Nov 17, 2017 | By Tess
Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms are awash with new 3D printers, from entry-level FDM machines to DLP 3D printers with specific applications, all looking to get a leg-up into the 3D printer market. Recently, we came across a particularly promising looking product, the Migo 3D printer, developed by China-based company MakeX, who is returning to Kickstarter for a third campaign with good reputation on their products quality and reliability.
Falling into the desktop FDM 3D printer category, Migo is a new 3D printer that offers a number of enticing features, including portability and internet-connectivity, among others. The immediate draw of the new machine, however, is its low price point.
Starting at only $149 (for the Super early bird package), Kickstarter backers can claim their very own Migo Basic 3D printer. Other super early bird reward options include $219 for a standard Migo 3D printer, and $319 for the Migo L 3D printer, which boasts the largest build volume of the three. Retail prices for the 3D printers are $499, $499, and $799, respectively.
But before we get too gung-ho about the 3D printer’s affordability, let’s take a look at what the Migo is packing, hardware-wise.
MakeX’s new 3D printer offers an impressive volume to size ratio, meaning that while the 3D printer itself is small (measuring 155 x 195 x 270 mm) and portable, its build volume capacity is not sacrificed in the least. The standard Migo 3D printer has a build volume of 100 x 120 x 100 mm, 28% of the printer’s total footprint.
The slightly larger Migo L, for its part, has overall dimensions of 185 x 235 x 325 mm and a build area of 150 x 150 x 150 mm. In other words, 40% of the printer’s total volume is build space.
The 3D printer also integrates a patented location system and high quality linear guidance which enable accurate, stable, and reliable printing. Migo’s auto-leveling feature also ensures that leveling-related inconsistencies and deviations are corrected before a print job is started.
In terms of extrusion, the 3D printer uses a 0.4 mm diameter nozzle to extrude filaments with a speed of between 100 and 200 mm/s with a layer resolution of 0.05 mm. Even printing at the maximum speed, MakeX says its printer can turn out smooth, high precision parts or models.
For ease of use, MakeX has equipped the Migo 3D printer with a TYPE-C configuration, a set-up usually restricted to high precision 3D printers. “We consolidated the extruder head’s power cord, signal cable, and other components into a single TYPE-C,” the company writes. “This lets you plug-in and instantly print.”
Indeed, the video of the 3D printer in action does suggest an ease-of-use that would suit even the most inexperienced makers. This is complemented by an overall weight of only 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), which means that not only can you start your print job quickly, but you can also pick up your 3D printer and bring it with you to the office, school, or even to a friend’s house without any inconvenience.
The 3D printer also gives users the option of switching out the print head component for a 500 mw laser engraving head. The laser component is capable of engraving on such soft materials as wood, leather, plastic, food, and more.
From a software perspective, the 3D printer also seems to offer a lot for its low-cost, including internet connectivity (Ethernet, WiFi, and PC board based on ARM), real time monitoring through a built in camera, batch printing capabilities, and even a generative design app. MakeX has also thought to include a teaching mode for Migo, which makes it easier to share the printer’s activities in the classroom.
Aesthetically, the 3D printer is not only compact, but also sleek and simple. The printer, which is built from a sturdy aluminum shell, also has an element of flare, as backers can customize the printer’s handle with a variety of colors.
Through its Kickstarter campaign, MakeX is hoping to raise $100,000 to bring Migo into production. So far is has raised over half its goal. Interested backers can check out the full rewards here and those who do buy a Migo 3D printer or Migo L 3D printer can expect their rewards as soon as July 2018.
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Posted in 3D Printer
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