Autodesk and 3D Printing

[speterson]

Hello,

My school has won a grant to purchase a 3D printer but we must do some research before we can choose which printer to buy. The students use Autodesk Inventor to create 3D solid models.

We have the option to purchase the 3D Systems Cube or Makerbot Replicator 2. Obviously, the company awarding the grant would like us to purchase the cheaper 3D Systems Cube for $1,299.00. Which of these 2 3D printers is better to use with the Autodesk Inventor Software? Which printer requires less prepping of the files?

Thank you,

Sean

[mcgyvr]

There is nothing about using Inventor or any other 3d package for that matter that should influence your 3d printer decision.. They ALL can export to a 3d printer.. (STL or other file type)

Material choices/build resolution/consumable costs/additional equipment, build size,etc... <-- thats a few of the things that matter and should be investigated..

I HIGHLY suggest you simply google "how to choose a 3d printer" and come up with a spreadsheet to compare/contrast,etc...