netfabb is a powerful software solution developed by Autodesk for handling complex 3D printing and additive manufacturing workflows. As one of the leading tools in the industry, netfabb gives users advanced capabilities for preparing and optimizing 3D models for 3D printing.
With versatile features like automatic repair, support generation, build preparation and more, netfabb aims to provide a streamlined workflow so you can get reliable, high-quality 3D prints every time. Read on to learn how netfabb can enhance your additive manufacturing process.
Overview of netfabb’s Capabilities
netfabb was created to help users overcome common challenges in 3D printing. It uses advanced algorithms to fix and optimize 3D models so they can be successfully 3D printed. Here are some of the key things netfabb can do:
- Automatic Repair – Upload any 3D model and netfabb will diagnose and fix common issues like holes, disconnected edges, flipped normals and more. This ensures water-tight models for printing.
- Support Generation – Automatically create custom print supports that are optimized for your specific 3D printer. Supports can be edited and customized as needed.
- Slicing and Build Preparation – Generate machine-ready build files with optimized print paths, settings and material use. Works with all major 3D printer file formats.
- Design Optimization – Tools to re-arrange models on the print bed, auto-orient parts, and analyze models for printability. Optimizes parts for strength, appearance and material use.
- Detailed Model Analysis – netfabb provides extensive information on models including volume, surface area, number of shells/parts, watertightness and more. Easily identify issues.
- Advanced Repair Tools – Manually repair models with tools like hole filling, re-meshing, shell wrapping and more for full control over editing 3D models.
- Support for All File Formats – netfabb works with STL, OBJ, 3MF and all major CAD file formats. Easily handle different file types in one program.
These powerful tools allow users to take 3D models from any source and prepare them for successful, efficient 3D printing. netfabb aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks to make professional 3D printing accessible.
Streamlined Workflow for Faster 3D Printing
netfabb is designed to be a streamlined, integrated platform for taking 3D models from design to print. The typical workflow involves:
Import – Bring in 3D models from CAD software, 3D scanners or other sources. netfabb supports common file formats like STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, IGES, etc.
Repair – netfabb will automatically diagnose and fix errors in the model like holes, disconnected components, flipped normals and more. Advanced repair tools allow manual fixes too.
Analyze – netfabb provides detailed information on model volume, surface area, triangles, solidity and more. Identify any remaining issues before printing.
Optimize – Use tools like part arrangement, print orientation and support generation to optimize the model for 3D printing success.
Slice – netfabb directly slices and sets up build files for your 3D printer. Achieve optimized print paths, settings and material use.
Print – Output ready-to-print files in the exact format your printer needs. Popular formats like GCODE, 3MF and CLI are supported.
This streamlined process minimizes back-and-forth between separate software programs. Everything can be done directly in netfabb for a smooth, integrated workflow.
Key Features and Tools
netfabb packs in a wide range of features and tools to provide users total control over preparing models for 3D printing. Here are some of the highlights:
Automatic Repair Engine
The automatic repair feature is one of netfabb’s core strengths. It uses advanced analysis algorithms to automatically diagnose and fix common 3D model issues. This includes:
- Detecting and filling holes in the model
- Connecting disjointed or ragged edges
- Fixing reversed triangle normals
- Closing open vertices and edges
- Ensuring models are fully watertight and manifold
With a simple click, users can correct model errors that would otherwise prevent 3D printing. This saves huge amounts of manual repair time.
Support Generation and Optimization
netfabb allows users to automatically generate custom print supports based on the model geometry. Supports can be fine-tuned by adjusting patterns, anchor points and density.
When slicing the model, netfabb analyzes overhangs and geometries to create optimized print paths to reduce material use and print time. The software also minimizes travel moves for faster, more efficient 3D printing.
Advanced Part Analysis
netfabb provides detailed statistics and information on each model to identify potential issues before printing. Users get data like:
- Overall model volume
- Surface area
- Number of shells/parts
- Number of triangles/polygons
- Watertightness
- Solidity
- Independent floating parts
This helps users analyze the model structure, detect problems early, and make any necessary repairs or optimizations.
Support for All Major Printers and File Types
A key advantage of netfabb is its versatility with different 3D printer formats and file types. netfabb can directly output build files for all major printer brands, including:
- Stratasys FDM
- Ultimaker
- Formlabs
- Markforged
- 3D Systems DLP
- EOS metal 3D printers
- Most other FFF/FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printers
Output file formats like STL, 3MF, OBJ, CLI and GCODE are all supported. Users can handle CAD, mesh, polygon, point cloud and other file types in one program.
Integrations with Autodesk Software
As an Autodesk product, netfabb integrates directly with popular Autodesk software for design and manufacturing. This includes:
Fusion 360 Integration
netfabb is now included free as part of an F360 subscription. The integration allows seamless transfer of models between the CAD software and advanced netfabb preprocessing. Make design changes in F360 then quickly prepare prints in netfabb.
Netfabb Local Simulation
netfabb Local Simulation uses Autodesk’s advanced physics engine to simulate deformations, stresses and strains on 3D printed parts. Users can test and validate designs digitally before printing.
