Hey, did you guys also completely miss this new update from Autodesk Fusion? The one that could potentially put other nesting software to rest?
The Atomic Layers: S7E13 (00191)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Today, my good friend Jarek Kozak, CEO of Technology Applied, pointed out a completely overlooked release that could shake up the software market for powder-based additive manufacturing technologies: SLS, MJF, and PBF.
In the latest Fusion update, announced on January 27, 2025, Autodesk introduced a new 3D Nesting method for Additive Manufacturing.
In short:
The new “3D Arrange (true shape)” function in Fusion’s 3D printing software enables optimal nesting of parts in SLS and MJF processes. The voxel-based method allows for precise control over part quantity, packing priorities, and rotation, increasing packing density while considering exclusion zones in printers from Formlabs, EOS, and Farsoon.
Additionally, the PBF process simulation now includes an option to account for laser operation time layer by layer, improving simulation accuracy.
According to Autodesk, both enhancements significantly improve the efficiency and precision of additive manufacturing.
I have no idea how Autodesk’s solution compares to Magics by Materialise or 3DXpert by Oqton, but one thing is certain—it seems to be cheaper than even VoxelDance (and we all know VoxelDance…). An Autodesk Fusion license costs $680/year or $85/month.
On the official Fusion forum, Autodesk confirmed that the new functionality is included in the standard commercial license—it’s not an add-on. And everyone, including educational license users, can access it. The only exception is hobbyist license users—it's unavailable for them.
So yeah…
Kozak joked that maybe Autodesk’s Netfabb wasn’t selling well enough, so they just decided to roll it into the standard Fusion license.
If this addition works as expected, the AM software market could see a major shake-up in the long run. Especially since Fusion’s nesting tool is already optimized for all major powder-based systems.
PS:
The feature was briefly mentioned on LinkedIn by Alexander Oster, Director of AM at Autodesk, and Carolyn Schwaar in a short note on ALL3DP.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
02-13-2019: Airbus announced the selection of Ultimaker as its main 3D printer supplier for its production facilities in Europe.
GET FREE HISTORY BOOK: ‘2012 in AM’
News & Gossip:
Tethon3D and Carima introduce the Gazelle, allegedly “the world’s fastest industrial ceramic 3D printer”. Using Carima’s high-speed DLP C-CAT technology, it achieves speeds of over 30 cm per hour. Featuring a 46L build volume, dual 4K UHD light source, and advanced automation, it offers precision, efficiency, and cost-effective large-scale production.
Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) now has 600 Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL) systems in operation. In 2024, it expanded materials, launched the dual-resolution microArch D1025, and received FDA clearance for UltraThineer veneers.
And since I started with Jarek Kozak, it would be fitting to end with him. Today, DyeMansion published a video where Jarek talks about how he uses their systems in his company:
Maybe it’s free or cheaper at the beginning, but they will charge much higher price after classifying as add-on once some user start to use. That’s how fusion start and the way grew up so far. I haven’t seen value in fusion product especially for the LPBF.