TECHNOLOGY TIPS – 3D PRINTING: THE FUTURE IS NOW

TECHNOLOGY TIPS – 3D PRINTING: THE FUTURE IS NOW

Among many big announcements about the new Windows 8.1 release 3-D printing will now have native support within the operating system. The growing contingent of designers "makers" and early adopters will be thrilled as Microsoft paves the way for more mainstream accessibility.

Although Windows PCs have been able to connect to 3-D printers many of the printing apps required users to craft designs inside the apps or spend valuable time translating creations into a format that the printer software can handle. With the new Windows 8.1 users will have the same plug-and-play features that people are accustomed to with a standard printer. For example users can go into any number of Windows apps click the file menu and choose to print a document directly and with ease.

"Will 3-D printing go mainstream? We think so – which is why we’ve built it into Windows" wrote Shanen Boettcher general manager of Microsoft’s start-up business group.

There are no 3-D printer companies that currently support the plug-and-play on Windows 8.1 but after the new upgrade is released during the holiday season it is expected that a number of 3-D printers will take advantage of the feature. Since Windows is still the world’s more used PC operating system Microsoft’s announcement serves as crucial step in validating the 3-D printing movement. Starting soon there will be a retail 3-D printer MakerBot Replicator 2 available in select Microsoft stores.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO