Microsoft pioneered support for 3D printing technology

Recently, Microsoft has released a free 3D Builder application, a software that allows Windows 8.1 users to print 3D objects from their computers.

3D Builder allows printing of popular 3D objects. Inside the application there will be a list of components, parts, which they can use to design for printing and printing. You can print lego-like brick blocks, cake cutters, snowflakes, pendants .

However, the level of customization allowed when printing is not much. After selecting a certain pattern, users can move objects around 3D space, increasing or decreasing the size to a certain width or height limit. Users can also import to print external designed models.

Microsoft introduced this application primarily to promote the MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer that is being sold at their retail stores. MakerBot Replicator 2 is priced at 2199 USD. To be able to print 3D with this application, 3D printers must also be certified " designed for Windows 8.1 ", like the 3D printer mentioned above.

Supporting 3D printing can be seen as Microsoft's pioneering approach to new technology, although the current cost of technology is not cheap. The company sees 3D Builder as an application for general users, but with the extremely high price of 3D printers, it seems that only businesses can access them now. Currently 3D Builder is released for free on Windows Store.