The Next Big Thing Is Already Here and It's 3D Printing

Once in a while there's a sort of early confluence in technology, where the writing is on the wall for all to see and the opportunity so obvious that the big guns turn their sites to it. Back in the heyday of 3D graphics there were more manufacturers clamoring over each other in the space than you could shake a dynamically-lit, bump-mapped stick at.  From chip suppliers to board partners and software developers, the market was teaming with growth and opportunity.  We're about to turn the corner on the birth of a burgeoning new market and eventually everybody will want in on the action.


When Microsoft stepped out and offered native support for 3D Printing in Windows 8.1, it was really just a sign of things to come.  Big brand names like Amazon, eBay, and Staples are are picking up quickly on the opportunities of 3D Printing and there's a common thread -- 3D Printing isn't just for geeks that like to tinker with high tech toys that create things. It's set to break out big in the mainstream market. And we're talking fire up the marketing weasels with massive budgets kind of big.


Earlier this week Jess McGatha, Senior Program Manger at Microsoft gave a demo of a beta 3D Printing application for Windows with device driver interface detail showcasing ability to select target printing devices from within the application.  The idea was to make 3D Printing as easy and convenient as printing from any other Microsoft Office app. Apparently Microsoft sees the opportunity with 3D Printing and though there is obviously a long road ahead as the technology matures, they want to help foster it and accelerate development.  As it turns out, many current 3D Printing software packages from various vendors run on Windows with custom APIs and drivers.  I cringe at the thought of term but "plug and play" is coming to 3D Printing.