Autodesk and Cricut enable fast and affordable 3D projects

UTAH, USA: Hobbyists, makers and DIY crafters can now make Autodesk 123D projects using the Cricut Explore machine, the recently announced design-and-cut system. The content partnership will enable users to make 3D projects at a fraction of the cost and time compared to traditional 3D printers.

Cricut announced today that Autodesk is its first technology partner in Cricut Design Space, online design software for Cricut Explore. Autodesk and Cricut collaborated to offer a series of Make it NowProjects ranging from a 3D brachiosaurus to a DIY smartphone stand. The projects will be available for purchase online in Cricut Design Space at prices from $1.99 to $3.99. Leveraging the slicing technology of Autodesk 123D Make, Cricut users can cut and assemble the 3D projects within a couple of minutes.

With the Cricut Explore machine, makers can easily and precisely cut more than 50 materials for their projects, ranging from paper, chipboard and wood veneer to aluminum sheets to leather.

"Cricut, a leader in electronic crafting, is thrilled to partner with Autodesk, the software leader in the maker movement, to bring easy and affordable 3D projects to makers and their families," says Ashish Arora, president and CEO of Cricut. "Our $299 price per unit combined with an easy online design experience makes it affordable for makers to own a Cricut machine and create with limitless options."

"Autodesk's 123D apps are a powerful yet simple way to model in 3D," said Samir Hanna, vice president, Autodesk Consumer Group. "With this partnership, we want to make it easier for anyone to participate in the maker movement and bring creative projects to life through a fun and affordable imaginative 3D model."

Cricut Explore is available at a retail price of $299 through Cricut's retail partners.