Autodesk has made no secret that, when it comes to manufacturing, it aims to make words like “additive” and “subtractive” obsolete. Instead, the software giant wants us to be able to just make things. For that reason, Autodesk has bundled all of its manufacturing software, both additive and subtractive, into a single portfolio.

Interior lattice structures demonstrated with Autodesk Netfabb. (Image courtesy of Autodesk.)

Until the delineation between those processes is fully blurred, however, each manufacturing process will still have its dedicated software and, among the most important for 3D printing is Netfabb. Upon acquiring Netfabb in 2015, Autodesk became the developer of one of the most important 3D print prep tools in the industry. Now, the software company has released the newest version, Autodesk Netfabb 2017.

With the new version, Autodesk has introduced a number of improvements and new features meant to encompass all of the necessary tools to ready files for 3D printing, including design optimization, build simulation and printer prep. This all occurs within a single environment designed to work well with a number of third-party tools, including those in Autodesk's own portfolio.

Among the features included in Netfabb 2017 are:

The ability to quickly import and convert CAD files into editable STL files

Tools to edit and optimize models for 3D printing

Print simulation, including the ability to predict structural stresses and deformations in metal parts

A build support module for packing parts onto the printbed and adding support structures

Generative design tools for lightweighting and enhancing parts

An advanced toolpath engine for optimizing parts and print efficiency through parameters such as print speed, focus and laser or beam power

Samir Hanna, vice president and general manager of digital manufacturing at Autodesk, said of the new release, “Additive manufacturing is having a profound impact on how manufacturers of all sizes look at product design, production, distribution and economies of scale. With Netfabb 2017, Autodesk has created a single set of industrial tools that help move from design to finished part quickly and easily.”

The above features can be seen in action on the Netfabb website, where a number of videos walk through demonstrations of various tools. You can also watch those videos in the YouTube playlist embedded above. Existing Netfabb subscribers can update to the latest version for free, while new customers will be able to purchase Standard, Premium and Ultimate subscriptions through quarterly, annual and multiyear plans.