Brooklyn, N.Y, November 14, 2013 – Printing in 3D just got even easier. With the recent launch of Microsoft Windows 8.1, MakerBot owners can now download the MakerBot 3D Printer Driver for Windows 8.1 and with a quick click inside an application, can print directly to their MakerBot® Replicator® 2 Desktop 3D Printer. This built-in support in Windows 8.1 uses the new 3D printer driver, available for download via the Windows Update Service, which MakerBot developed so customers could experience plug-and-play and seamless end-to-end printing from a wide variety of applications directly to a MakerBot.
With Windows 8.1 and using the new MakerBot 3D Printer Driver, users can open a 3D design in a program like 123D Design or SolidWorks, and tell the file to print directly to a MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer; it’s as fast and easy as printing a Word document on a 2D printer.
“We are pretty excited to have our 3D printer driver included in this recent Windows 8.1 release,” noted Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot. “We have been working closely with Microsoft to prepare the printer driver to provide the familiar plug-and-play capabilities of Windows with the MakerBot Replicator 2. Having the 3D printer driver be a part of Windows 8.1 rounds out even more of the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem that is designed to make 3D design and printing super easy and accessible.”
“Working with MakerBot on creating the 3D printer driver has been a great education in 3D printing and all the technology involves,” noted Shanen Boettcher, general manager of the Microsoft Startup Business Group. “Many 3D printing customers use Windows as their platform for design and 3D printing, so it is a natural progression for Windows to offer native 3D printing capabilities right from the Windows platform.”
The MakerBot 3D Printer Driver on Windows 8.1 works with the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, which is one of the most affordable and accessible desktop 3D printers on the market and is helping to lead the Next Industrial Revolution. The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is MakerBot’s fourth generation 3D printer and was recently named “Best Consumer 3D Printer” at the 3D Printshow London, “Best in Class FDM 3D Printer” by MAKE Magazine, “Overall Winner” for best 3D printer by Popular Mechanics’, a Time Magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2012” nominee, a Popular Mechanics’ “Editor’s Choice Award” winner, and Popular Science’s“Product of the Year.” The MakerBot Replicator 2 features a 100-micron layer resolution and sets a new standard in professional looking models and true-to-life replicas. The MakerBot Replicator 2 also has a large build volume of 410 cubic inches (11.2” L x 6.0” W x 6.1” H) and is optimized for printing in MakerBot PLA Filament.
The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is also available for sale at Microsoft retail stores throughout the United States and on MicrosoftStore.com/makerbot.
About MakerBot
MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd., is leading the Next Industrial Revolution by setting the standards in reliable and affordable desktop 3D printing. Founded in 2009, MakerBot has built the largest installed base of desktop 3D printers sold to innovative and industry-leading customers worldwide, including engineers, architects, designers, educators and consumers. The MakerBot 3D Ecosystem drives accessibility and rapid adoption of 3D printing and includes: Thingiverse.com, the MakerBotDigitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, the MakerBot Replicator line of Desktop 3D Printers, MakerWare software, MakerCare, the MakerBot retail store, and strategic partnerships with top-tier brands. MakerBot has been honored with many accolades, including Popular Mechanics’ “Overall Winner” for best 3D printer, Time Magazine’s “Best Inventions of 2012,” Popular Mechanics’ “Editor’s Choice Award,” Popular Science’s “Product of the Year,” Fast Company’s “One of the World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Consumer Electronics,” and many more. Join the Next Industrial Revolution by following MakerBot at makerbot.com.
About Stratasys
Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and Rehovot, Israel, manufactures 3D printers and materials for prototyping and production. The company’s patented FDM® and PolyJet® processes produce prototypes and manufactured goods directly from 3D CAD files or other 3D content. Systems include 3D printers for idea development, prototyping and direct digital manufacturing. Stratasys subsidiaries include MakerBot and Solidscape and the company operates the RedEye On Demand digital-manufacturing service. Stratasys has more than 1500 employees, holds over 500 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally, and has received more than 20 awards for its technology and leadership. Online at: stratasys.com or blog.stratasys.com.
