Microsoft adds Windows 10 network support for several 3D printers with new app

Michael Cottuli

Microsoft Campus

If you’re a fan of 3D printing, you may have noticed an issue where some printers weren’t quite supported correctly with your Windows 10 device. While a large portion of 3D printers are all supported by Windows 10 with a simple “plug and play” USB interface, it’s another matter entirely when you’re trying to get a 3D printer to work through your network. A new app from Microsoft aims to fix this issue.

A new blog post from Microsoft announces the release of a Windows 10 IoT Core sample app called “Network 3D Printer” that adds support for a wide range of printers, making it easier for 3D printers to get things done. Here are some of the printers that were enabled through this app:

  • Lulzbot Taz 6
  • Makergear M2
  • Printrbot Play, Plus and Simple
  • Prusa i3 and i3 Mk2
  • Ultimaker Original and Original+
  • Ultimaker 2 and 2+
  • Ultimaker 2 Extended and Extended

More are going to be added in the future, and Microsoft invited everyone to try out the app and see what needs improvement on it for future iterations. Being able to connect more 3D printers to Windows 10 can only be a good thing, and ideally this app will help some people out, allowing them to use their printer without attaching it directly to their PC.

Thanks to Roger N. for the tip!