Since the launch of Windows 8.1, which features native 3D printer support, Microsoft has been going out of its way to endorse 3D printing. To further show off its new OS’s printer friendly operation, and spread the word about 3D printing Microsoft has teamed up with Makerbot to produce in-store demos showcasing 3D printing.
Initially, Microsoft rolled this project out across a few west-coast stores in Seattle, San Francisco and Palo Alto, however, based on its success the company is now expanding the “MakerBot Experience” project to stores across the US.
In addition to the announcement of a full-scale MakerBot Experience roll-out, Microsoft also announced that it would be selling Replicator 2 3D printers at the orginal “MakerBot Experience” stores.
Ever the evangelist Bre Pettis, Makerbot’s founder commented, "We've seen tremendous interest and enthusiasm at the three initial 'MakerBot Experience' stores". Bre continued, "Rolling the program out to 15 additional Microsoft Stores supercharges our mission to bring 3D printing to more people."
If you’re interested in getting your first look at a 3D printer in action, here’s a list of store where the MakerBot demos will be happening.
Scottsdale, AZ – Fashion Square
Costa Mesa, CA – South Coast Plaza
Mission Viejo, CA – The Shops at Mission Viejo
Palo Alto, CA – Stanford Shopping Center
San Diego, CA – Fashion Valley
San Francisco, CA – Westfield San Francisco Centre
Lone Tree, CO – Park Meadows Mall
Danbury, CT – Danbury Fair Mall
Atlanta, GA – Lenox Square
Oak Brook, IL – Oakbrook Center
Schaumburg, IL – Woodfield Mall
Bloomington, MN – Mall of America
Salem, NH – The Mall at Rockingham Park
Bridgewater, NJ – Bridgewater Commons
White Plains, NY – The Westchester
Houston, TX – Houston Galleria
McLean, VA – Tysons Corner Center
Bellevue, WA – Bellevue Square
Personally, I think this venture is an excellent opportunity for a large swath of people to become better acquainted with the idea of 3D printing. In most cases I image people have only heard about 3D printers or seen them in a Youtube video. Having a one-on-one experience with these machine might just spark a kid’s imagination, or convince dad that a 3D printer is needed in his shop. Whatever the application, simply having coming into contact with a 3D printer can be a revelation, and also the key to their widespread proliferation.
Image Courtesy of Microsoft