MakerBot have released a software upgrade to their impressive range of 3D printers that increases the printing speed by 30%.
The new MakerBot Desktop 3.8 software introduces one-click printing, which means that once a 3D design file is uploaded, it will immediately begin the print job, rather than waiting for software to slice the object into its multiple layers.
In terms of 3D printing, slicing is the process that turns the 3D design in a printable file through determining how many layers must be produced to fully form the 3D object. With the new software update, MakerBot 3D printers begin the job instantly while continuing the slicing the process in the background.
“This release is all about getting you from the design to a 3D print faster,” MakerBot said in a statement.
MakerBot have been able to significantly increase the speed of their 3D printing capabilities by creating a new ‘diamond infill’ pattern as part of their new software release.
The ‘diamond infill’, which is not only fast, but also offers much stronger structural support, allows the print heads on MakerBot models to take sharper turns and use less material as it builds each layer.
Along with the new pattern, MakerBot still offers other infill patterns, like the traditional honeycomb-style design, that can be used to optimise specific 3D prints for strength and speed.
Along with faster printer overall, the MakerBot Desktop 3.8 upgrade also features an upgraded algorithm that delivers a more accurate print time estimate.
Check out the video below on the latest MakerBot Desktop 3.8 upgrade: