Autodesk, Inc. is best known as a software company responsible for programs such as AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max and Maya, but the company plans to also have a say also in 3D hardware. To being its soliloquy to the industry the company has launched a printer called the Autodesk Ember 3D Printer based on Digital Light Processing Stereolithography technology.

The open source 3D printer is now available in the Explorer Edition at $5995, which is the version intended for developers and those who want to test a preview of its potential. However, the printer, as per the company, is still lacking Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification.

Digital Light Processing, or DLP, technology is based on the use of a photosensitive material, in the liquid state, positioned within a container. A projector then shines a light onto the bottom of the liquid suspension that causes the substance to harden, that hardened section is then lifted, allowing more fluid to flow in. With this process each layer of a 3D object is formed until it is completed and the 3D printed object is revealed from the liquid.

The process looks a lot like a scene from a science fiction movie as the 3D printed object is slowly pulled from a vat of white goo. It’s various creases, valleys, protrusions, and texture emerging as the light hardens the fluid and the actuator draws it up from the cradle. The video below is displayed at a timelapse format to show the printing process.

Autodesk’s DLP printer has the build volume of 64 mm x 40 mm x 134 mm in order to 3D print petite objects at layer thicknesses of 10 microns. Printing at 25 micron layer thicknesses, the machine can produce objects at 15 mm/hour.

A user may easily print a wide range of things, from toys to medical devices–from the delicacy of jewelry design to prototypes of heavy duty tools. What is important is that people will be able to plunge into the creativity and not to think about technical problems.

The Spark platform program an Autodesk project

The open nature of the project aims to tease the imagination and creativity of the world’s community of engineers and developers, who in the future will help to improve specifications and operation, similar to what happened in the past with the first models of MakerBot. The software also ensures full compatibility of the printer with the Spark program, currently available in beta.

The Spark program is a set of open source APIs and free cloud services that enable 3D applications and services to better prepare, optimize and deliver 3D models for any 3D printer or service bureau. Spark will offer a set of industry standards for all aspects of the 3D printing ecosystem: software, hardware, materials and services.

Autodesk expects to ship the Ember early April, but it depends on when they get approval from the FCC.

Photo Credit: Autodesk