Makerbot partner with Autodesk

On the back of announcing their 3D scanner at SXSW Interactive, Makerbot were all set to announce another big deal in their step to home 3D printing world domination… a partnership with 3D software giants Autodesk.

There has been an existing unconfirmed relationship for some time now, Makerbot Replicator has always been the 3D printer of choice for Autodesk’s 123D tutorials on YouTube, but this official relationship will now make it even easier to print from Autodesk’s 123D series of apps.

"Software is key in showcasing the capabilities of 3D printing, and Autodesk's 123D Creature iPad app is an awesome way to highlight how you can customize a design, make it your own, and print it in 3D on a MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer," noted Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot.  "MakerBot prides itself on setting the standard in desktop 3D printing, and now in working with Autodesk, we are also together, setting the standard in providing the leading 3D design software that is optimized for printing on a MakerBot."

3D printing evangelist TranPham predicted recently that by the end of 2013 we would have a complete closed scan-to-print eco-system. Makerbot seem to have taken up that mantle and ran with it, a scanner, software and a printer will push them way ahead of their competitors in the eyes of the public.

Much as Apple’s iPhones may not be the most powerful, may not have the best cameras they sell and one of the main reasons they sell is they work out of the box. Makerbot are aiming to create that system for 3D printing, make it easy for the end user, the novice to take an object scan it and print a copy off immediately. That will massively appeal to the those who don't want to build a printer themselves, learn how to model in CAD. 

Makerbot are taking huge strides in becoming the number one 3D printer in the home and after this latest announcement the others might have some catching up to do. It’s shaping up to be the exciting year we had all hoped for.