Sep 10, 2015 | By Alec
Which one of us didn’t start out with assembling plastic model kits? In a way, 3D printing is a continuation of that fantastic hobby and a fine tradition for father and son, but it requires a lot more investments to work on worthwhile projects that go beyond the Pokémon pot planters. That inaccessibility has disappointed entrepreneurial duo Christ and Tyler from California, and has prompted them to found startup Creator Kits. The goal of Creator Kits is to launch a series of model kits containing a few components, 3D printable files and a tutorial that makes the hobby far more accessible and understandable, and they have just launched the first set on Kickstarter: a knife kit with a 3D printed handle.
That frustration that many of us feel when starting a new and exciting, but complex, 3D printing project is exactly what started this interesting initiative. Chris, an underwater robotics engineer, and his son were trying to build a 3D printed RC car, but they were continuously frustrated by the search for parts compatible with a few 3D printed pieces. While ultimately successful, he felt that there had to be a better way. ‘Hobby 3D printer owners without expensive machine tools and a background in engineering are stuck printing plastic desktop ornaments,’ he says. Teaming up with college professor Tyler, the duo conceived a series of kits that makes making more fun and accessible to all.
So what exactly is it? Well, in their own words, they are the model kits for the 21st century. ‘Printed parts at home plus added hardware to make those parts cool and incredibly useful. You will never use your 3d printer the same again,’ they say. ‘We want to share our knowledge and tools so 3D printer owners can do so much more with their printer. Our goal is to provide kits of precision parts and electronics along with free customizable 3D print files and instructions so people can build amazing tools and toys from home. We hope to forever change how people use their 3D printers.’
This concept is excellently illustrated by their first set: two utility knife options. ‘Our premium blade is made from stainless steel and our basic blade is made from high grade steel. Both utility knives have been designed to integrate with a 3d printed handle you can easily print home. Assembly is a breeze using our free online instructions,’ they say. The kit comes with a blad and the screws, so you just need to 3D print the handle at home yourself.
In the future, the duo are already thinking about a series of very interesting sets, from wearables such as watches, or flashlights, RC cars and even drones. They provide a complete kit of electronics, you 3D print the rest at home with the help of free services. It’s an interesting concept, but it is still exactly that. Through a Kickstarter campaign for their first kit, they are hoping to raise to funds to properly launch Creator Kits. ‘Our Kickstarter campaign is just the first step in a bright future for 3D printing. We hope to create a community of builders that can collaborate on new ideas and revolutionize 3D printing for everyone,’ they say.
The flashlight kit that could follow the blade.
Should you back this interesting concept, the Basic Knife Kit can be yours for $17, but there is one big flaw. As we’ve seen over the last few years, Kickstarter giveth and it taketh. And in this case, it seems that Creator Kits has somewhat overplayed its hand with an ambitious $50,000 goal. With just three weeks to go, they still need to get virtually all of that, but that does little to diminish the coolness factor of their concept. And remember, should the Kickstarter fail, you don’t lose any money, so be sure to take a look.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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Unfortunately the KickStarter campaign didn't receive enough backing to be funded. We appreciate the post and hope you will follow our progress at www.creatorkits.com as we try to build this movement from the ground up.
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