May 9, 2012
In late March/early April the website from LeapFrog was still only one page and only took pre-orders, but this week, not only the printers are launched At DRUPA fair in Dusseldorf, Germany but also a new website goes online.
The Leapfrog Creatr - price 1250 euro - is designed for consumers as an entry-level 3D printer. This fully assembled plug-and-play machine has a high positioning accuracy of the print head.
Unlike other 3D printers in this segment the Creatr has an aluminum case instead of plastic and wood. Interestingly also, it has a large max print volume 19.5 Liter which is twice as much as Ultimaker, four times as much as MakerBot Replicator.
Check out this video of the Creatr printing the symbol of LeapFrog.
The €4,920 Xeed is a model for the professionals - it has a slightly larger designs and have an Android Tablet integrated in the printer. The min. layer thickness is 0.1mm.
"It can fully operate stand-alone. The Xeed receives an STL file via email to the onboard tablet, and it does the rest. There is no need to install any additional software or hook up a computer. Just connect the Xeed to the internet through wifi and you're good to go.
Like the Creatr, the Xeed uses professional opto-coupled stepper drivers which ensure a reliable operation. The push-lock drawer system makes changing of cartridges easy and quick."
Family business
Martijn Otten, owner of Leapfrog:"One year ago I joined my father in the family business, a factory manufacturing machinery for printing. I investigated the possibilities of making printing plates with 3D technology, but the result was disappointing. But then we found that the conventional printers could be improved in many ways. That's how we got started. "Otten's college friend Martin Logtenberg was already working on a 3D printer for consumers, so the two teamed up as partners.
And it helps if Dad has a make business with capital, hands and suppliers to build a well-designed printer in a relatively short time. "Without the family business we would never have come so far and so fast," says Otten.
In the first year Otten and Logtenberg plan to sell 1000 3D printers. Then it might be time to search for investors for the next step.
Photo credit / Source: LeapFrog via sprout
Posted in 3D Printers
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