Dedicated to empowerment for all individuals, Shapeways continues to foster an inclusive environment for everyone through innovative design and technology. As Microsoft began developing their adaptive accessories, they chose Shapeways–a global leader in 3D printing–to partner in enabling the next level of customization for their products.
While there’s talk about the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity, Shapeways and Microsoft are taking action, wielding the power of innovative design and 3D printing to create a product where one size, fits one.
Microsoft Launches Adaptive Accessories
The new Microsoft Adaptive Accessories provide a highly adaptable, easy-to-use system. Each piece is designed in partnership with the disability community to empower people who may have difficulty using a traditional mouse and keyboard to create their ideal setup, increase productivity, and use their favorite apps more effectively. The Microsoft adaptive accessories have three main components that empower you to customize your own mouse, keyboard inputs, and shortcuts in ways that work best for your specific needs.
The first component is the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse that you can customize with the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse Tail and Thumb Support, or 3D printed tails, to make a mouse that truly works for you. Next, a central hub and new wireless buttons empower you to replace or augment traditional keyboards. When paired with the Microsoft Adaptive Hub, the Microsoft Adaptive Button can be easily customized to your own preferred inputs and with different button toppers by choosing between a d-pad, joystick, or dual button, and you can also 3D print your own button topper to fit your specific needs.
Shapeways to 3D Print Customized Mouse Tails and Button Toppers
No two people are alike, and that translates to their needs for technical accessories and customization too, inspiring Microsoft and Shapeways to combine their respective areas of expertise in design and additive manufacturing. Serving as the natural choice for an additive manufacturing partner, Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts, positioning us to create and deliver custom parts wherever customers need them.
Now, you can personalize optional components like mouse tails and button toppers for Microsoft adaptive accessories. Open-source 3D files are available to download on the Shapeways Marketplace, featuring a variety of options for 3D printing.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing Technology
Once you choose a mouse tail or button topper design from the Marketplace, Shapeways 3D prints the part using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. This technology is one of the most respected, powerful–and popular. SLS 3D printing delivers repeatability in parts with excellent mechanical properties, translating to durability and high performance for optional components like mouse tails and button toppers.
Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] 3D Printing Materials
Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] tops the list as a 3D printing favorite, making it highly suited to 3D printing add-ons for the Microsoft adaptive accessories. Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] is 3D printed using SLS technology.
Find out more about the finishes and colors available for 3D printed mouse tails and button toppers below:
- Natural: Slightly rough surface and a matte finish
- Processed: Smooth surface
- Premium: Smoother surface
- Smooth: Smooth surface and slight shine
- Colors to choose from: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
Together, Shapeways and Microsoft are forging ahead with a new model for personalization and productivity, recognizing that everyone deserves a solution to fit their needs. Making a true impact means providing everyone with the opportunity to engage as fully as possible in their work, in their communities, and in the world.
Contact us to learn more.