LAKE FOREST, CA, Nov 20, 2014 – Today, MatterHackers announced the public release of a major update to its open source 3D printing software, MatterControl. This latest update, version 1.2, delivers a number of new features designed to bring the complexity of 3D printing within the grasp of everyday users. Included in this update is the ability to create and print multi-material designs.

Exporting multi-extrusion GCode

“Our goal is to enable everyone to take advantage of the incredibly powerful technology that is 3D printing,” stated Lars Brubakers, CEO of MatterHackers, “and while multi-material 3D printers aren’t quite up to the level of Star Trek replicators, they are taking us one important step closer.”

The multi-material features of MatterControl allow users with multiple-extruder equipped 3D printers to use an array of materials to fabricate a single design. One example application is printing with a separate dissolvable support material, allowing for incredibly complex geometries and unsupported components.
“We worked closely with our users and our manufacturing partners on this update,” noted Kevin Pope, lead designer of MatterControl, “and together we’ve been able to create a multi-material workflow that just makes sense.”

Printing with multiple materials

Erick Wolf, chairman of Costa Mesa 3D printing company Airwolf 3D, said: “Multi-material printing opens up new realms of possibility in desktop 3D printing.” Wolf, whose HD2x dual-extrusion 3D printer will leverage the new capabilities of MatterControl, also stated, “We are excited to make this update available to our customers.”

The 1.2 MatterControl update adds support for the AMF file format, direct layer by layer previewing and improved slicing and support generation. It also includes experimental support for printers such as Flashforge and Makerbot and a number of performance and stability improvements.

About MatterControl

MatterControl is an all-in-one 3D printing platform which allows 3D printer users to get the most out of their 3D printing experience. It offers printer hosting, integrated slicing (powered by MatterSlice), as well as tools for editing and creating 3D printable parts.

About MatterHackers

MatterHackers, Inc., located in Lake Forest CA, provides professional software solutions for desktop 3D printing.