Part Two: Stirring up the Maker Movement with the MakerBot® Replicator™ 2 Desktop 3D Printer

As we discussed in Part One of the series, the Maker movement is harnessing ideas and technology to spur innovation. MakerBot’s Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is bridging the gap between engineers, researchers, designers and creative professionals to create amazing, true-to-life products, quickly and easily.

SolidWorks Simulation and Workgroup PDM software allowed MakerBot engineers to create and evaluate several design iterations of the MakerBot Replicator 2. In doing so, MakerBot wasted no time getting the final product to market on September 19, 2012—surprising many customers.

From medical advancements, like UPenn’s 3D printed sugar lattice to help create new human tissue, to printing a case to fit a new iPhone 5, MakerBot is giving enthusiasts the ability to produce quality items right on their desktops.

To encourage the Maker movement, MakerBot created Thingiverse, an online platform that enables a community of users to share their digital designs with the world. More than 25,000 design files, including those created using SolidWorks, are available on the site, making it simple to download and print from the MakerBot Replicator 2. SolidWorks 3D Content Central also provides designers with free models that can be used with the printer.

Auto part manufacturers, medical researchers, artists and all designers in between are bringing new inventions (like the tractor below) to the table every day.

The MakerBot® Replicator™ 2 Desktop 3D Printer is changing the world; in homes, universities, research institutions and corporations. Enthusiasts no longer have to sneak into a local university to get their hands on this technology. MakerBot has sold more than 15,000 printers to date. The MakerBot Replicator 2 starts at $2,199 and can be seen in action at MakerBot’s retail store in Manhattan.

Have you checked out Thingiverse.com or 3DCC? What are some products you would like to print using the MakerBot Replicator 2? Post a link to your models that would benefit from 3D printing in the comment section below!