How MakerBot Is Shaping a 3D Future in Industry and Education

Founded in 2009, MakerBot was one of the first companies to make 3D printing accessible and affordable with its first 3D printer, the Cupcake CNC. In 2010, MakerBot became the first company to present a 3D printer at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Now, 3D printing is its own category there with a myriad of 3D printing companies in attendance each year. After being acquired by Stratasys in 2013, MakerBot introduced the first Wi-Fi-connected desktop 3D printer in 2014. The company serves a large installed base of 3D printers worldwide and runs the largest 3D design community in the world. And Forrest Leighton is passionate about the work the company is doing. He shares that passion with our readers in this interview.

WhatTheyThink: Forrest, what sets MakerBot apart?

Forrest Leighton: When 3D printing started appearing in the market in the 1980s, it was complex, high cost, and made for use in the lab. When we introduced our first 3D printer in 2010, we were first to market with a desktop 3D printer, starting the 3D printing revolution. At the time, our founding CEO thought he would be the next Steve Jobs and there would be a 3D printer in every household. That clearly hasn’t happened–yet–but these easy-to-use and affordable desktop printers created an explosion in 3D printing, starting with the makers and tinkerers and moving from there.

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About Cary Sherburne

Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

Cary Sherburne is available for speaking engagements and consulting projects. To get more information contact us.

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