Back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, Makerbot unveiled three new Fifth Generation MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers. These included the MakerBot Replicator Mini, The MakerBot Replicator, and the larger MakerBot Replicator Z18. The company also promised that all three of these new machines would have WiFi capabilities.
This weekend MakerBot has followed through with their promise by releasing MakerBot Desktop Version 3.1.1. To download the latest version of MakerBot Desktop, click here. Once downloaded, you will be ready to enable WiFi on your 3D printer. Follow these steps to do so:
- Connect your printer to your computer via a USB cable.
- Select the ‘Enable WiFi’ option from the Device Preference menu once the software recognizes your printer.
- Choose the correct WiFi network which the software will automatically detect, and enter a password if prompted.
- Select the ‘Connect a New Device’ option and choose your printer. This will connect the printer to the the MakerBot Desktop.
Once connected, the MakerBot desktop will enable you to monitor your prints from any device which is connected to the same WiFi network. You will be able to monitor the print via the camera within your 3D printer, as well as check on the current temperature of the printer’s smart extruder. Please note that this software update is only recommended for the Fifth Generation Replicators at this time. MakerBot has stated that they will continue to update the software so that soon it will be recommended for all MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers, plus the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic.
Makerbot seems to be relying heavily on added features, like the camera’s within their printers, the smart extruders, and the ability to to monitor a print when the user is not in the same room as their printer. Because of this strategy, as 3D printer prices continue to plummet, MakerBot’s line of Replicators are able to remain some of the top selling 3D printers, despite their loftier prices. Connected devices are the future. MakerBot realizes this, and has been able to get a head start on their competition.
Do you have one of the new Fifth Generation MakerBot Replicators? Have you installed this update? Discuss it in the MakerBot Desktop Version 3.1.1 thread on 3DPB.com
You May Also Like
Investigating 3D Printed Biomodels in Experimental Blood Flow Studies
There are many applications for 3D printing in the biomedical research community, such as lab-on-a-chip tools, surgical planning, and drug delivery. Yet another is 3D biomodels, which is the focus...
Portugal: Cork 3D Printing Composite Shows Promise for Enhancing Polyurethane Foams
In the paper “3D printed cork / polyurethane composite foams,” authors N. Gama, A. Ferreira, and A. Barros-Timmons delve further into the world of enhanced materials for better performance in...
Generative Design Methods Combine 3D Printing & Organic Evolution
“Go take your lessons from nature, that’s where our future lies.” – Leonardo da Vinci Virginia Commonwealth University student Mohammad Jawad takes a forward-looking approach to manufacturing, as 3D printing...
Portugal: Consortium Led By Adira Aims to do SLM 3D Printing With One Cubic Meter Build Volumes
Industrial manufacturers continue the push to integrate SLM processes into large scale projects, especially in 3D printing and additive manufacturing with metal; in fact, they are so serious about this...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
Powered by 