It started as a simple free repository for patterns for personal making and then exploded into an overwhelming cacophony of 3D models. Thingiverse provides free content for 3D printing not only on MakerBot’s own line of 3D printers, but for any printer.
That changes significantly as MakerBot CEO announced Thingiverse now includes programming APIs that will permit the creation of apps to automatically generate custom 3D models from Thingiverse content. Here’s what they say:
- Create apps to browse, mash up, and contribute to our library of more than 30,000 Things.
- Develop the next great tool for our community of designers, engineers, makers, and all-around geniuses.
- Use our JavaScript API to create apps embedded within Thingiverse.
MakerBot is following the lead of several others in the 3DP space who have been pioneering generative custom models. From what we hear, this approach is far more popular with consumers than simply downloading simple static models.
Nevertheless, this capability suggests that Thingiverse will soon bloom with all manner of crazy model generators, capable of automatically cooking up who knows what.
It should be a lot of fun!
Via Thingiverse
