The world’s largest collaborative 3D printer network, today announced the introduction of a new enterprise-grade API that connects creators and users of 3D content to its global network of over 3,800 3D printers in 80 countries. 3D Hubs also announced that design software leader Autodesk, Inc. will be the first company to integrate the 3D Hubs 3D print network API for the Autodesk 123D family of apps.
The Autodesk 123D family of apps provides free* 3D design software with content modeling and fabrication services for people who want to make things themselves. A seamless online workflow from the Autodesk 123Dapp.com site to 3D Hubs is now in place, and the 3D Hubs API will be fully integrated within the Autodesk platform in the months ahead.
The integration of the 3D Hubs and Autodesk 123D platform makes it easy for everyone to directly turn their designs into physical products faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. The average delivery time of products printed via 3D Hubs is less than two days – five times faster than the industry standard.
“3D printers might not yet be in every home the way televisions and phones are, but that doesn’t mean everyday consumers won’t 3D print,” said Samir Hanna, vice president of consumer products at Autodesk. “Integrating the 3D Hubs printer network will provide Autodesk users with more convenient access to 3D printing from fellow designers and makers located just around the corner.”
According to a January 2014 report released by the McKinsey Global Institute, “The advantages of 3D printing over other manufacturing technologies could lead to profound changes in the way many things are designed, developed, produced, and supported.” The 3D printing industry is forecast to have a revolutionary effect on manufacturing supply chains. Quality has always been the primary focus of manufacturing, but it is no longer a differentiator due to the introduction of new digital manufacturing technology. 3D printing and other new manufacturing styles allow for high quality products to be made at low cost. Today, agility, time-to-market and innovation are the most important factors for manufacturers, and 3D printing allows for high-value, low-volume product production to be done close to home.
“We are thrilled to expose our global network of 3D printers to the millions of designers worldwide who use Autodesk 123D apps. Not only will 3D Hubs benefit from additional orders from the Autodesk 123D ecosystem, but Autodesk can offer a fast and affordable new 3D printing option to their users,” said Bram de Zwart, CEO and co-founder, 3D Hubs.
In celebration of their new collaboration, 3D Hubs and Autodesk will host a free 3D modeling and printing workshop, and a networking mixer in the Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco on April 11, 2014, for the Silicon Valley 3D printing, startup, and creative communities. The Autodesk Gallery features more than 20 exhibits that bring together stories of exceptional design and engineering from across the globe, celebrates the creative process, and shows how people are using new technology to imagine, design, and create a better world. Learn more and register to attend on the 3D Hubs blog.