MakerBot printers are used by a number of engineers in their preliminary design work. But it’s clear that these 3D printers are primarily designed for use by the maker/hobby user, the student, and the engineer who wants to give his/her children toys/tools that are more educational in nature.

For me, the question of owning a desktop 3D printer like the MakerBot has come down to this–just what would I 3D print for the home that is really useful that I can’t quickly and inexpensively buy? And I’m not alone in having that question. I get 3D printing, and love the concept and potential. But unless a desktop printer has better materials and can print more than interesting tchotchkes, I’ll wait before I buy one for the home.

For many makers, though, the motive for buying a desktop 3D printer may have strengthened with the announcement that MakerBot just made an exclusive agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. (MSLO) to distribute 3D printing materials and jointly develop 3D printable designs. This is a good strategic move for MakerBot and the parent company, Stratasys. If you are going to target the home market, this is an excellent step.

The collaboration includes Martha Stewart for MakerBot® Filament, MakerBot’s first-ever co-branded collection of MakerBot Filament, as well as Martha Stewart for MakerBot Digital Store collections, with models to be purchased, downloaded and 3D printed on a MakerBot Replicator® 3D Printer.  Three new Martha Stewart for MakerBot PLA Filament colors and the first Martha Stewart for MakerBot Digital Store collection, the Trellis Collection, are available at makerbot.com and on MakerBot’s Digital Store beginning today.

“We are big fans of Martha Stewart and her thematic designs,” said Jenny Lawton, acting CEO of MakerBot.  “We think her creations and colors are a natural fit for 3D printing. Seeing a renowned lifestyle brand such as MSLO introduce 3D printable merchandise is a true testament to their innovative outlook. By working with the MSLO team, we’re able to broaden our reach and bring Martha Stewart’s design aesthetic to an entirely new audience.”

The MakerBot and MSLO partnership is a relationship that MakerBot describes as a true collaboration.  Martha Stewart and her team of designers are working side by side with the MakerBot design teams to produce MakerBot Digital Store collections that allow customers to easily 3D print premium Martha Stewart content in custom Martha Stewart colors.  MakerBot created the MakerBot Digital Store to sell original, fun and collectible digital content specifically designed for MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers.  The MakerBot Digital Store offers a wide selection of 3D printable models that are verified by MakerBot as easy to print, and the new Martha Stewart designs will add to the store’s variety of useful 3D printing options.

“We are thrilled to work with MakerBot to bring our signature color palette and designs to the world of 3D printing,” noted Martha Stewart, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of MSLO.  “3D printing allows for cost-effective product design without compromising artisanal character.  With this partnership, we are able to leverage our expertise and expand our business into the exciting new 3D printing category.”

The initial Martha Stewart for MakerBot PLA Filament colors, Lemon Drop, Robin’s Egg and Jadeite, are now available at MakerBot Retail Stores in New York, Boston and Greenwich, Connecticut, and online at store.makerbot.com/pla-filament.   These new Martha Stewart colors join more than 20 other MakerBot PLA Filament colors.

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com