Research firm Canalys forecasts that the sector will increase by 45.7% annually from 2013 to value $16.2 billion in 2018. Together, the announcements signal interest by the AEC software developer-whose current market cap is about $13.9 billion, compared to $4.14 billion for 3D Systems and $5.84 billion for Stratasys-in carving out a space for itself in the market for additive manufacturing products and services. The news follows Autodesk’s launch earlier this year of Spark, a free and open-source platform that streamlines communication among a wide range of modeling programs, materials, and printers.

Autodesk is now accepting applications online. The platform’s partners include automobile-centric hardware developer Local Motors, hyper-local 3D-printing service provider network 3D Hubs, and intellectual property and quality assurance partner Authentise.

Through its new Spark Investment Fund, the company will provide financial support as well as marketing and developer services to entrepreneurs and researchers looking to evolve the industry. Software developer Autodesk announced yesterday that it will invest up to $100 million in the burgeoning 3D-printing sector.

Autodesk free software for 3d printers