ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SOFTWARE
Additive manufacturing: Revolutionizing product design and manufacturing
Additive manufacturing: Revolutionizing product design and manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, is changing the way products are designed and created. Learn more about additive manufacturing software from Autodesk.
What is additive manufacturing?
What is additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process used to create a physical (or 3D) object by layering materials based on a digital model. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which creates its final product by cutting away from a block of material, additive manufacturing adds material to form its final product.
Additive manufacturing expedites prototyping, allowing designers, engineers, and manufacturers to quickly refine designs, saving time and reducing costs. Additive manufacturing also enables customized manufacturing and promotes sustainability through the reduction of waste and energy consumption.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process used to create a physical (or 3D) object by layering materials based on a digital model. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which creates its final product by cutting away from a block of material, additive manufacturing adds material to form its final product.
Additive manufacturing expedites prototyping, allowing designers, engineers, and manufacturers to quickly refine designs, saving time and reducing costs. Additive manufacturing also enables customized manufacturing and promotes sustainability through the reduction of waste and energy consumption.
What is additive manufacturing software?
What is additive manufacturing software?
Additive manufacturing software supports and optimizes the entire process of additive manufacturing. It plays a critical role in 3D printing workflows, from design and modeling to planning, slicing, and machine control.
Additive manufacturing software allows creators to produce fully prepped design files and connect directly to 3D printing machines.
Additive manufacturing software supports and optimizes the entire process of additive manufacturing. It plays a critical role in 3D printing workflows, from design and modeling to planning, slicing, and machine control.
Additive manufacturing software allows creators to produce fully prepped design files and connect directly to 3D printing machines.
How is additive manufacturing used?
How is additive manufacturing used?
Additive manufacturing is primarily used by engineers, architects, and construction managers, and has replaced manual drafting. Manufacturing software helps users create designs in three dimensions to visualize construction and enables the development, modification, and optimization of the design process.
This process helps engineers make more accurate representations and modify them more easily to improve design quality.
Additive manufacturing is primarily used by engineers, architects, and construction managers, and has replaced manual drafting. Manufacturing software helps users create designs in three dimensions to visualize construction and enables the development, modification, and optimization of the design process.
This process helps engineers make more accurate representations and modify them more easily to improve design quality.
Benefits of additive manufacturing
Here are the key benefits of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing.
Here are the key benefits of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing.
Design flexibility
Design flexibility
Additive manufacturing enables the creation of intricate and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. It also allows for the production of custom parts tailored to specific needs.
Additive manufacturing enables the creation of intricate and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. It also allows for the production of custom parts tailored to specific needs.
Rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping
Additive manufacturing allows for quick iterations and adjustments to designs to speed up the development process. It's also cost-effective, reducing the expenses associated with prototyping by eliminating the need for expensive molds or tooling.
Additive manufacturing allows for quick iterations and adjustments to designs to speed up the development process. It's also cost-effective, reducing the expenses associated with prototyping by eliminating the need for expensive molds or tooling.
Reduced waste
Reduced waste
Additive manufacturing uses only the material needed to create a part, resulting in less waste compared to subtractive manufacturing processes. It also contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing material usage and reducing waste.
Additive manufacturing uses only the material needed to create a part, resulting in less waste compared to subtractive manufacturing processes. It also contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing material usage and reducing waste.
On-demand production
On-demand production
Additive manufacturing enables on-demand production, reducing the need for large amounts of inventory and storage space. It simplifies supply chains by allowing parts to be produced locally, thus reducing lead times and transportation costs.
Additive manufacturing enables on-demand production, reducing the need for large amounts of inventory and storage space. It simplifies supply chains by allowing parts to be produced locally, thus reducing lead times and transportation costs.
Cost savings
Cost savings
Additive manufacturing eliminates the need for expensive molds and tooling, thus reducing upfront costs. It's also cost-effective for small batch production, making it suitable for low-volume manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing eliminates the need for expensive molds and tooling, thus reducing upfront costs. It's also cost-effective for small batch production, making it suitable for low-volume manufacturing.
