Jun.26, 2013

Microsoft is adding in native 3D printer support to Windows 8.1. That means you can 3D print an item directly from third-party applications by click "print".

Microsoft announced this news today at the Build Conference and promised to make 3D printing as easy as outputting images on paper. A new built-in API will let developers add 3D printing into their apps. Microsoft hopes that some 3D printer applications could be developed especially for Windows.

Microsoft showed a time-lapsed video of a plastic vase being printed on a Makerbot Replicator 2. There is no need to install separate drivers or software. With an app 3D designs can be viewed and then user can just hit print as it is to start printing in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft is partnering with a number of existing 3D printer manufacturers, Makerbot, 3D Systems, FormLabs, as well as software companies AutoDesk and Netfabb. Type A Machines' Series 1 is the first Open Source 3-D printer that will have support for 'direct' printing with Windows 8.1. And Fabbster, the UP! 3D Printer from PP3D are also initially supported.

Microsoft also announced that is going to sell MakerBot Replicator 2 in its stores.

Microsoft's Antoine Leblond called the ability "just as easy and seamless as printing to a laser printer" on stage today.

 

Posted in 3D Software

 

 

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B Miller wrote at 6/27/2013 6:33:58 PM:

How much is lost when they idiot proof this? How does this software assist a user that has a model that is too large for the build plate, or objects that have overhang and need supports. Printing a stupid vase with no overhangs is something I can do with the click of a button already. Does the software repair models to insure they're ready to print. Does it close all holes and remove intersections etc?

jd90 wrote at 6/26/2013 9:16:31 PM:

"Microsoft's Antoine Leblond called the ability "just as easy and seamless as printing to a laser printer" on stage today." Has this person actually used a Replicator? I get a jam once every 10,000 pages on a laser printer and generally don't have to babysit the startup of a laser print session. Replicators and RepRaps tend to need a watchful eye on every startup.



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