MakerWare

It’s now possible to create a 3D physical representation of anything you design on a computer with the help of specialized printers. Needless to say that devices require appropriate programs to properly transmit the necessary data, and MakerWare is the type of application you need to print with your MakerBot printer.

The application doesn’t take long to install, and you can then check out the set of features. The initial window lets you choose several printer related elements, after which you’re put directly against the canvas. The overall application design is neat, with modern elements composing the interface, and a generous interactive preview section.

Note that this application is not meant to let you create objects, but rather to help you set them up and print. Needless to say that a MakerBot printer is required to be able to generate the actual result. On the other hand, the application can be used independently in case you just want to prepare the project for printing.

You can start from a variety of different file formats, such as OBJ, STL, or THING. The object is then placed inside the virtual frame representing the printer boundaries. Multiple objects can be included in the project and even moved around.

Although there aren’t any direct object manipulation options, you can move, rotate, and even scale objects to perfectly fit them in the printer bay. Whenever you’re ready you can choose to create the project, given the printer is connected to your PC.

Last but not least, the export option brings up a configuration window to properly prepare the new file. You need to choose the target printer, the material, the resolution, as well as some advanced options like profile and MakerBot Slicer configuration in terms of quality, temperature control, and speed.

Taking everything into consideration, we can state that MakerWare is a reliable application which helps you neatly visualize and arrange objects you’re about to print with a 3D printer.