For those who 3D design or model, but depend on external 3D printing services to bring these digital models to the physical realm, 3D printing service provider FATHOM has come up with the SmartQuote plugin, specifically compatible with Autodesk Fusion 360.
“A favorite of designers, engineers, students, established firms, and startups, Fusion 360 represents the highest level of online collaboration and CAD/CAM software,” said Rich Stump, FATHOM’s co-founder. “We’re excited to provide easy access to 3D printing for the entire Fusion 360 community.”
Using this fully embedded plugin will allow designers, engineers, and students to almost instantly receive a quote for how much their prototype or product would cost to print via FATHOM. And, with Autodesk Fusion 360, which unites the entire product development process into one cloud-based platform, users can automatically upload their files and receive a SmartQuote in a matter of minutes. Within the Fusion 360 program, users can utilize the SmartQuote plugin to select material, quality, and color right on the spot, before sending off the design information to FATHOM for almost instantaneous production.
“Fusion 360 is a central component of Autodesk’s product innovation platform, enabling makers and manufacturers to deliver on the future of making things,” said Stephen Hooper, Autodesk’s senior director for manufacturing industry strategy. “The integration with FATHOM’s SmartQuote gives engineers a powerful addition to Fusion 360 that helps bring their innovative ideas into the real world.”
As far as material capabilities, users can have their quoted 3D printed parts manufactured with high quality FDM thermoplastics, PolyJet materials, and more. Ultimately, the FATHOM SmartQuote plugin will allow makers and designers to better plan for the cost of their endeavors, helping them save time and money as they journey through the digitally design-savvy universe of Autodesk Fusion 360.
