In a recent interview with 3D printing industry media, Jeff Kowalsk, the Chief Technology Officer of Autodesk, discussed the company’s strategic approach to 3D printing. He emphasized that Spark, Autodesk’s new platform, is designed to bring together a wide range of technologies that the company has developed over its 32-year history.
“Spark brings together a whole bunch of technologies that Autodesk has kept secret,†Kowalsk explained. “We’ve been developing numerous algorithms for various technologies over the years, and many of them are highly suitable for 3D printing. The progress in this field has been impressive, with many inspiring achievements and rapid development. A lot of players have created interesting innovations.â€
However, he also pointed out that there is still a gap between the current state of 3D printing and its full potential. “It can be disappointing to see that gap,†he said. To bridge this, Autodesk launched the Spark platform to make its best technologies available in an open way, helping enthusiasts and developers advance 3D printing technology further.
Spark is being compared to Android in the smartphone world, as it aims to provide an open ecosystem for 3D printing. Similar to how Google used the Nexus One to showcase Android’s capabilities, Autodesk is creating its own open-source SLA 3D printer to demonstrate what Spark can achieve. “We don’t plan to produce and sell 3D printers ourselves,†Kowalsk clarified. “Instead, we want to launch a great sample 3D printer using the Spark platform so others can build upon it.â€
The goal is to attract the open-source software and hardware communities, as well as makers. Spark will support all types of 3D printing technologies, including SLA, FDM, and even industrial-grade SLS. “There will be many applications for FDM and other technologies on the Spark platform,†Kowalsk added. “We’re working with partners and may introduce an FDM 3D printer as a model to showcase its potential.â€
Autodesk is actively seeking partnerships, and while specific names haven’t been revealed, Kowalsk hinted that several major players are involved. “Some big names are already on board, and more announcements are coming soon,†he said. He also mentioned that Local Motors, which recently started producing 3D-printed cars, is using the Spark platform.
Kowalsk believes that 3D printing is just beginning, and the Spark platform will help companies focus on designing the best printers while the platform handles the rest. “Our goal is to make the 3D printing process more natural, easier, and efficient,†he said. “For everyday users, creating and printing 3D models should be as simple as clicking ‘print’ and waiting for the result.â€
He also highlighted that Spark will simplify complex aspects like wall thickness and support structures, making the process accessible to everyone. Looking ahead, Autodesk plans to release a new 3D printing design software at the Inside 3D Printing conference in October. The Spark platform itself is expected to launch before the end of the year, with several large companies set to adopt it.
As the 3D printing industry moves forward, the next few months could mark a significant turning point, led by Autodesk and its Spark platform. This initiative promises to reshape how people interact with 3D printing, making it more inclusive and powerful than ever before.
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