Every CAD system is using so-called geometric modeling kernel – 3D modeling component. If you want to know what 3D kernel is used by specific CAD software, check this Wikipedia link. The world is dominated by two major kernels – ACIS and Parasolid. The market of 3D modeling components was relatively stable for many years dominated by known players with years of experience and reputation. The newest geometric kernel introduced to the market recently was C3D originally developed by Russian company ASCON.
My attention was caught by TechCrunch article with a catchy phrase – This startup just raised more than $10 million for its additive manufacturing software, with the help of Autodesk’s former CEO.
Used almost plain vanilla startup statement claiming to develop a modern version of existing outdated technology.
Now, a four-year-old, Seattle-based company called Dyndrite that’s been quietly working away on its own kernel since its outset, suggests things are about to change. It’s time, says the company, noting that manufacturing hardware has outpaced its software, and making the case that the world needs what it has built: a kernel with modern manufacturing, modern computer architecture, and modern design needs in mind.
TechCrunch passage can give you an idea how is committed to fund and support Dyndrite
Whether Dyndrite will break through is an open question, but early indicators are promising. The 15-person company just landed a little more than $10 million in Series A funding led by Gradient Ventures, Google’s AI-focused investment fund, which had also given the company earlier seed funding. Other investors in the round include Cota Capital and other earlier backers like Amplify Ventures, The House Fund, Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen, and former Autodesk CEO Carl Bass, whose relationship with Goel dates back nine years.
The key passage in the article is here.
Dyndrite has “taken a different tack,” he adds. Its kernel is built for the new world of 3D printing, and more specifically, he says, it’s capable of representing all current geometry types, including higher-order geometries; it can also handle additive specific computations like lattice, support, and slice generation. In the process, says Goel, the kernel can reduce processing times from hours or days to minutes — even seconds.
If you’re CAD developer or manufacturing company looking to experiment with new tech, this is a time, since Dyndrite seems to be looking for use cases and people to test it. Navigate to this link to learn more.
What is my conclusion? The idea has some legs as manufacturing companies are discovering the new ways to model and design parts for additive manufacturing technologies. So, business opportunity might be there. These are long shots, in my view. To develop a fully fledged 3D geometric kernel takes a long time and it is very hard to predict how it will end. Dyndrite brings new fresh ideas in a relatively small business space. However, the potential of this technology used in new manufacturing technologies can amplify this business. CAD companies can be looking at Dyndrite experiment might decide to snap it for future experiments if the idea will turn out into an opportunity to improve their existing CAD products. Just my thoughts…
Best, Oleg
Disclaimer: I’m co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM developing cloud-based bill of materials and inventory management tool for manufacturing companies, hardware startups, and supply chain. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.
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