Autodesk has announced a pair of strategic partnerships with Microsoft which predictably revolve around its 3D modelling software technologies. First of all Autodesk is working with Microsoft embed its Spark 3D printing software platform in Windows 10. Secondly it will seek to make it easy to bring 3D models from Autodesk software into the mixed reality environment enabled by Microsoft HoloLens.
Autodesk Spark 3D printing software platform
Spark is an open and free software platform "for building better 3D printing software, hardware, materials and services". With its Spark API Autodesk has sought to smooth the complex, fragmented process that 3D printer users have often been presented with. It will handle all the processes between the human creativity and design work in Windows 10 to the output/fabrication stage. Thus Spark can facilitate any Windows 10 application to prepare, optimize and deliver 3D models for any 3D printer or service bureau.
Microsoft developers will get access to the Spark API for free to help make 3D printing more accessible. Autodesk and Microsoft will create and support a standard 3D interchange and printing format as members of the 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF) Consortium.
Autodesk's Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager, Consumer and 3D Printing explained the need for the Spark API, "3D printing is incredibly promising, but also still too complex and unreliable. This relationship (with Microsoft) is a key step in making 3D printing easier and more accessible to businesses and individuals alike." Microsoft's Steve Guggenheimer explained the benefits from his firm's perspective, "By providing the 3D printing building blocks found in the Spark platform and optimizing it for Windows 10, Autodesk has empowered our global developer community to confidently enter this new world of additive manufacturing."
Autodesk digital 3D models to be interoperable with Microsoft HoloLens
This project aims to make digital models from software such as Autodesk Maya or Fusion 360 viewable in the mixed reality environment enabled by Microsoft's HoloLens. It is predicted that such a system will be useful for the likes of designers and engineers and may "accelerate the creation of a new generation of entertainment experiences".
The HoloLens system has the capability to allow 3D model creators to digitally view a full scale model of projects they are working on. Such VR tech should help cut down both the time taken and the costs involved in making and tweaking physical prototypes. However if 3D printed prototypes are required the output process should be simplified by Windows 10's integration of the Spark API.
