Needed: 3D Printer Auto Ejection

Years ago the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic had a peculiar optional feature, the Automated Build Platform, which could automatically remove prints from the bed when complete. We need something like that today. 

But what was this amazing option? It was essentially a conveyor belt laid around the heated build platform. When the print was complete, it was possible to instruct the machine (via one line of GCODE) to engage the belt. When the belt rotated, the print would be carried to the edge of the platform, and as the belt curled underneath for a new circuit, the print would neatly peel off the belt and drop onto the floor. 

While MakerBot didn’t really leverage this feature much, it was very possible to set up an automated factory with the ABP. We did this in our lab by stringing together dozens of GCODE sequences, each separated by an “eject” command. The result was astonishing: our little Thing-O-Matic simply spit out completed models, one after the other endlessly. We had to install a bucket in front of the machine to catch the prints. And the bucket filled up with hundreds of pieces.

Everyone with a 3D printer should have the power to build many things, completely unattended. 

Why did the ABP disappear? While it worked reasonably well for a while, it quickly became unreliable as the belt wrapping the platform would eventually warp, particularly where prints had been stuck. The warp would present an unlevel surface for 3D printing, which we all know can be catastrophic for individual prints. The belt would also stretch, making the build surface “tippy”. Finally, the belt would actually break in mid-print. 

Thus the option was more or less discontinued. 

Today we really don’t have a good option for this functionality on any 3D printer we know of. The ABP turned out to be impractical, but perhaps there are new concepts that work better. We’re hoping someone will invent a reliable way to automatically remove 3D prints and enable home factories once again. 

We miss you, ABP. 

Via Thingiverse

MakerBot’s Colorful Plastics

MakerBot is making a big deal out of their plastic selection, and they should. It’s a far cry from their initial selection of plain old colors years ago. Today you’ll find it includes a really terrific set of colors that they’ve grouped into: true colors, translucents and specialties. They offer ABS, PLA, dissolvable and flexible plastics. 

 

We got a close look at the selection at last week’s CES where MakerBot had literally printed out a bunny in every single material they offer. It’s then you can appreciate the huge spectrum offered. In all they now offer 23 colors of PLA, 20 colors of ABS, 20 colors of flexible filament and one color of dissolvable material. That’s an awful lot of bunnies!  

 

We’re particularly interested in the translucent colors, as you can see here in this figurine printed in translucent red PLA. Beauty!

 

3D printed objects often look best when produced in specific colors. MakerBot now makes the selection of colors much easier with their rather comprehensive product shelf. 

 

Via MakerBot

MakerBot’s Digital Content

While Thingiverse has been a wonderful source for 3D models for the initial wave of 3D printing, it’s not exactly consumer-friendly. It has a large number of models (over 218,000, according to a recent statement by MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis), which is good and bad. It’s good because the model you want is somewhere in Thingiverse. It’s bad because the number of models makes it difficult to search. 

 

Once you find a model it is uncertain whether it will successfully print. Model geometries are sometimes just pathological. 

 

To solve this MakerBot has launched a digital store catering to those who don’t want to spend time searching for the perfect model. Just select a model from the relatively large collection of custom made 3D models in MakerBot’s new Digital Store and you’ll be able to print them immediately without issue, as they’ve been specifically designed for easy 3D printing. 

 

MakerBot has hired a special in-house team to create these models, which do not require supports to print, nor any glue to hold multi-part models together: all multi-part models are snap-fits. 

 

At launch some six “collections” of objects are offered for paid download, with prices ranging from USD$0.99 to USD$2.99, depending on the object. You can also purchase an entire set. The sets available today include: 

 

• Around Town: a collection of quirky figurines in various roles (see red dude above). 
• Chunky Trucks: mini-construction equipment and personnel, superb for a child’s sandbox
• Cosmic Cadets: Rocket parts that can be assembled into larger units
• Dragons of Glastonbury: Knights, Wizards, Damsels, Castles and of course, Dragons
• Famous Flyers: Notable aircraft from history, ranging from a Montgolfier-like balloon to an F-117 stealth fighter
• PetPals: Strange pet-like creatures and their habitats

 

We think this is a great idea; the last thing MakerBot (or any in the 3D printing community) needs is someone to purchase a 3D printer and be disappointed that they can’t successfully print things due to poor 3D models. Now that's far less likely to happen. 

 

Via MakerBot

Battle of the Mini 3D Printers

Some say the pricing of assembled 3D printers from the major manufacturers has risen, and in some cases they have, but usually accompanied with a series of new useful features. To counteract the “price barrier”, as perceived by new members of the 3D printing community, the majors have developed “mini” 3D printers. 

 

The first was 3D Systems’ Cube, first released some two years ago and now in its third generation. Last week MakerBot joined the party by releasing the tiny MakerBot Replicator Mini. 