Improved performance
Improved performance
Additive manufacturing creates lightweight structures without compromising strength. It also offers advanced materials with properties like high strength, heat resistance, or biocompatibility.
Additive manufacturing creates lightweight structures without compromising strength. It also offers advanced materials with properties like high strength, heat resistance, or biocompatibility.
Autodesk Fusion plans and pricing
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion offers a comprehensive suite of tools catering to industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing engineers. It provides capabilities for businesses to create CNC files (G-codes) for driving various manufacturing machinery and processes.
Fusion also supports diverse 3D printing technologies for producing prototypes, fixtures, spare parts, and more in various plastics. Further, the solution includes 3-axis CNC milling. This encompasses basic lathe operations for both small and large-scale production, working with materials like metal and wood.
Includes:
Fully integrated CAD/CAM
Real-time team collaboration
PCB design alongside mechanical part creation
Drawing automation and design configurations
Autodesk Fusion offers a comprehensive suite of tools catering to industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing engineers. It provides capabilities for businesses to create CNC files (G-codes) for driving various manufacturing machinery and processes.
Fusion also supports diverse 3D printing technologies for producing prototypes, fixtures, spare parts, and more in various plastics. Further, the solution includes 3-axis CNC milling. This encompasses basic lathe operations for both small and large-scale production, working with materials like metal and wood.
Includes:
Fully integrated CAD/CAM
Real-time team collaboration
PCB design alongside mechanical part creation
Drawing automation and design configurations
{{PRICE}}/{{TERM}} ({{PRICE}} / month, billed annually)
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing offers advanced tools for businesses as they grow and invest in more complex machinery and production processes. Specifically, it supports 3D printing with both plastics and metals. This includes selective laser sintering and SLM, for the creation of new parts and hybrid manufacturing.
Fusion for Manufacturing also provides powerful tools for optimizing 3D printing processes. These tools include automatic part orientation, support structures, and material-based parameters, enhancing productivity and reducing waste.
Includes advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing offers advanced tools for businesses as they grow and invest in more complex machinery and production processes. Specifically, it supports 3D printing with both plastics and metals. This includes selective laser sintering and SLM, for the creation of new parts and hybrid manufacturing.
Fusion for Manufacturing also provides powerful tools for optimizing 3D printing processes. These tools include automatic part orientation, support structures, and material-based parameters, enhancing productivity and reducing waste.
Includes advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
{{PRICE}}/{{TERM}} ({{PRICE}} / month, billed annually)
Key additive manufacturing features and technologies
3D modeling and design
Create, modify, and optimize 3D models. Edit and repair 3D meshes, so that models are watertight and error-free for printing.
Create, modify, and optimize 3D models. Edit and repair 3D meshes, so that models are watertight and error-free for printing.
Slicing
Slice the 3D model into thin horizontal layers for sequential building by the 3D printer. Also, determine the best path for the printer's nozzle or print head to improve quality and speed up production.
Slice the 3D model into thin horizontal layers for sequential building by the 3D printer. Also, determine the best path for the printer's nozzle or print head to improve quality and speed up production.
Material management
Select appropriate materials for 3D printing based on factors like strength and flexibility. Estimate the amount needed to aid in cost calculations and inventory management.
Select appropriate materials for 3D printing based on factors like strength and flexibility. Estimate the amount needed to aid in cost calculations and inventory management.
Print preparation
Generate support structures for overhanging parts to ensure stability during printing. Configure print settings such as layer height, print speed, and temperature.
Generate support structures for overhanging parts to ensure stability during printing. Configure print settings such as layer height, print speed, and temperature.
Simulation and analysis
Simulate the printing process to predict potential issues. Analyze the structural integrity of the design to make sure that the part meets specifications.
