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The simple, simplistic, free app from Microsoft provides a basic way toprint common 3D objects, as well as to import other files from SkyDrive orelsewhere. But the degree of customization that the app allows is small, so3D Builder basically serves as an introduction to the world of 3D printing.

In fact, that's Microsoft's intention, with demonstrations of the MakerBotReplicator 2 slated for Microsoft's retails stores this weekend. Microsoftcustomers can buy a new Windows 8.1 PC, as well as MakerBotReplicator 2, both online as well as in the brick-and-mortar storesthemselves.

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Microsoft debuts 3D printing appfor Windows 8.1By Mark Hachman | PC World on November 18, 2013

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One of the selling points of Windows 8.1 was its ability to print 3Dobjects, a complement to traditional paper printing. Although Microsoft ispitching 3D Builder as a consumer app, the bulk of spending on 3Dprinting will come from businesses, which will account for £202 million outof the £257 million that will be spent this year on 3D printing, according toan October report from Gartner. However, 3D printers have made theirway into Staples, and MakerBot latched onto an endorsement of thetechnology from President Obama during his State of the Union address,recently encouraging US citizens to crowd-fund an effort to 3D printers inevery high school in America. (MakerBot also announced a Windows 8.1software driver on Thursday.)

Microsoft's 3D Builder app could certainly be a part of that effort. Frankly,there's little to the app itself besides a library of pre-selected objects, mostof which seem to be built around small, unpowered model trains of the"Thomas the Tank Engine" variety. After selecting one, the user has theoption of moving it around a 3D space, increasing or decreasing the sizeto a particular width or height - and not much else.

Users can also import models made elsewhere. Again, however, 3DBuilder isn't really designed to modify the designs. It's also not clear which

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TOPICS Hacking & Maker, 3D printing, Printing, Microsoft

3D formats are supported.

On the other hand, some might be turned off by the perceived complexityof 3D printing. If you have two grand to spend on a 3D printer but aren'treally sure how to use it, 3D Builder might be a good place to start.

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