If You Can Build It (On Minecraft), You Can Print It (in 3D)

Here's some great news for all of you that have constructed virtual worlds on Minecraft - You can now bring them to life in 3D, thanks to Printcraft, the world's first multiplayer Minecraft server that converts your intricate creations into STL files, ready for 3D printing.

The ingenious idea is the brainchild of London-based Paul Harter who was inspired by his 8 and 11-year old boys' love for Minecraft and desire to create objects on his 3-D printer, a task that required technical knowledge that was beyond their capacity.

That's when the aha moment hit Paul - While the boys may not have the expertise to create 3D models for his printer, they sure knew how to do it online, on Minecraft - So why not combine the two? The program he created for his sons worked so well, that he decided to share it with the rest of the world and Printcraft, was born.

In order to use the technology all Minecraft fans have to do, is log into one of Printcraft's server using their Minecraft credentials, create their masterpiece and hit print. And for those not fortunate enough to have a 3D printer at home, the company has partnered i.materialze to print it for them, at a nominal cost. And if that is not enough Printcraft even allows users to show off their digital creations or get inspiration from others, using Makerbot's online digital design community, Thingverse.

Resources:Gizmag.com, Printcraft.org