its ambition to position Netfabb as the ultimate end-to-end additive manufacturing solution. The software now boasts enhanced simulation capabilities, advanced hybrid manufacturing functions, and a breakthrough in collaborative multi-head 3D printing.

These additions further cement Netfabb's leadership in additive manufacturing solutions, enabling customers to test, optimize, prepare, and produce commercial-grade products with ease. Autodesk Netfabb simplifies the journey from CAD design to finished product, empowering both large enterprises and smaller businesses to enhance material selection, simulate processes for reliable build strategies, refine designs, and drive machines effectively.

"Netfabb not only simplifies the 3D printing process but also handles much of the complex groundwork," noted Dan Ko, Strategic Initiatives Lead at Shapeways. "Without Netfabb automating a significant portion of the file preparation process, each build would require significantly more time and effort. Netfabb streamlines the fixing of common 3D print file issues, making additive manufacturing more efficient and accessible."

In this latest update, users gain access to cutting-edge tools designed to keep them ahead in the ever-evolving additive manufacturing and 3D printing industries. Key highlights include:

Cloud-Based Simulation

Historically, the widespread adoption of metal additive manufacturing has been hindered by unpredictable processes and high costs associated with iteration. Built on technology acquired from Pan Computing, Netfabb's cloud-based simulation feature predicts and adjusts for deformation, enabling part designers and manufacturing engineers to optimize designs and minimize the number of iterations needed for successful builds. This innovation ensures reliability and reduces costly trial-and-error cycles.

Hybrid Subtractive and Additive Workflows

While additive manufacturing excels in creating complex geometries, subtractive processes like machining are often necessary to achieve finer surface finishes and higher accuracy. To accommodate these needs, Netfabb now integrates solid modeling and near-net shape planning capabilities powered by Autodesk (formerly Delcam) PowerShape technology. These new features allow users to retain models in solid form, leverage solid modeling tools integrated with CAM workflows, and seamlessly track near-net shapes during subtractive processes. Enhanced visibility of the original model and near-net shape fosters a connected workflow between build preparation and post-processing stages.

Collaborative Multi-head 3D Printing

Another highlight of this update is technology derived from Project Escher, an innovative control system enabling multiple extrusion-based print heads to collaborate in producing a single part. This collaborative 3D printing approach makes it possible to manufacture industrial-scale components with unprecedented speed and detail. In line with Autodesk's mission to advance the additive manufacturing industry, the company has also chosen to open-source the hardware specifications and software required to develop multi-head printers. This move empowers hardware manufacturers to create faster, more efficient printers capable of outperforming traditional single-head devices.

"The integration of production, optimization, and simulation tools within Netfabb is incredibly promising," remarked Stephen Anderson, Renishaw Software Director. "We're thrilled to partner with Autodesk to provide our shared customers with a seamless additive manufacturing experience. Looking ahead, we anticipate future integrations with Renishaw's QuantAM 'workbench,' offering APIs to developers seeking to harness the full potential of our additive platforms. This collaboration ensures that Autodesk Netfabb users can generate toolpaths optimized for Renishaw's AM systems, guaranteeing superior part quality consistently."

"With Netfabb, designers and engineers now possess a unified software suite to craft superior parts, refine workflows, and enhance printer efficiency," said Mark Forth, Manager of Manufacturing Industry Strategy at Autodesk. "By incorporating cloud-based simulations, hybrid workflows, and collaborative 3D printing, Autodesk is delivering the most comprehensive and powerful additive solution currently available on the market."

Availability and Pricing

These updates to Netfabb will roll out over the coming months, with existing subscribers automatically receiving the latest version. For additional details or to explore the full range of features introduced in this update, visit www.netfabb.com.

UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect revised information regarding the availability of the features mentioned above. Additionally, mention of a planned tech preview has been removed, as the program has been postponed indefinitely.

 

 

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