Simulate the printing process to predict potential issues. Analyze the structural integrity of the design to make sure that the part meets specifications.
Workflow integration
Interface directly with 3D printers to send jobs and monitor progress. Autodesk Fusion's cloud-based platform offers a collaborative design and manufacturing process.
Interface directly with 3D printers to send jobs and monitor progress. Autodesk Fusion's cloud-based platform offers a collaborative design and manufacturing process.
Types of additive manufacturing
Vat photopolymerization
Vat photopolymerization
A vat of photopolymer liquid is cured by focused UV light that builds parts layer by layer for a high-detail surface finish.
A vat of photopolymer liquid is cured by focused UV light that builds parts layer by layer for a high-detail surface finish.
Binder jetting
Binder jetting
A powder substrate is hardened when the printing head deposits a drop of binding fluid in a layering process. This process allows for full-color prototype fabrication.
A powder substrate is hardened when the printing head deposits a drop of binding fluid in a layering process. This process allows for full-color prototype fabrication.
Directed energy deposition
Directed energy deposition
This process repairs or adds to existing components by using a multi-axis nozzle to extrude laser-melted material, commonly metal powders, onto the printing surface.
This process repairs or adds to existing components by using a multi-axis nozzle to extrude laser-melted material, commonly metal powders, onto the printing surface.
Metal casting
Metal casting
Using generative design and simulation software to produce complex metal parts helps manufacturers get more value from proven metal casting processes.
Using generative design and simulation software to produce complex metal parts helps manufacturers get more value from proven metal casting processes.
Material jetting
Material jetting
In this process, used where surface finish and form testing are needed, a printhead lays down successively solidifying layers of UV-curable material to form prototyped designs.
In this process, used where surface finish and form testing are needed, a printhead lays down successively solidifying layers of UV-curable material to form prototyped designs.
Material extrusion
Material extrusion
Fused deposition modeling is a common 3D printing process in which a heated nozzle extrudes a plasticized material to form products from a sliced CAD model.
Fused deposition modeling is a common 3D printing process in which a heated nozzle extrudes a plasticized material to form products from a sliced CAD model.
Powder bed fusion
Powder bed fusion
Laser or electron beams rapidly fuse layered powder material, such as various metals, together. This technique is used for circuits, structures, and parts.
Laser or electron beams rapidly fuse layered powder material, such as various metals, together. This technique is used for circuits, structures, and parts.
Sheet lamination
Sheet lamination
Ribbons of metal or paper are bonded through ultrasonic welding or adhesive, respectively. The finished shaping is completed through further material removal processes.
Ribbons of metal or paper are bonded through ultrasonic welding or adhesive, respectively. The finished shaping is completed through further material removal processes.
Metal additive manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing or metal 3D printing, involves the layer-by-layer construction of metal parts using advanced technologies such as selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), and directed energy deposition (DED). By precisely controlling the deposition of metal powders or wire, metal additive manufacturing can create intricate internal structures, lightweight designs, and optimized components.
One of the key advantages of metal additive manufacturing is its capacity for rapid prototyping and reduced lead times. Engineers and designers can quickly iterate and refine their designs, accelerating the development cycle and bringing innovative products to market faster.
Metal additive manufacturing or metal 3D printing, involves the layer-by-layer construction of metal parts using advanced technologies such as selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), and directed energy deposition (DED). By precisely controlling the deposition of metal powders or wire, metal additive manufacturing can create intricate internal structures, lightweight designs, and optimized components.
One of the key advantages of metal additive manufacturing is its capacity for rapid prototyping and reduced lead times. Engineers and designers can quickly iterate and refine their designs, accelerating the development cycle and bringing innovative products to market faster.
History of additive manufacturing
Birth of 3D printing
Birth of 3D printing
In 1981, Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute published the first account of a functional rapid prototyping system using photopolymers.