 

But which one is the right one for you? There are a number of similarities and differences in the two devices: 

 

Features	Replicator Mini	Cube 3
VOLUME	1250cc	3851cc
PLASTIC	PLA only	PLA and ABS
CASE	Black	Black or White
LAYERS	0.200mm	0.075mm
MATERIAL	Generic PLA	Cubify only
PRICE	USD$1375	USD$999
WARRANTY	Optional	90 days
PLATFORM	Windows/Mac/Linux	Windows/Mac
EXTRUDERS	One	Two

 

While there are similarities, the key differences seem to be: 

 

• The Cube has two extruders, has higher resolution, can print ABS as well as PLA and is substantially less expensive
• The Mini uses inexpensive filament that over the long term may make it less expensive to own

 

The decision is easy only if you absolutely must have a white machine. 

Thoughts on MakerBot’s Curious Replicator Z18

Of all the 3D printers marketed by MakerBot since its founding, we find the Replicator Z18 to be the most curious. While previous models (and even the new Mini and Replicator) seemed to be logical extensions and modifications of prior units, the Z18 is quite different:

 

• It’s in a completely different price range: whereas previous models were all priced from USD$1000-3000, the Z18 is priced at USD$6499. 
• It’s huge: the Z18 boasts a massive 42.5L print volume, whereas it’s “predecessor”, the Replicator 2 had only a 6.7L volume. That’s an increase of over six times!
• It includes a true, heated chamber: The Z18 includes the very first heated chamber from a major manufacturer, a feature previously available only on much more expensive Stratasys commercial equipment.

  

It’s clear that MakerBot is attempting to address an entirely new market with the Z18. It’s price is far beyond affordability by home or hobby users; instead they’re focusing on professionals, such as architects and designers, who can afford - and make good use of - the Z18. 

 

But here’s the curious part: a heated chamber obviously reduces warping while printing large objects, particularly when using ABS plastic. ABS is notorious for severe warping when not in an environmentally controlled environment. But there’s a problem. 

 

The Z18 does not print ABS. It prints PLA plastic. Only. 

 

Why put such a limitation on a machine that could so clearly wonderfully print ABS? We think the answer is competition. If the Z18 were able to print ABS, it would likely kill the market for Stratasys’ low-end commercial 3D printers, the Mojo and the uPrint. These machines not only cost double or more the Z18’s price, but they also require expensive plastic filament spools. It may be that Stratasys corporate asked MakerBot to hold off on the ABS capability. 

 

Nevertheless, we suspect some will attempt to print ABS plastic on the Z18 anyway. 

 

Two 3D Printing Companies, Two Big Stars

Some outside the 3D printing community have a hard time connecting with the latest happenings. It can be quite technical at times and it’s even more difficult to relate that technology to one’s personal life. This connection is critical for 3D printing companies because that’s how you persuade the public to buy your products: find a useful purpose for 3D printing and then successfully explain it to the market. 

 

For years MakerBot’s secret weapon in this regard has been and still is Bre Pettis, their dynamic CEO. Pettis’ frequent appearances on mass media, his down-to-earth explanations of 3D printing and seemingly boundless energy have made MakerBot the most well-known 3D printer company to the public today. 

 

Meanwhile, MakerBot/Stratasys’ most notable competitor, 3D Systems, has had a more difficult time delivering their message to the public as they did not have a spokesperson with equivalent charisma to Pettis. 

 

But that’s changing, and changing very quickly. As we mentioned earlier, recording artist and philanthropist Will.I.Am was announced as 3D Systems’ Chief Creative Officer. You might suspect this is merely a celebrity endorsement arrangement, but it isn’t. Will.I.Am is truly interested in 3D printing - and is already engaging on the topic with some of his 11M+ Twitter followers. We’re certain that even a mere mention of 3D printing by Will.I.Am will generate new members of the 3D printing community. 

 

Will.I.Am’s massive reach into consumerland immediately provides 3D Systems a public platform at least equal to Pettis. 

 

MakerBot’s Stunning Announcements

A very excited MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis took the stage at a Las Vegas hotel yesterday and presented what must have been MakerBot’s most profound - and certainly biggest - set of product announcements in its history. Not one, not two, but three new 3D printers were announced, along with a series of related software, services and initiatives. Pettis said they were “years in the making”, and we don’t doubt it. 

 

But let’s get down the announcements. While each of the items below warrants a post of its own, today we’re simply providing an overview. More thoughts to come when we get a closer look at the machines this week at CES. 

 

The MakerBot Replicator Mini: It’s now the smallest 3D printer in MakerBot’s line, but it’s size is reminiscent of the original MakerBot CupCake (which we still have in the Fabbaloo lab, BTW!) Unlike the CupCake, however, the Mini is designed for those new to 3D printing. Pettis explained their goal was a “point and shoot experience”. In fact, the Mini is said to provide “One-Touch 3D printing” - which had a visible trademark symbol beside it. The Mini will be shipped in the spring at a cost of USD$1,375 each. 

