What is Local Fabriacate for Desktop Metal?

As cloud-based software, FabricateTM maintains a secure connection to Desktop Metal servers at AWS. However, we understand that some customer environments face security restrictions that require all computation and data to be kept on-premises. For this reason, we have developed a local version of Fabricate. A local Fabricate installation allows you to use many of the same features found in the cloud-based Fabricate software, including job setup and management,  without requiring a connection to the cloud. Local Fabricate lets you manage your printer, debinder, and furnace from a central portal and gives you the ability to stay entirely inside a closed system, disconnected from any network if desired.

How does it work?

Fabricate local is a configuration of Fabricate that runs as a Google Chrome-based app locally on a host computer within your network. This app installs an instance of Fabricate to act as a local server in a closed system to allow you to connect that PC directly to your printer, debinder, and furnace. We kept your security in mind when designing this system, so a network switch and network cable is required to connect your PC to the Studio System. This tethering allows the PC to be entirely off of a network and still connect directly to the devices.

What are the trade-offs of local vs. cloud-based FabricateTM?

Performance: The local configuration of Fabricate cannot use parallel cloud processing to calculate your job, which means you will see a decline in performance when processing jobs. With cloud-based Fabricate performance is independent of your PC, whereas, with local Fabricate, performance depends on your PC.  See our PC minimum requirements (below) to get a similar experience using local.

Storage: With the local configuration of Fabricate, all information will be stored on the local PC. This means storage will be limited to the capabilities of that PC and all data will stay entirely on-premises.

Enclosed system, single-user: Local Fabricate was designed to connect your printer, debinder, and furnace to a network switch that connects directly to your PC. Given this configuration, it is not possible to control your Studio System from multiple computers or have multiple system logins.

Mobile monitoring: With the local configuration of Fabricate, your Studio System is offline and not part of an outside network which means additional features like mobile monitoring of jobs progress and machine status will no longer be available.

Where are my files saved when I process them?

When you process design files and prepare jobs with the local configuration of Fabricate, your files are saved to the virtual appliance of the designated PC. Between software releases, when you install Fabricate updates, all data is securely maintained in the virtual appliance.

Requirements for local Fabricate

PC minimum requirements:

• 3GB minimum Disk Space for install, 300GB or more recommended for part/job storage
• 8GB of RAM (16GB Recommended)
• CPU – Intel i7/AMD A10 processor, 2.60GHz+,  2 cores or greater (4 cores recommended)
• 1 Ethernet Port
• 1 USB 2.0+ Port

System requirements:

• Windows 7 Professional or Windows 10 Professional, 64-bit (SP1+)
• HyperV must be disabled via Windows Features (may be disabled by default)
• Virtualization must be enabled via BIOS
• Virtualbox must not be pre-installed on the computer
• The following ports must be open for inbound and outbound traffic
  • 8083
  • 3001
• Google Chrome 71.0.3578.98 (64-bit) or newer (Does not officially support MS Edge, Explorer, Firefox, Safari…)

Additional Hardware Requirements:

• Standard unmanaged network switch – the switch is a pass-through to allow the PC to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. We recommend an unmanaged switch, such as:
  • 5-way or 8-way switch
• 4 Ethernet cables – 1 from Device to switch and 3 additional from switch to each device

Antivirus compatibility & Port utilization:

Various major antivirus programs have been tested with Fabricate including Mcafee, TrendMicro, & AVG and haven’t caused much disruption with Fabricate local, though in some circumstances have been noted to block certain actions such as sending a job or adding a device to your organization. In these cases, we recommend that you unblock Port 8083 and 3001 in your antivirus settings to allow any actions to proceed.

How do I get local Fabricate?

First, consider the security requirements of your company. At Desktop Metal, customer data security has been a top priority since day one. As we developed cloud-based Fabricate we implemented many systems to ensure that your data is securely processed and encrypted when using the cloud. For most customers, cloud-based software is the best option given the security and performance considerations. For more information on Fabricate and cloud security, please see our white paper. Once you have evaluated local Fabricate, contact your Desktop Metal Sales Partner to discuss whether local Fabricate is right for your company and your 3D printing application.

Local Fabricate is purchased through your Sales Partner. Your Sales Partner will provide a set of downloads that allow you to upgrade your system and connect local Fabricate to your Studio System. Your Sales Partner will perform the initial setup of your Studio System for local Fabricate in order to ensure that your printer, debinder, and furnace are successfully configured for local mode. Subsequent software updates, however, can be implemented by you or your organization’s administrator.

How do I get and install updates for software and device firmware?

Updates to Fabricate software:

For the first version of local Fabricate, updates will be distributed by your Sales Partner. When an update becomes available, your Sales Partner will get in touch with you and provide you the update file(s) via electronic transfer. Once you have the updates, run the installer.

Updates to the printer, debinder, and furnace software and firmware:

For Device updates, simply navigate to the “Devices” page and select the “…” button on the device you want to update. This will show the “Upload update” option where you can upload the device’s update file. Once it has been sent to the device, just go to the device’s console, navigate to “Maintenance > Update” and select update – the device will do the rest.

Dominick Damato
Field Service Manager
Computer Aided Technology, LLC