Aug 17, 2016 | By Benedict

Consumer 3D printer manufacturer M3D has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its M3D Pro FDM 3D printer, reaching the $100k target in just a few hours. The new 3D printer boasts a heated print bed, a build volume of 7 x 7 x up to 7.5 inches, and a minimum layer height of 25 microns.

Get some ice cream, ladies and gentlemen, because this Kickstarter campaign is hot! M3D, the company behind the incredibly popular Micro 3D printer, has introduced its latest model, the M3D Pro, and has smashed its modest $100,000 Kickstarter goal in just a few hours.

Development of the M3D Pro was officially announced a couple of months ago at CE Week 2016 in New York City. There, the U.S. 3D printer manufacturer released key details about its forthcoming FDM 3D printer, and customers can now get an even closer look at the low-cost, high-performance machine. By slapping a reasonable $499 price tag on its forthcoming 3D printer, M3D hopes to bridge the gap between consumer and commercial printer use, providing “industrial-grade features” at an affordable price.

According to M3D, the larger, quicker, and more advanced M3D Pro incorporates features suggested by the active M3D user community, making its development something of a collaborative process between user and manufacturer. “We carefully designed the M3D Pro by incorporating direct customer feedback to show our audiences that we’ve heard them loud and clear,” said Michael Armani, co-founder & CEO of M3D. “We’re dedicated to delivering a 3D printer that reaches a new benchmark of reliability and efficiency for both casual consumers and professionals alike.”

Despite now being an established 3D printer manufacturer, M3D chose to revisit a crowdfunding approach for its forthcoming machine, giving customers a range of buying options including early bird discounts and early release options—backers can have their Pro shipped as early as November 2016 if they stump up an extra $200. “We confidently believe that the Kickstarter community is the community that truly understands and appreciates product innovation at its core,” Armani said. “When there is a true level of novelty at work, such as a printer that includes a feature set associated with high-end models but at a price point consumers can afford, the platform’s audience responds to it.”

The $499 M3D Pro is driven by two ARM-core processors and a network of more than two-dozen sensors. Additionally, a heated print bed, outer dimensions of 10.5” cubed, and a larger build volume than the Micro make the Pro one of the most compact and affordable consumer printers on the market. Rapid pooling and fusing of data enables the Pro to maximize performance, consistency, and reliability, with multiple speed measurements, filament usage, temperature, and power levels all monitored. This data collection even enables the Pro to recover from power outages by saving information as power levels drop off.

One of the most exciting new features of the Pro is its sensor network, which uses the kind of closed-loop feedback control found in technologies such as navigation guidance and quadcopters. With its network of lightweight sensors, the Pro is able to eclipse standard 60mm/s printing speeds by implementing full sensor feedback on all motion axes. This enables the printer to hit non-printing speeds of up to 150mm/s, pushing the limits of motor technology to create a more efficient, time-saving 3D printer.

In addition to its clever sensor network, the Pro uses a high-efficiency heated print bed, a feature that tends to be found in mid-range or high-end machines rather than entry-level printers. Using high-temperature polymers and glass, the Pro is able to provide high thermal insulation, allowing for a low-energy heated bed. The system uses just 0.6 watts per square inch—833% more efficient than a standard machine with a heated bed. The glass print bed of the Pro also contributes to a fine print bottom finish, excellent clarity, and better adhesion.

All of the $399 “Deep Discount” early bird printers have now been snapped up, but backers can still save $50 on the retail price if they act fast. M3D will ship its new 3D printer anywhere in the world. Given the Kickstarter campaign’s near-immediate completion of its target, backers and M3D aficionados will already be licking their licks about the prospect of potential stretch goals. Given that the campaign is just a few hours young, M3D hasn’t yet mentioned anything of the sort, but expect updates as the massive total continues to rise.

Here’s a recap of the M3D Pro’s key features:

  • Heated Print Bed
  • Large Build Volume: Print objects up to 7.8” tall or 7.2” x 7.2” wide
  • Embedded Recovery Option
  • Stand Alone Mode to enable tether-free 3D printing
  • Advanced Sensor Network
  • Construction: Precision ground metal components, glass surface heated bed, durable ABS Frame
  • Accuracy: 25-350 micron layer heights, 0.40 mm nozzle extrusion
  • Print speed: Typically prints filament at 60mm/s, and travels at speeds up to 120 mm/s
  • Two-year warranty
  • Compatible with any 1.75mm filament
  • Accepts standard G-codes
  • Free M3D software included (Windows/Mac)

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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