After introducing basic 3D modeling tools to CS6, which involved some simple extruding and beveling to 2D images, Adobe added 3D printing support to their cloud-based Photoshop CC software. The new version of the photo editor included the ability to import 3D printable files, prepare them for printing, and export them to predetermined printers, services, to Sketchfab, and as 3D image and 3D printing files. The predetermined printers included in this first update to the software were pretty limited, including only the Makerbot Replicator 2 and the 3D Systems Cube.
Today, the software developer announced in its Creative Cloud keynote address that it had expanded its Photoshop 3D printing capabilities. The latest version of the software covers a wider variety of 3D printers, including ZCorp machines, the Mcor IRIS, and Solidoodle 3D printers. They’ve also added a Sculpteo printing profile to their list of supported service providers. With these latest additions, one can prepare and send a print directly to a printer or service, full color or otherwise. And, if you’re savvy enough, you can write your own printer profiles by following the guide here.
This announcement was accompanied by a number of updates to Adobe’s other programs and follows closely the release of the company’s New Creative Survey, a survey of over 1,000 creative professionals and 500 students in creative fields of study, which attempted to get a picture of how the creative market was looking as a whole. According to the survey, respondents, overall, believed that 3D modeling was one of two skills to be the most in-demand over the next year, with the other skill being app development. The survey also underscored the importance of mobile devices and, with the release of a number of mobile Adobe apps, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the company venture to connect their mobile ecosystem with the world of 3D printing in the near future.
The software developer’s embrace of 3D printing is still a bit loose (the sort of hug you give a brother-in-law), but the two are starting to warm up to each other. It will be interesting to see what else Adobe does to welcome the new technology to the family of creative design.
Source: Adobe
