3D Systems announced that Microsoft Windows 8.1 includes plug-and-play capabilities that were jointly developed for its Cube 3D printer. 3D Systems showcased its consumer 3D printing capabilities at Microsoft’s Build Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, June 26-28, 2013.

The company demonstrated the first 3D printer driver using Microsoft’s 3D printer SDK for Windows 8.1 for its Cube 3D printer at Microsoft’s Build. This capability gives consumers the same simplicity of connecting their Cube as a 2D printer. Additionally, applications written for Windows 8.1 will be able to print 3D content directly from the application to the Cube 3D printer. The new Windows-based features further enhances the Cube user experience making it more seamless and on par with what consumers have come to expect with their 2D printing devices.

“We’re thrilled that 3D Systems has implemented Windows 8.1 support so customers can easily make 3D objects on their PCs, and we look forward to being inspired by what people create when these amazing new software and hardware experiences come together,” said Shanen Boettcher, General Manager, Startup Business Group, Microsoft.

The Cube 3D printer is the first consumer 3D printer that is home certified and safe for children as young as eight years old. It is a truly plug-and-play machine right out of the box, with an easy load cartridge system and touchscreen user interface. The Cube is supported by 3D Systems consumer ecosystem, Cubify.com, which offers a marketplace of things to 3D print at home, empowering creation tools from mobile and web apps to design software and cloud printing services that allow users to have things printed by 3D Systems and shipped to their doorstep.

“Our Cube 3D printer and Cubify consumer ecosystem create a delightful, empowering and intuitive 3D printing experience and Microsoft’s integration makes the Cube Windows 8.1 compatible, further enhancing the amazing user experience 3D Systems provides,” said Rajeev Kulkarni, Vice President and General Managers Consumer Products, 3D Systems. “We look forward to introducing the new features to our users and working with Microsoft to develop an innovative suite of 3D printing design applications for Windows 8.1.”

Cube is available online at Cubify.com, Staples.com and in select Staples retail stores.

 3D Systems
www.3DSystems.com