MakerBot Industries

My family had a software company called “Software Productions” that made children’s software for the Apple II+ from 1982-84. The programmers that worked on the software were 17 and 18 year old hackers and as a 10 year old, these guys programming software for the Apple II+ were magicians that could make the computer sing. Those programmers, specifically Randy and Dan Chang were my childhood heroes. I daydreamed that I would be as cool as them when I grew up. They taught me to edit the source and hack it to make my characters in the game wizardry have 10 gazillion gold pieces. The software company failed, but that computer opened up the world for me in the 80′s and inspired a generation of people to understand technology and use it creatively.

As an open source company, we’ve got a very different in approach to technology but Apple’s beautiful style and the focus on user friendly interfaces changed the face of computing and made it easy to use for people to be creative. I am sad to hear of Steve Jobs’ passing. I’m sure that there will be lots of talk about Steve over the next few days and about the iPod and iPhone, but I love the old stuff. I’d like to suggest that if you’re a fan of Apple and you’ve got a MakerBot. Print out the Apple II+ on Thingiverse and display it proudly! Got some design chops? I’d love to see a Mac 512 modeled up to go with the Apple II+ print!

1:9 scale model Apple II+ computer by pmwasson

I made this toy Apple II+ computer as a prop to go with my 8" Mego action figures. Mego action figures were a popular toy from the 70s. megomuseum.com This computer will to go into a diorama for some upcoming 8" Lost action figures. For more information see lasermego.com/latest-news/19scaleappleiicomputer

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Can you even tell which one is really metal?

If you said the razorblade you’re…well you’re right actually, but we now have a plastic that you can at least make something that looks sort of silver!  And, perhaps even better, a whole array of earth tones: light and dark brown as well as tan, in both 1.75 and 3 mm sizes.  We’re launching a brand-new fluorescent yellow in both sizes as well.

You’ve been asking for some of these colors for awhile and we’re happy to finally be able to deliver. As always, make sure you’re buying the right size filament for your extruder; the 1.75 mm versions for MK7 are linked above.  Go to the 3 mm plastic section if you need that size.  Note that silver is available in 1.75 only, and we have a very limited quantity.

We’re all very excited to see what you come up with using these new colors.  Enjoy!