Link3D, with the cooperation of Autodesk, Inc., will deliver a fully integrated Additive Manufacturing (AM) workflow using linked Autodesk software to enable end-to-end traceability. This capability will be unveiled at Formnext 2019.

• Autodesk Fusion 360 and Autodesk Netfabb users will be able to associatively queue manufacturing-ready CAD models in Link3D’s production scheduler – including attached information like support structures or CNC tool path data.

• Users of Link3D’s production scheduler with active subscriptions to Autodesk software will be able to send manufacturing-ready files to 3D printers using Autodesk’s build processor technology.

• Link3D Additive Manufacturing workflows are enhanced through detailed manual control in linked Autodesk’s data preparation software at any process step.

• Users of Link3D with active subscriptions to Autodesk software can get linked access to Autodesk’s leading process simulation software, helping to ensure predictability and stability of Selective Laser Melting and Direct Energy Deposition builds.

• Granular versioning and access control enables full traceability of production data and workflow information – helping to ensure immediate quality standards compliance

Currently, the majority of AM users still operate many tasks in a manual way. They manage their AM files on disks, generate support structures in a siloed system and manage print jobs with spreadsheets. More often, users load files with a USB key directly to the printers without leaving a digital record.

“By linking Autodesk’s comprehensive additive and subtractive manufacturing solutions with Link3D’s production scheduler, we are excited to help Link3D provide a managed workflow from order intake to post-processing on the shop floor,” says Alexander Oster, Director Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk.

With this cooperative effort, Link3D Additive MES connects bidirectionally into Autodesk Fusion 360 and Autodesk Netfabb and can be used in the downstream production process to manually alter and control the data preparation at all stages. This helps ensure proper versioning and access control, while the cloud-based process helps to ensure that no local files are created at any preparation stage.

With an integrated solution using linked Link3D and Autodesk software, organizations can enable the “Digital Thread” by streamlining ordering, build data preparation, scheduling and downstream manufacturing processes. When users have build platforms prepared with Link3D’s 2D/3D nesting tool, they can queue or launch models into Netfabb for build preparation with a single-click. Furthermore, users can then automatically schedule builds from Link3D. All generated data will be automatically stored safely within the system.

Autodesk also offers build processor connectivity with hundreds of machine models from most leading machine manufacturers. As a result, select machine manufacturers with connectivity to Autodesk Netfabb can now integrate Link3D’s Production Scheduling software to send build-ready files directly to printers.

Link3D
www.link3d.co/
Autodesk
autodesk.com