Feb 13, 2017 | By Tess
Barcelona-based 3D printer startup Makness has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the MK I, a desktop 3D printer that has been designed for the whole family. The startup, which claims its product makes 3D printing as “simple as preparing capsule coffee,” has devised an interesting capsule system for the Makness 3D printer.
That is, rather than using 1 kg filament spools, as most desktop FDM 3D printers do, the Makness uses filament capsules, each designed to have exactly enough material to print models selected from the company’s exclusive catalogue of 3D models. While this approach (not unlike Nespresso’s coffee capsule system) may seem superfluous or even slightly wasteful (think of the extra packaging for small rolls of filament), the startup’s 3D printer and filament system are geared towards families who want a simple 3D printing system.
The MK I 3D printer itself is equipped with a patented auto-inserting mechanism for the capsules, which allows users to simply place the filament capsule on its holder, and the 3D printer will automatically feed the filament into the extruder. For parents looking for a simple 3D printer for their kids to use, we can see why this system might be appealing.
The capsules, which come in two sizes (small and medium), also come in a range of different colors and filament types. For instance, users can choose from PLA plastic, wood composites, metallic plastics, or even rubber-like filaments. In terms of color, the company lists thirteen different options on its Kickstarter page.
The MK I 3D printer, for its part, is a stylish, compact machine equipped with WiFi connectivity and a dual extrusion system. The latter lets users 3D print using two colors, and the two nozzles can be used in tandem to 3D print larger models. According to the startup, the MK I also features a patented after-cooling system that blows fresh air onto the finished print so that you can remove your print pretty much as soon as it is done being printed.
Other specs include a build volume of 200 x 200 x 200 mm, a printing speed of 100 mm/second, a precision of 0.06 mm, a magnetic door, and a user friendly LCD display. In terms of the 3D printer's operating system, Makness does not require its users to download or install any special software, but offers an online interface through which users can select models and print them.
According to the startup, users simply have to sign up to its website with their network credentials and they will have access to its catalogue of 3D models. Once the user has a model selected, they can simply click the “Print Now” button on the website, and the MK I will get going (after prompting you to insert the filament capsule, of course).
Makness team
Makness’ 3D model catalogue is comprised of a number of original models designed by the Makness team and which have been extensively tested for 3D printing. Of course, users are not limited by what’s in the catalogue. As the startup writes, “If you have a 3D design, you can upload it to our catalog for print it, after the Makness team ensures that the model will print perfectly.” Those with popular 3D models can even be enlisted as Makness Freelancers, earning money for every download their model receives.
Through its Kickstarter campaign, Makness is hoping to raise €150,000 by April 12 to put its desktop 3D printer into production. In terms of rewards, backers can receive the MK I 3D printer for pledges of at least €649 (which comes with 8 capsules). The campaign’s early bird deal, which is unfortunately exhausted, was offering the 3D printer and capsule pack for €449.
If the campaign is a success, backers can expect to receive their MK I 3D printers starting in September 2017.
Posted in 3D Printer
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lol that is the first time I see a "holiday" on a kickstarter project. Usually, startupers work 24/7; guess not them. Again, a super low cost 3D printer; prints looks like (wobble, ooze, and more). Filament color is cool tho. Do you really think people want proprietary filament? pretty dumb idea. Not enough innovation; will fail like the others.
A wrote at 2/15/2017 3:21:44 AM:
BAD IDEA. Borderline SACM
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