Carl Bass, CEO of Autodesk
On December 4, 2014 Carl Bass, the CEO of Autodesk took to Reddit to answer questions about engineering; architecture; mathematics; woodworking and the future of making things. He was doing the AMA (ASK ME ANYTHING) to announce that Autodesk is “giving away our software” to students, educators, and schools for free around the world and the first piece of hardware, the Ember 3D printer, is now available for preorder. Here are five of the questions that were answered during the AMA. To check out the entire AMA here is the link: http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2oaei2/carl_bass_here_ceo_of_autodesk_designer/
- Q: What does the future hold for 3ds max?
A: I think think 3ds max is a great product — it’s being used for all kinds of great work. We’re continuing investing. I see less use of it in film than before but lots of use for games, design viz and lots of general 3D modeling
- Q: 3d print a 3d printer: possible? Or nah?
A: People have done it since the very beginning. The Made in Space team (first 3D printer in space) made the first print, a part for the 3D printer in space. So meta! For our Ember 3D printer, we’ve been prototyping all types of parts and printing them on different printers.
- Q: I’m pretty new to the 3d-printing scene, so forgive me if this is a dumb question. Aside from bio vs. synthetics, what are the biggest limitations in 3d-printing?
A: Speed- time goes up at the power of 3 and I’d really like to see more materials.
- Q: How do you see the market evolving once 3D printers become mainstay? Do you think companies will stay profitable catering to an ever increasing DIY model?
A: 3D printing is just going to be another tool. Sometimes injection molding will be best, or machining will be best and other times 3D printing will be best. Mass customization is going to become the norm.
- Q: Is there ever going to be a day where I won’t have to sell a child to use your products? Also, props to your company on letting students get copies for free.
A: Thanks about the comment on free software for students and schools. Totally excited about that. Things like Fusion are free for startups and enthusiasts.
About Carl Bass
Carl Bass is president and chief executive officer of Autodesk, Inc., a maker of professional 3D design software and consumer applications, and was a co-founder of Ithaca Software, which commercialized HOOPS, a 3D graphics system.
About Autodesk
Autodesk is an American multinational software corporation that makes software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries.
