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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
With the recent launch of Microsoft Windows 8.1, MakerBot owners can now download the MakerBot 3D Printer Driver for Windows 8.1 and print directly to their Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer. This built-in support in Windows 8.1 uses the new 3D printer driver, available for download via the Windows Update Service.
With the driver, users can open a 3D design in a program like 123D Design or SolidWorks and tell the file to print directly to a Replicator 2 Desktop 3D printer.
"We are pretty excited to have our 3D printer driver included in this recent Windows 8.1 release," said Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot. "We have been working closely with Microsoft to prepare the printer driver to provide the familiar plug-and-play capabilities of Windows with the MakerBot Replicator 2. Having the 3D printer driver be a part of Windows 8.1 rounds out even more of the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem that is designed to make 3D design and printing super easy and accessible."
"Working with MakerBot on creating the 3D printer driver has been a great education in 3D printing and all the technology involves," said Shanen Boettcher, general manager of the Microsoft Startup Business Group. "Many 3D printing customers use Windows as their platform for design and 3D printing, so it is a natural progression for Windows to offer native 3D printing capabilities right from the Windows platform."
For more information, visit MakerBot.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.
DE's editors contribute news and new product announcements to Digital Engineering. Press releases may be sent to them via [email protected].
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