Within Frustum Printing Optimization
Determine printability of designs using Autodesk’s advanced geometric analysis tools. Identify and correct issues like wall thicknesses and overhangs early in the design process.
Autodesk DfAM Tools
netfabb works alongside DfAM tools like Within Medical to optimize designs for 3D printing and generative design. Apply design changes to improve strength, weight, part consolidation and 3D printability.
Using netfabb together with Autodesk software provides a complete workflow from design optimization to print preparation.
netfabb Editions for Different Users
netfabb is available in three different editions to suit individual needs and budgets:
netfabb Basic
This free version gives access to essential tools like automatic repair, support generation, slicing and common file support. Ideal for basic printing needs.
netfabb Premium
Adds advanced tools like optimized print orientation, custom supports, detailed model analysis, simulation data and more. Ideal for professional designers and engineers.
netfabb Ultimate
The full enterprise version includes additional tools for working with point clouds from 3D scans, generating toolpaths for CNC machining, and advanced automation features. Made for manufacturing.
Pricing starts at free for netfabb Basic, $995/year for netfabb Premium, and custom enterprise pricing for netfabb Ultimate. Autodesk also offers discounted pricing for startups and students.
Ease of Use and Learning
While netfabb is extremely capable under the hood, the user interface remains intuitive and easy to navigate. Clear organization into the main model preparation workflows like repair, support, orientation, slicing and simulation make it simple to find the right tools.
Automated features like instant repairing or print optimization require only a single click in most cases. For newcomers to 3D printing, netfabb is designed to provide great results with minimal manual work.
At the same time, more advanced users have full control to dive into detailed repairs, custom supports and printer profiles. netfabb grows with the user’s experience level while remaining user-friendly.
Extensive documentation, training resources, and an active user community ensure new users can quickly get up and running. Autodesk also offers official training courses for netfabb.
Applications of netfabb
Thanks to its versatility and advanced toolset, netfabb is used across many different fields and applications including:
Product Design – Engineers and designers use netfabb to prepare prototypes and end-use products for 3D printing from CAD and other data.
Manufacturing – Manufacturers automate preprocessing for 3D printing production. netfabb’s batch processing capabilities are ideal for optimizing many files.
Automotive – Automakers 3D print prototype and custom final parts with netfabb preprocessing and support.
Aerospace – Complex aerospace components are optimized for metal 3D printing using netfabb’s extensive toolset.
Healthcare – netfabb prepares intricate medical models like anatomical structures, implants, and prosthetics for 3D printing from scan data.
Jewelry – Designers use netfabb’s sophisticated tools to 3D print high precision jewelry pieces in metal or resin.
Education – Schools use netfabb to teach students end-to-end workflow from CAD designs to successfully 3D printed parts.
Research – Engineers in R&D leverage netfabb’s capacilities for iterating and testing 3D printed research models.
Entertainment – Media creators prepare props, miniatures, and set pieces for 3D printing with the help of netfabb.
Almost any application that involves 3D printing can benefit from netfabb’s advanced preparation and optimization capabilities.
netfabb Reviews and Reputation
netfabb enjoys strong reviews and feedback from users across desktop 3D printing and enterprise manufacturing:
- TrustRadius – 4.4 / 5 stars (112 reviews) – Users highlight the automatic repair function and integration with Fusion 360.
- G2 – 4.5 / 5 stars (19 reviews) – Users mention easy support generation and detailed analytics tools. Negative feedback focuses on the pricing.
- Capterra – 4.5 / 5 stars (46 reviews) – Reviewers like the intuitive interface and extensive printer profile support. Main cons include subscription pricing and occasional software bugs.
- 3D Hubs – 4.8 / 5 stars (20 reviews) – 3D printing service providers value netfabb’s reliability and advanced optimization abilities.
The main negatives focus on the subscription pricing model which provides regular updates but can seem expensive long term. Overall netfabb scores very well across major review platforms.
Future Development
netfabb continues to evolve with new features driven by Autodesk and user feedback. Some areas of future development include:
- Even more automation and AI-powered tools to minimize manual preprocessing.
- Expanded generative design capabilities for optimizing models and internal structures.
- Further simulation and validation tools for assessing 3D printed part strength.
- Enhanced integrations with other Autodesk software like Fusion and Inventor.
- Support for the latest 3D printing technologies like multi-material and bioprinting.
- Cloud-based version for easy online collaboration and remote 3D printing.
As 3D printing advances, so will netfabb continue pushing the boundaries of print preparation and optimization.
Conclusion
netfabb has cemented itself as an industry-leading software for taking 3D models from design to successfully printed parts. The automatic repair algorithms, customizable supports, model analysis tools, integrated slicing, and printer compatibility give engineers and designers robust control over the printing process.
Seamless integrations with Autodesk’s design software like Fusion 360 and automation features provide an end-to-end additive manufacturing workflow. netfabb excels at both preparing everyday prints with minimal input, as well as optimizing complex geometries for high-end industrial 3D printing applications.
With continual development and responsive customer support, netfabb aims to turn 3D printing challenges into intuitive, push-button solutions. By unleashing design freedom and enabling complex parts, netfabb helps make 3D printing more accessible and valuable for users across desktops, workshops and production floors.