Charles Hull invented stereolithography (SLA) in 1984, a method using ultraviolet lasers to harden photopolymer resin, and later founded 3D Systems Corporation, which released the first commercial SLA machine, the SLA-1, in 1988.
In 1981, Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute published the first account of a functional rapid prototyping system using photopolymers.
Charles Hull invented stereolithography (SLA) in 1984, a method using ultraviolet lasers to harden photopolymer resin, and later founded 3D Systems Corporation, which released the first commercial SLA machine, the SLA-1, in 1988.
The future of additive manufacturing
The future of additive manufacturing
As technology advances, 3D printing will continue to expand, enabling the production of increasingly complex and high-performance components. Innovations in material science will introduce new, more durable, and versatile printing materials, including advanced composites, metals, and biocompatible substances.
Automation and integration with digital manufacturing processes will drive efficiency and scalability. Smart factories equipped with IoT devices and AI-driven optimization will streamline production workflows, reduce lead times, and improve quality control. Additive manufacturing will also play an important role in enabling mass customization, allowing companies to produce personalized products at scale without the traditional constraints of tooling and batch production.
As technology advances, 3D printing will continue to expand, enabling the production of increasingly complex and high-performance components. Innovations in material science will introduce new, more durable, and versatile printing materials, including advanced composites, metals, and biocompatible substances.
Automation and integration with digital manufacturing processes will drive efficiency and scalability. Smart factories equipped with IoT devices and AI-driven optimization will streamline production workflows, reduce lead times, and improve quality control. Additive manufacturing will also play an important role in enabling mass customization, allowing companies to produce personalized products at scale without the traditional constraints of tooling and batch production.
Additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping
Additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping refers to the ability to quickly 3D print a new version of a product or part. It’s part of the additive manufacturing process that can be used for more effective outcomes without expensive or time-consuming prototyping stages.
Designers and engineers can use 3D printing software such as Fusion to test out many iterations of an object, and instantly print them for testing in the real world. This streamlined additive manufacturing process ensures that any potential problems are ironed out before a product launch.
Rapid prototyping refers to the ability to quickly 3D print a new version of a product or part. It’s part of the additive manufacturing process that can be used for more effective outcomes without expensive or time-consuming prototyping stages.
Designers and engineers can use 3D printing software such as Fusion to test out many iterations of an object, and instantly print them for testing in the real world. This streamlined additive manufacturing process ensures that any potential problems are ironed out before a product launch.
Examples of additive manufacturing software
Discover how our customers are using Autodesk additive manufacturing software in their projects.
Discover how our customers are using Autodesk additive manufacturing software in their projects.
Additive manufacturing for automotive parts
Additive manufacturing for automotive parts
General Motors is transforming car design with additive manufacturing and generative design by creating lighter, more efficient automotive parts.
General Motors is transforming car design with additive manufacturing and generative design by creating lighter, more efficient automotive parts.
3D printing to mass manufacturing
3D printing to mass manufacturing
Learn how Photocentric uses Autodesk Fusion PCB design tools to pioneer the future of 3D printing.
Learn how Photocentric uses Autodesk Fusion PCB design tools to pioneer the future of 3D printing.
Additive manufacturing for design
Additive manufacturing for design
Black & Decker used generative design and additive manufacturing technologies to take a new approach to improve tool design.
Black & Decker used generative design and additive manufacturing technologies to take a new approach to improve tool design.
3D printing arteries
3D printing arteries
Dr. Hannes Schwenke and team are 3D printing artery models to get a closer look at patient anatomy and ease patient anxiety.
Dr. Hannes Schwenke and team are 3D printing artery models to get a closer look at patient anatomy and ease patient anxiety.
Additive manufacturing and its role in sustainability
Additive manufacturing and its role in sustainability
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, significantly contributes to sustainability by minimizing material waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, which involve cutting away excess material, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer using only the necessary amount of material.
