Dec 8, 2015 | By Kira
After releasing a new version of the Surface Pro tablet that did not fit properly into the previous model’s docking station, Microsoft has released the free 3D printable files for a ‘dock spacer’ that allows the Surface Pro 3 docking station to accommodate the Surface Pro 4 tablet, all while saving customers from having to buy an entirely new dock.
It’s a common problem for techies and gadget-lovers everywhere: you purchase the most recent version of your favorite tech giant’s hottest device, only find out that your existing accessories, be it the charger, docking station, or protective case, are no longer compatible due to a change in design and/or dimensions. That was precisely the case for buyers of Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 4: the slimmer version of the tablet doesn’t fit snuggly inside the Pro 3 dock, yet consumers were unhappy with the idea of shelling out more cash for yet another Microsoft product. The dock is an extremely useful accessory to have, as it extends the tablet’s uses by transforming it into a desktop PC system.
While Microsoft did design a dedicated Surface Pro 3 docking station spacer, a small plastic adapter that would fill the gap and keep the Pro 4 snuggly in its place, that spacer proved notoriously difficult to find at Microsoft stores—in fact, one customer reported that he spent several months trying his luck at local Microsoft stores, only to find that not only did they not have it in stock, most employees didn’t even know what he was talking about. Some resourceful yet unsatisfied customers were left with no choice but to stuff tissue, beer coasters, or other objects into their Pro 3 docks.
But now, at long last, Microsoft has embraced the maker spirit and come up with a nearly cost-free solution: the company has released the 3D design files online so that users can 3D print a dock adapter from the comfort of their own home.
The 3D printable Surface Pro 3 Docking Station Adapter files (available here) are available in .STL and .STP formats in order to be compatible with a range of slicing programs—the only requirement on the user-end (aside from owning a 3D printer in the first place) is that their 3D printer model has a build size of at least 10.3 x 100.8 x 285.4 mm. The adapter prints in one piece, and installation is as easy as sliding it into the dock and securing it with a bit of double-sided tape. Of course, Microsoft does warn in their 3D printing instructions that the quality of the 3D printed adapter depends on the 3D printer used, and as such, it makes no warranties for 3D printed versions.
Of course, there is also a solution for Surface Pro 4 owners who don’t have access to a 3D printer: they can order the ‘free’ spacer online (shipping and handling fees apply), provided they have registered their Pro 4 via the Surface Online Service Center.
Microsoft’s 3D printing solution is truly in the maker spirit, and although they seem to have employed it as a ‘last resort’ to keep their customers happy after a retail faux-pas, if it works out well enough, Microsoft or other tech companies could start to use it as an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution—after all, a small, 3D printed slip of plastic uses way less material than an entire, newly manufactured dock. As we learnt with the clever Patching Physical Objects project, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—and if you can fix it, don’t buy another.”
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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IS this only if the dock is being used with a Surface 4? We have dock issues with the Surface 3 using this same dock. Thank you, Elena
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