Jun.30, 2013
The Singaporean startup Pirate3D has managed to raise $1,438,765 on Kickstarter in 30 days, more than 1400% of their initial goal. This makes their Buccaneer the most successful fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer on the crowdfunding site.
"It's incredibly awesome... We can now include a lot of the developments we considered but didn't have the resources to implement." says Roger Chang, Pirate3D's Chief Executive Pirate. These developments include support for ABS material, an all metal hotend, and a transparent glass heated bed.
Pirate3D is also working on an electronic z-height calibration system, but does not promise that it will be in the final build.
The Buccaneer cost $347 on Kickstarter, which is one of the cheapest desktop 3D printer for beginners. Pirate3D has also released a demo version of their Smart Objects app which allows non-technical users to simply click and drag points on a stock object to modify its shape. Pirate3D plans to release the software developer kit (SDK) for their Smart Objects engine to allow other savvy users to build their own Smart Object Apps.
More than 3000 Buccaneer 3D printers have been ordered through Kickstarter. According to the company, the 3D printers will be produced in China, through third-party manufacturers. Pirate3D has slated delivery of its full production units in February 2014. A couple hundred pre-production units will be released to backers in December 2013 for an open public test.
"Our next step is to get everything built and shipped to our backers in time," remarks Pirate3D's Chief of Operations, Brendan Goh. "We've had to revamp the Buccaneer's design a little to accommodate the new developments. Nonetheless, manufacturing is proceeding as planned."
In one of their updates on Kickstarter, Pirate3D mentioned that they will be considering distribution of their Buccaneer 3D printers through retail channels. However, doing so would increase the final retail price of the Buccaneer 3D printers as there is a need to maintain distributors' margins, says Pirate3D.
Posted in 3D Printers
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Pirate3d just revealed that they will implement nothing of their stretch goals and other tech specs, like printing with ABS, heated printbed, auto-calibration and auto-feeding in the final machine! Really bad!
isonoob wrote at 7/2/2013 6:34:56 AM:
zomg, I didn't realize Kickstarter takes 10% (makes sense really, after all hosting isn't free). They must be happy with all the funding the pirate3d made them!
Wes wrote at 7/1/2013 11:49:30 PM:
When they started a campaign with super imposed item made by other printers, I decided not to contribute. I hope the people get something that works and not too many months after the timeframes listed for the campaign.
jd90 wrote at 7/1/2013 2:36:04 AM:
Hopefully the trust of the backers isn't misplaced.
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