The Makerbot company has decided to make changes to its products and operation. It is not something new because he already announced it months ago, but since then we did not know anything about it. Makerbot recently announced Makerbot Labs, a site for the educational and developer world.
Makerbot Labs aims to be a site that helps the developer to experiment, develop new prototypes and even research with new materials. He also wants to be a reference for users who are learning to use 3D printing.
Makerbot Labs aims to be a sandbox for the developer
Makerbot Labs contains several web applications that will allow us not only to work with various materials but will also help us to create new prototypes, unique pieces and even improve parts of our 3D printer. To do this, Makerbot has created a repository at Thingiverse and another Github They intend to create a new extruder compatible with any 3D printer that allows the use of various materials. This repository is free and anyone can access it.
Makerbot Labs aims to be one more alternative to the many tools that exist for the 3D Printing user, going from being another manufacturer of printers to a reference for the novice and expert user. Access to Makerbot Labs is free and at the moment it doesn't require much more than a Makerbot user account.
The truth is that this tool is interesting since it allows us to simulate objects and projects without actually printing them, knowing whether or not the object we are developing is viable or if the material used can be changed. And while the new extruder promises to be a useful accessory for any 3D printer, hopefully don't be the only one the Makerbot Labs community does and we can enjoy more accessories for our 3D printer.