At the end of last year, Autodesk announced the creation of a new cloud-based platform for developers of cloud-based applications related to design and manufacturing, along with a $100 million investment fund with which Autodesk can support those who sign on to build apps for the program. An all-encompassing ecosystem, Forge features numerous application program interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs) that allow for a wide variety of applications, from viewing and presenting 3D models to transforming 2D images into 3D models.

Since the initial December 2015 announcement, the Forge Platform has continued to evolve. Among the updates surrounding the platform are the integration of Autodesk’s Spark 3D printing ecosystem into the larger umbrella of Forge and news of the first three companies to receive Forge investments.

While the incorporation of Spark into the Forge Platform may seem minor at first glance, the change represents a new approach that Autodesk is taking in regards to manufacturing. In an interview with ENGINEERING.com, Ulf Lindhe, lead of business development for additive manufacturing with Autodesk, and Mark Forth, industry strategy and business development manager, explained Autodesk’s bird’s-eye view of the future of fabrication technology.Autodesk Spark

The Spark Platform was formed in 2014 as a means of driving innovation around 3D printing. With access to a number of open APIs related to print preparation, printer management and running a 3D printing service bureau, developers could create apps .  .  .  Continue reading

Originally published on Engineering.com June 22, 2016