May 18, 2016 | By Tess
It’s been an exciting week for the 3D printing industry, with HP Inc. unveiling its very first 3D printer, the Jet Fusion, and 3D model website Sketchfab integrating VR viewing into its platform. In another exciting development for the additive manufacturing industry, what could be the world’s cheapest 3D printer, the 101Hero, has just launched on Kickstarter. The 101Hero 3D printer, which has been in development for the past two years, is an easy-to-use plug and play machine that is ideal for beginners and more experienced makers alike. What is most notable about the printer is that it can be bought starting from $49, making it one of the most accessible 3D printers on the market.
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the 101Hero comes in two editions: the Customer Version (CV) and the Designer and Developer Version (DV). The former was developed to be kid-friendly as you can easily upload 3D models onto the machine for printing through an SD card. Pre-tested models for a number of designs (such as toys and gifts) can be downloaded directly from 101Hero’s website onto an SD card for instant printing. The Designer Version, for its part, is slightly more advanced, with a USB connection and open-source software compatibility.
The 3D printer, which weighs only 4.1lbs (1.86kg) and measures 9.96” in width x 8.62” in depth x 12.87” in height (253mm x 219mm x 327mm), is based on a polygonal structure. The build volume for the printer is relatively small at 3.93” in height x 5.9” in base print diameter (100m x 150mm), though for the price it is still a bargain. Other specs for the 101Hero include a removable print bed, 50-350 micron layer resolution, and 15 micron X and Y positioning accuracy.
Marketed as the perfect low-cost 3D printer to make toys for your children or small gifts such as jewelry, games, or phone cases, the 101Hero is also compatible with most standard 1.75mm filaments, including PLA, ABS, HIPS, or their own 101Hero filament spools. The 101Hero filament spools are to encourage buyers to use a variety of colors, as each spool weighs only 30g and is quite affordable.
The Kickstarter campaign, which has already raised over $17,700 of its $20,000 goal, will be running until June 17th and we have to admit the Kickstarter deals are pretty exceptional. For the early bird price of $49, backers will receive a 101Hero CV 3D printer and a roll of plastic filament, for $54 backers will receive the 101Hero DV 3D printer and a spool of filament. If you miss out on the early bird deals, which are going fast, a pledge of $74 will get you the CV printer and 2 spools of filament, and $79 will get you the DV printer. A pledge of $99 will get you the 3D printer along with 10 rolls of 101Hero’s filament in a variety of colors.
If the Kickstarter campaign is successful, which seems likely at this point, the rewards are expected to begin shipping as early as October 2016. For shipping cost reasons, the 3D printers will be shipped 90% assembled, so backers will have to do minimal assembly themselves.
Posted in 3D Printer
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How do I get a coupon code? I want to buy the higher end version of the hero with a few filament please email me at marvimation@gmail.com p
Francis wrote at 1/5/2017 12:36:52 PM:
Do not even consider buying this printing their company is only sell and forget, they will support or replace defect parts that they had send out. I myself is already facing this problem, very disappointing.
Francis wrote at 1/5/2017 12:32:55 PM:
Do not even consider buying this printing their company is only sell and forget, they will support or replace defect parts that they had send out.
Richard D wrote at 6/4/2016 9:37:33 PM:
I took the plunge and ordered a 101hero with 10 rolls of filaments for my kids to experiment with. What do other Makers suggest I get them once they outgrow the little 101hero? My boys are only 5, 11 & 13yrs, but my oldest placed 13 in the nation in an Underwater Robotics Competition & have a few robots at home, so they are a little tech savvy compared to my out-dated abilities. So any advice from Makers is welcomed!
Mark Wheadon wrote at 5/20/2016 4:23:12 PM:
Given the parts for anything at all decent would cost far more than the 101Hero I'd give it careful consideration before backing it. Really. But re. ABS, this printer isn't going to print ABS successfully anyway as it doesn't have a heated bed. So if it works at all (reliably) in practice, it'll be using PLA not ABS, and PLA is innocuous.
jdm8 wrote at 5/20/2016 10:46:26 AM:
Printing with ABS isn't toxic. It can be an irritant to some people though. I don't suggest it for hobbyists starting out.
Bill wrote at 5/19/2016 2:32:06 AM:
Andy, just use PLA... it's house and kid friendly, easy to get and doesn't smell bad.
jkocurek wrote at 5/18/2016 10:47:55 PM:
Try PLA. It is cheap, the odor is something like warm syrup and it is made from starch. PETG should work on this printer, though.
Edward wrote at 5/18/2016 8:03:14 PM:
That's a rehash of the Rostock Mini design with a direct drive extruder
Andy wrote at 5/18/2016 6:40:39 PM:
Ive been looking into buying one of these printers for my son! Im not sure what filament to use, I hear ABS can release toxic fumes. Ive been reading about "PETG"fillaments and im considering it becuase it is oderless. Do you think it could be used with this printer? Or do i need one that is more advanced?
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