Makerbot Replicator: Desktop 3D Printer
The 3D Printer we want to focus on is the 5th generation "Replicator" from MakerBot Industries. The Replicator is an industry leader in desktop printing and MakerBot has put a lot of effort into developing, branding and marketing the Replicator as user-friendly.The Replicator, coupled with MakerBot's Thingiverse, a combination open source design platform and social media site for 3D printing activists, is a powerful new tool that we think will cause some serious disruption (see next page!).
MakerBot desktop software is free and allows users to manage a library of designs, buy new models from the MakerBot digital store, and browse Thingiverse for designs created by other users. Then you can connect to your 3D printer by WiFi or an ethernet connection. Alternatively, the fifth generation Replicator has an LED screen that allows you to access your library and print menu directly from the printer.
The Replicator is selling for $2899. The machine is 20.8 in x 17.4 in x 16.2 in and can create objects up to 9.9 in x 7.8 in x 5.9 in. The printer can create layers as small as 100 microns high, or .001 millimeters. Thats a smooth finish!
The material used by MakerBot machines is a PLA filament, or a polylactic acid which is a kind of thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are used in printing because they are soft and moldable when heated and cool to a solid. PLA plastic is ideal for 3D printing because it is made from corn starch, a renewable resource, and compostable and biodegradable. These advantages add to the already eco-friendly practice of additive manufacturing which eliminates waste. Makerbot offers a variety of fun colors and a single spool sells for $48.
The Replicator has made significant advances in extrusion as well. The fifth generation model has a smart extruder that pauses printing and alerts the user on a mobile application if filament runs out which preserves the print that might otherwise has ruined the object. Additionally, users can monitor their print on the mobile app through a camera that films the printing.
Check out the Replicator's promo video from MakerBot below.
MakerBot desktop software is free and allows users to manage a library of designs, buy new models from the MakerBot digital store, and browse Thingiverse for designs created by other users. Then you can connect to your 3D printer by WiFi or an ethernet connection. Alternatively, the fifth generation Replicator has an LED screen that allows you to access your library and print menu directly from the printer.
The Replicator is selling for $2899. The machine is 20.8 in x 17.4 in x 16.2 in and can create objects up to 9.9 in x 7.8 in x 5.9 in. The printer can create layers as small as 100 microns high, or .001 millimeters. Thats a smooth finish!
The material used by MakerBot machines is a PLA filament, or a polylactic acid which is a kind of thermoplastic. Thermoplastics are used in printing because they are soft and moldable when heated and cool to a solid. PLA plastic is ideal for 3D printing because it is made from corn starch, a renewable resource, and compostable and biodegradable. These advantages add to the already eco-friendly practice of additive manufacturing which eliminates waste. Makerbot offers a variety of fun colors and a single spool sells for $48.
The Replicator has made significant advances in extrusion as well. The fifth generation model has a smart extruder that pauses printing and alerts the user on a mobile application if filament runs out which preserves the print that might otherwise has ruined the object. Additionally, users can monitor their print on the mobile app through a camera that films the printing.
Check out the Replicator's promo video from MakerBot below.