 

The MakerBot Replicator: The successor to the Replicator 2/2X turns out not to be the “Replicator 3”, but is instead simply called the “MakerBot Replicator”. Evidently MakerBot is taking a cue from Apple, who now update their machines without regard to numbering. The new Replicator has an 11% larger build volume and other improvements that we’ll mention below. It is for sale immediately, ships in “a couple of weeks” according to Pettis and is priced at USD$2,899.  

 

The MakerBot Replicator Z18 was perhaps the biggest surprise. It’s simply the biggest, period. It’s a gigantic version of a Replicator, with a massive build volume of 12 x 12 x 18 inches (305 x 305 x 457mm), hence its name. This unit also includes the very first feature enabled by the Stratasys merger: a true heated build chamber! The Z18 is the only personal 3D printer to utilize such a feature, at least without patent infringement. 

 

There are several critical implications of the gigantic Z18 that we’ll investigate in the near future. The Z18 will be for sale this spring, priced at a whopping USD$6,499. 

 

In spite of three new 3D printers, MakerBot will continue to sell the Replicator 2 and Replicator 2X. 

 

You might be wondering why we’re not mentioning the specs for each machine. There’s a good reason for that: aside from the build volume, ALL of these machines include basically the same new features: 

 

• Smart Extruder. An easy-to-load extruder that you can lift out for easy access; it’s attached by magnets. 
• Embedded Camera: Incredibly, ALL of these machines includes a camera capable of showing you in real-time the status of your print job! 
• Networking: All machines include WiFi as well as USB access, which makes the camera more useful, obviously, as you can now remotely watch print progress. The Z18 also includes an Ethernet plug for office networking. 
• Automatic Notifications and Pausing: All machines can notify you electronically of print completion - and can also automatically pause the print if you’ve run out of filament. You can then refill the spool and continue. 
• Simplified Bed Leveling: While the Mini is said to require "No Leveling", the other machines include an "assisted build plate leveling" feature. In other words, "turn the knob until the light comes on." Sounds pretty straightforward to us. 
• LCD Display Panel: The Z18 and new Replicator both include a very crisp and large LCD panel that displays pertinent information about the current print job. They also include a rather slick scroll knob for selecting options, which appeared to us very similar to the Nest thermostat, although Pettis claims it was inspired by high-end audio equipment. 
• PLA Capability: No mention of ABS plastic here. It appears that the new machines are all optimized for PLA printing only. 

 

Whew! And there’s more. 

 

MakerBot also announced significant improvements to their software, including: 

 

• A new MakerBot Desktop application, that integrates the previous MakerWare, connects with Thingiverse and provides a single online cloud platform for your designs, as well as monitoring progress of print jobs. Note: this software works for ALL previous MakerBot 3D printers, except the original CupCake, which apparently could not be accomplished, according to Pettis. 
• A mobile app that can monitor and control your MakerBot printers.
• A creation tool, MakerBot Printshop, that enables simplified creation of bracelets and type-based objects. 
• A Digital Store, where custom 3D models made in-house by MakerBot designers are sold at prices as low as USD$0.99 each. These 3D models are specifically designed for successful 3D printing: no supports are required, no glue is ever required (snap fit for multi-part items) and from the looks of the sample we inspected, they can be printed hollow as well to save plastic. Currently six model collections are available. 

 

We’re going to take a few days to digest all of this, as these announcements could be the most significant in personal 3D printing history. These announcements change the game for everyone. Stay tuned for more analysis.

 

Via MakerBot

Something’s Going on at MakerBot

It finally hit us: something’s happening at MakerBot recently. We’ve noticed a couple of actual sales of their equipment, culminating with this rather striking Amazon deal. For the price of USD$2,799, you can obtain:

 

• A Replicator 2
• A Digitizer
• Two spools of plastic filament

 

Normally, this combination would sell separately for $3,695, but they’re knocking the price down by an amazing USD$896. Quite the deal, isn’t it?  

 

But wait a second - with the astonishing and exponentially growing demand for 3D printers, the utter lack of discounts by almost every other 3D printer vendor, why would MakerBot drop prices? 

 

At first we thought perhaps they felt their prices were too high. Maybe they are, but we understand sales are proceeding well. But there’s another reason. 

 

MakerBot must be attempting to clear out their inventory in anticipation of announcing a new device, likely at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week. It makes sense, as MakerBot tends to announce a new printer each year and the Rep2 is a year old. Likely it will be discontinued, or perhaps relegated to a second tier on their sales shelf. But the Digitizer too? It was released only months ago. Could it also be replaced with a newer model? 

 

We’ll find out next week. 

 

Via Amazon