The MakerBot 3D printer is definitely one of the most well-known 3D printers, and a popular piece of hardware from the homefront to that of the office, school, and library. Whether shopping online from home or while out and about in the real world, you’ve probably by now seen the MakerBot lineup of 3D printers for sale–and affordably so. With pricing, popularity, and accessibility on its side, the MakerBot is a great choice for many.
Now, they are releasing MakerBot Desktop 3.8, offering users the ability to experience even greater speed–where you can now 3D print designs 30% faster and with stronger structural support. That means you are working better and faster. A new slicing algorithm is an improvement allowing you to design your own model or use one from Thingiverse, bring it into Desktop 3.8 and watch it come to fruition. Taking advantage of the fact that MakerBot 3D printers are WiFi connected, Firmware 1.8 allows you to update to new firmware versions right from your 3D printer.
Also, in addition to several other infill patterns you are probably already enjoying, MakerBot Desktop 3.8 has added the diamond infill pattern, which is a big reason for the faster, stronger printing opportunity. As an example, MakerBot is showing off the Brilliant Cut Diamond design from Thingiverse by user Cymon (see below).
The new slicing algorithms also allow for the extruder to perform more rapidly during turns. Because the new diamond infill allows for more reliable and consistent extrusion, it offers an infill pattern that results in greater structural strength. Due to a variable layer height that was introduced in MakerBot Desktop 3.7, the inside of a 3D print, or the infill, can be 3D printed at a thicker layer height than the outer layers, or the shell. The more your object is printed at that higher layer height, the faster the print will be overall.
“MakerBot’s latest software update allows our customers to turn their ideas into physical objects even faster, combining faster print speed with one click 3D printing,” said Nadav Goshen, president of MakerBot. “MakerBot’s leading 3D printing Ecosystem connects hardware with software and apps to provide a seamless 3D printing experience that is unmatched in the industry.”
Nadav Goshen recently joined MakerBot as president and he and his teams are focused on building out a world-class ecosystem, as well as supporting the MakerBot community better than ever before.
You will also be able to appreciate better print time estimates, along with one click 3D printing, streamlining the print flow, and allowing the print to start immediately after slicing. This update is available if you are using a:
- MakerBot Replicator
- Replicator 2
- MakerBot Replicator 2X
- Fifth Generation MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer
Overall, the MakerBot Desktop is a complete, free 3D printing solution for discovering, managing, and sharing your 3D prints. It allows you to stay organized, control your prints, and connect through WiFi, Ethernet, or USB. Let us know if you have downloaded this latest version in the MakerBot Version 3.8 forum thread on 3DPB.com. Find out more about version 3.8 in this video from MakerBot:
Brilliant Cut Diamond from Thingiverse
