Although Autodesk key role is the support of digital prototyping and reducing the number of physical prototypes. It is evident that some models / prototype still need to be developed to make the concept to reality work faster.

Autodesk has in built capabilities to support 3D Printing of part models that are developed within Autodesk Inventor 2011 :-)

Note:

Pls, see my earlier article on 2D to 3D supporting CAD to RP Translation, its time now that we have this included in Inventor 2011

A 3D printing device can print a rapid prototype from an Inventor part or assembly file. The part or assembly file is saved to a format that is compatible with the 3D printer.

The Send to 3D Print Service dialog box guides you through the workflow. You set up the model in the graphics area, create the required export file, and send it to a 3D printer.

 

When you create the export file from your Inventor model, available options control resolution and tessellation. A dynamic preview displays the model in the tessellated condition. In the preview environment, a toolbar provides commands, including access back to the export file options. When satisfied with the results of your option settings, you save your file in the export file format and send it to an internet 3D printing service. Your Web browser opens automatically to the Autodesk web site http:\\www.autodesk.com\autocad3dprinting, which lists three 3D printing service providers. You choose the provider and upload your file, so they can make the physical model.

 

Let’s how it works

Click on Application Menu > Print > Send to 3D print service

3d print service

This helps us to generate STL files from the existing Inventor models (STL Files)

We can control the size – scaled models of the existing cad part files, this reduces time in scaling and part model from time to time.

3D Print options

When we click on Options we get even more features to edit like Resolution, Surface Deviation, Normal Deviation and aspect ratio.

The preview option gives us the preview of the stl files

After STL conversion

The total number of facets – 1,744 in this model.

I’m sure you will find this more interesting and autodesk will directly make this technology embedded into various RP vendors, to know more about the vendors who support his 3D Printing