This process results in substantially less waste, reducing the environmental footprint of production. Additive manufacturing allows for the use of eco-friendly materials and supports localized production, which can decrease transportation emissions and energy consumption. By enabling rapid prototyping and on-demand production, it helps reduce overproduction and excess inventory, further promoting sustainable practices.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, significantly contributes to sustainability by minimizing material waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, which involve cutting away excess material, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer using only the necessary amount of material.
This process results in substantially less waste, reducing the environmental footprint of production. Additive manufacturing allows for the use of eco-friendly materials and supports localized production, which can decrease transportation emissions and energy consumption. By enabling rapid prototyping and on-demand production, it helps reduce overproduction and excess inventory, further promoting sustainable practices.
Additive manufacturing resources
Learn more about additive manufacturing with these helpful resources from Autodesk.
Learn more about additive manufacturing with these helpful resources from Autodesk.
The Definitive Guide to Designing for Additive Manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing offers precision, efficiency, and design freedom. With advanced tools for generative design, simulation, and workflow integration, learn how Autodesk Fusion enhances the potential of metal AM.
Metal additive manufacturing offers precision, efficiency, and design freedom. With advanced tools for generative design, simulation, and workflow integration, learn how Autodesk Fusion enhances the potential of metal AM.
Additive Manufacturing: The Next Generation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Autodesk and SCANLAB have created a real-time closed-loop control system for laser powder bed fusion processes, enhancing precision and efficiency in additive manufacturing.
Autodesk and SCANLAB have created a real-time closed-loop control system for laser powder bed fusion processes, enhancing precision and efficiency in additive manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing vs. Subtractive Manufacturing Whats the Difference?
Both additive and subtractive manufacturing have revolutionized the way parts are made. Discover the difference between the two in this article.
Both additive and subtractive manufacturing have revolutionized the way parts are made. Discover the difference between the two in this article.
3D Printing Made Easy: A Look at Fusion's Additive Manufacturing Capabilities
Autodesk Fusion makes 3D printing easy by providing an integrated CAD/CAM environment, an additive manufacturing extension, helpful applications, and more.
Autodesk Fusion makes 3D printing easy by providing an integrated CAD/CAM environment, an additive manufacturing extension, helpful applications, and more.
Autodesk Fusion 3D Printing Applications That Make Your Workflows Better
Look at the many 3D printing applications for Autodesk Fusion to maximize your additive manufacturing capabilities.
Look at the many 3D printing applications for Autodesk Fusion to maximize your additive manufacturing capabilities.
The Benefits of Multi-Material 3D Printing
Learn the many benefits multi-material 3D printing has in product design and manufacturing and how Autodesk Fusion can support the process.
Learn the many benefits multi-material 3D printing has in product design and manufacturing and how Autodesk Fusion can support the process.
Unlock your potential with Autodesk Fusion for additive manufacturing
Unlock your potential with Autodesk Fusion for additive manufacturing
Streamline the design-to-production process, enable rapid prototyping and the precise creation of complex geometries with advanced materials.
Streamline the design-to-production process, enable rapid prototyping and the precise creation of complex geometries with advanced materials.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is used to produce lighter, stronger parts and systems with greater efficiency. It has uses across various industries including:
In aerospace and automotive, additive manufacturing technology enables the fast production of lighter and stronger parts.
In healthcare, additive manufacturing can cost-effectively produce implants and other prosthetics, such as dental and orthopedic implants, made to the exact specifications needed for the patient.
In jewelry manufacturing, additive manufacturing enables the production of complex and intricate designs.
In tool repair, additive manufacturing software can help fix and repair tools rather than replace them, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
In any industry that requires low-volume production or benefits from rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing enables manufacturers to produce on demand.
Additive manufacturing offers several eco-friendly and sustainability benefits, including opportunities to minimize waste, optimize designs, reduce energy consumption, simplify supply chains, and enable sustainable production practices.
Additive manufacturing provides several advantages for industrial use. Significantly, additive technologies produce parts that are lighter, stronger, and faster to create than their traditional counterparts.