MakerBot Releases PrintShop 1.5

MakerBot has released the latest version of MakerBot PrintShop, its iPad application. Version 1.5 now includes Shape Maker, which takes drawings and quickly converts them into 3D print ready files.

This feature, according to the company, allows users to transform sketches, photos and screen captures into a 3D print file without any design experience.

After the image is captured via iPad camera or uploaded, it can be manipulated via the touchscreen. Files are saved on Thingiverse and can be sent to any MakerBot Replicator system for production.

“Our goal with the MakerBot PrintShop app is to make 3D printing more accessible and empower anyone to easily create 3D designs,” says Joey Neal, chief experience officer with MakerBot. “All it takes is a pen and a piece of white paper to create a drawing that can then be 3D printed using the new MakerBot Shape Maker feature. If you can draw a sketch, you can use MakerBot Shape Maker to transform your creations from the flat 2D world of pen and paper to the exciting 3D world of 3D printing.”

For information, visit MakerBot.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.