Nov 1, 2015 | By Alec
It has often been said that the success of 3D printing technology depends on adequately preparing the coming generations for this new way of production, but that doesn’t mean we can simply blame teachers. 3D printers themselves also need to adapt to this very specific target group, and that is exactly what Qingdao Unique Products, giants in the Chinese 3D printing industry, has done. They have just unveiled the MagiCube 3D Printer, a cheap, compact and accessible model that can teach students of all ages the basics of 3D printing.
As the Chinese developers explain to 3ders.org, they are specifically aiming education institutes, primary and secondary schools with these 3D printers, though they can also be used at home to unlock children’s creative potential. It follows a particular focus on education by Qingdao Unique Products, that was instigated by CEO Wang Hong. In America, the 3D printing expert realized the importance of educational innovation, and upon her return to China Wang Hong began implementing a series of developments with an eye on the educational industry, of which the MagiCube 3D Printer is one result.
Much inspiration was also taken from Intel’s ‘The Future classroom’ concept, which aims to let children combine multidisciplinary knowledge with 3D printing to further their understanding of geometry. Qingdao Unique has therefore also started the ‘3D Printing Innovative Practice Project’, in collaboration with dozens of schools, which has already led to countless student 3D printing projects. During the Qingdao International Beer Festival, held in August 2015, two middles school students showed off some very remarkable 3D printed objects: the “3D Magic Cup” and the“3D Beer Barrel”, both of which have been patented.
Furthermore, the Qingdao Education Bureau even signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the company in late September, during the “Activity of 3D Printing Innovative Education Entering Campus”, with the goal of launching a 3D printing educational public service center. Deng Yunfeng, the director of Qingdao Education Bureau, told attendants that schools need to realize what 3D printing can add to educational programs – a way to promote quality oriented education and capable of improving creative ability. With this new center, the bureau aims to turn Qingdao city into a prime example of educational 3D printing innovation.
But as a 3D printer developer, Qingdao Unique Technology’s main avenue for promoting 3D printing in classrooms is hardware, and the MagiCube 3D Printer has been designed to do exactly that. As they explain to 3ders.org, the compact and futuristic design has been especially made to appeal to students in schools. But the blue and white cube would look good anywhere, and with a weight of 6.3 kg, it’s also very portable. The designer reportedly wanted to demonstrate the ‘magical’ creation dimension of 3D printing, adding that every child has the right to experience that magic. However, it can also be easily customized as the ‘Frozen’ theme visible below illustrates.
But aside from the design, the MagiCube 3D Printer also seems to have the characteristics necessary for easy use in classrooms. Featuring auto calibration, a very stable frame, it is also capable of 3D printing through FT cards or USB connections. With a printing space of 100*100*100mm and a possible layer thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm, the MagiCube also seems to be good enough for unexperienced users. The full specifications can be found below.
What’s more, the MagiCube 3D Printer also comes with custom, accessible design software aimed at students. Called ‘3D Magic’, this modeling software uses a series of challenging games to explain the basics of CAD design. Together with the 3D printer, it seems to form a convenient bundle that adds an extra dimension to schools everywhere. But we’ve saved the best for last. Priced at less than $400, it is also affordable enough for most budgets.
Specifications:
- Applicable Materials: PLA, ABS
- Software: Windows7, Windows 8
- Forming Process: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Dimension of Equipment: 300*300*300mm
- Outlook of Equipment: Blue and white Magic Cube
- Printing Head:
- Number of printing head: 1
- Material: Copper
- Printing Dimension: 100*100*100mm
- Nozzle Temperature: 50-260°C
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Thickness of Layer: 0.1mm-0.2mm
- Positioning Precision: 0.2mm
- Speed of Motion Axes: 50-120mm/s
- Leveling System: Automatic
- Connectivity: USB, TF card (MAX 16G)
- Input File Type: STL
- Input Mode: LED green screen
- Voltage INPUT: Voltage INPUT:100V-240V,50Hz/60Hz
Posted in 3D Printer
Maybe you also like:
- China's Revotek unveils world's first 3D blood vessel bio-printer
- BQ unveils Witbox 2, Hephestos 2 3D printers & Zowi 3D printed robot for kids
- Educational $279 Tinyboy 3D printer raises $10K in Indiegogo within a day
- Ultimaker releases open-source files for Ultimaker 2 Go and 2 Extended 3D printers
- Olivetti, Telecom Italia Group company, unveils all-Italian 3D-S2 3D printer for SMEs
- Qubea launches affordable Rever 3D printer for kid, now on Kickstarter
- Leapfrog launches simplified Creatr HS Lite 3D printer
- Sneak preview of high precision 3D printer ZerO 3D Prototyper
- Canon dives into 3D printing market with new resin-based technology and its first 3D printer concept
- Ryan Zellars transforms his Mostly Printed CNC machine into four-headed 3D printer
Why does it stand on one corner?
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
