April 7, 2014
Today Bethesda, MD based startup M3D launches a Kickstarter campaign for its Micro 3D printer. Starting from $199 for the early bird special, The Micro is a lightweight (1kg) consumer 3D printer that comes ready to use out of the box.
The Micro is designed to be easily accessible with a compact, portable size that can rest on any table-top. The 3D Printer has a 4.5 inch cube build volume and can print objects as tall as 4.6 inches or 116 mm. It features 50-350 micron layer resolution, 15 micron X and Y positioning accuracy. A special Micro Motion Technology is used with a sensor and feedback system built into the print head for auto-leveling and auto-calibration.
The Micro supports standard 1.75mm ABS, PLA. It gives you two filament options. One is to use M3D's own 1.75 mm 1/2 pound filament rolls that fit inside the printer base. The second is to use any suppliers 1.75 mm filament and feed it through a slot in the extruder head. M3D's rolls are a tiny 120 mm diameter spool and the company says it will offer affordable filament roll at half a pound per roll, with a cost of $10-$12.
In addition the M3D offers also color change chameleon filament. See the video below:
The system is compatible with Mac and PC and Linux through a direct USB-connection. The Micro uses open source software for experienced users, it also offers the option to use the M3D software. The touchscreen capable and simple to use interface means you can search and browse countless objects online, organize 3D models you've downloaded into a library.
Specs:
- Build envelope: 109x113x116mm
- 50-350 micron layer resolution
- 15 micron X and Y positioning accuracy
- Lightweight, roughly 2.2 lb (1 kg)
- Carbon fiber rods
- Removable Print Bed
- Ceramic heater for rapid heat-up
- Printer Dimensions: 7.3 in³ (185 mm³)
You can back The Micro on their Kickstarter page now; starting at $199 for the Super Early Bird adopters. The Micro is designed for assembly and production in the USA.
Update Apr.7, 2014:
The Micro reaches its funding goal $50,000 in 10 mins.
Posted in 3D Printers
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$1.5M and counting! Way to go M3D!
Ben wrote at 4/7/2014 7:07:25 PM:
@jd90- the KS page states that you can feed in a regular spool through an access port on the side instead. I've already backed the Rigidbot Big but this is a really nice approach. Sadly the $200 price will never be seen again as that is the "impulse buy" sweet spot.
John wrote at 4/7/2014 6:44:39 PM:
It uses standard 1.75mm filament. Fitting reels in the base is a trivial asthetic thing. So no practical barrier to using filament from anywhere you like, or using an empty reel to wind generic filament on. There is no standard reel.
Arquit3D wrote at 4/7/2014 6:14:05 PM:
You can use your own filament, dont have to use the small size they sell. Nevertheless, it's cheap enough. About the price, 199$ was the super early bird units, with shipping Q1 2015. The first units are selling now at 249$, and 299$ for the "final" units, that's not prototypes.
jd90 wrote at 4/7/2014 4:20:16 PM:
Proprietary looking roll size, making it impractical & awkward to try a different material, particularly any type the brand won't offer. For the size, the cost seems decent, assuming the material is still top quality. It makes stocking up on a variety of colors more practical. The general industry has mostly given up on the 1lb spools. Yeah, that's about the cost of 2kg Chinese filament in bulk, but then you have a pile of low quality filament.
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