MakerBot has already established a pretty comprehensive positioning in the 3D printing world. The company, a subsidiary of Stratasys and the parent of Thingiverse, produces some of the most popular desktop 3D printers on the market and is gaining an appreciable presence in user-friendly technology through apps.
Today, December 9, MakerBot has announced the launch of their new MakerBot-Ready Apps Portal, through which all eight current MakerBot-Ready Apps are now available. As more apps are developed and ideas emerge from MakerBot’s Developer Program, the Portal will only grow larger and more comprehensive.
“We are really thrilled to be able to seamlessly incorporate educational, entertaining and useful 3D printing applications into the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem,” said CEO of MakerBot Jenny Lawton.
The MakerBot Developer Program has been around since this summer, and has now brought about some impressive expansion to MakerBot’s 3D ecosystem. Apps developed through this initiative are now available for use on your favorite tech platforms, including desktop, mobile, tablet, and web-based systems. The apps’ developers benefit from the system by gaining expansive access to iOS, Android, web, and other MakerBot Replicator 3D Printing Platforms.
Immediate access to all your favorite MakerBot-Ready Apps is now yours, bringing together a series of programs that are both fun and educational — and all integrated into 3D printing. The apps currently available include educational, design, entertainment, and useful programs that integrate MakerBot technology.
“In just one site, makerbot.com/readyapps, 3D printing enthusiasts can access third-party apps that make design and 3D printing even easier and more accessible than ever before,” said Lawton. “It’s our goal to continue expanding the MakerBot Developer Program and generating even more MakerBot-Ready Apps that can join these first ones in the MakerBot-Ready Apps Portal.”
The Portal includes three entertainment apps:
Modio — Users can design and 3D print their own characters through the app’s library of parts and customize textures and shapes, mixing and matching parts and accessories to create all-new figures on their MakerBot Replicator 3D printer.
Robot Factory for MakerBot — Robots are pretty cool and certainly futuristic; using this app, you can create your very own. Robot Factory was designed by Chile-based Thinker Thing to use their mobile device to design a custom genetically modeled robot.
World of Rabbit — The promise of rabbit islands, seas filled with robots, and treasure hunts brings entertainment all around to this app. The Breakdesign-created app, through a collaboration with Trobok Toys, lets players earn rewards in the form of 3D printable models and accessories.
Cookie Caster — Ever wanted to make dessert, but not in a mundane shape? Cookie Caster, developed by Dreamforge, lets you design your own 3D printable cookie cutter, either selecting a design from their gallery or drawing/tracing your very own cookie design. See if you have what it takes to become a cookie designer that your friends envy!
Leopoly — Leanar3Do designed this browser-based app for those just getting into 3D design. Intuitive modeling tools let you create a range of customized objects that you can share, download, export, and store.
Zotebook — This mobile design app is also geared toward 3D designers who don’t yet have a ton of experience, letting you turn 2D drawings into 3D printings, by simply specifying a height for the model.
One educational app:
Makers Empire — Easy enough to use that primary students and novice 3D designers alike can bring their concepts to life, Makers Empire is designed to be the “world’s easiest to use 3D printing software.” Themed modules lead you through the necessary steps to design, and align to school curricula in the US, UK, and Australia.
And one useful app:
Fraemes — Dreamforge created Fraemes to allow you to create your own custom iPhone case. Artist-created designs can be personalized to your preference in an easy-to-use format, complete with a wide range of themes. Keep your phone safe from harm while also looking pretty snazzy.
We will definitely be keeping an eye out for further developments on this front. What other types of apps would you like to see in the Portal? Let us know what you think in the MakerBot-Ready App Portal forum thread at 3DPB.com.
