Photos: 3D printers, a tour of the top models
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MakerBot Replicator Mini
The MakerBot Replicator Mini is the cheapest of the versions at $1,375. It’s designed for home use and only weighs 18 pounds. Download the designs on the tablet app, connect the Mini to a USB cable, and print. The machine is optimized for PLA filament.
MakerBot Replicator
The original MakerBot Replicator is now on its fifth generation and costs $2,899. It is app and cloud enabled, uses USB or Ethernet to connect, and has an on-board camera. The Replicator is 11 percent larger than the Replicator 2.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop
The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop, at $2,199, is designed to work best with biodegradable PLA filament. It’s bigger than the original, has the ability to multitask, and makes more complex assemblies in fewer runs.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer
The MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer, released at the beginning of 2013 for $2,799, was designed for enthusiasts. It’s the big brother to the Replicator 2. It uses ABS filament and features experimental dual extrusion, and reduces skipping, jamming, and force-feeding of filament.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
MakerBot Replicator Z18
Shipping in Spring 2014 is the MakerBot Replicator Z18. It’s MakerBot’s biggest model yet and will cost $6,499. It’s designed to create extra large industrial projects and will connect via wifi, USB, or Ethernet.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Cube 3D Printer
The second generation Cube personal 3D printer is the first certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for home use and has a smart cartridge system that recognizes when you change materials so settings don’t have to be adjusted each time. It costs $1,299.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
CubeX 3D Printer
The CubeX, which runs at about $2,499, boasts multicolored prints and can print in PLA or ABS filament.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Printrbot Simple
This minimalistic assembled Printrbot Simple costs $449 and ships in a few weeks.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Printrbot Simple Kit
Printrbot also offers a kit of all their models, which is about $100 less than the assembled versions.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Printrbot Plus
At $999, the Printrbot Plus is the largest model yet, with a 9x8x8 build volume. It has an LCD panel and an aluminum heated bed upgrade.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Kevvox SP4300
Kevvox printers use Direct Light Processing technology and can print in wax-like, heat resistant, and durable materials. They are stand-alone machines that use the company’s software and are meant to be used by medical and architecture industries and artists.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Tinkerine Litto
Vancouver-based Tinkerine makes the Ditto+ and Litto 3D FDM printers. The Ditto+ is $1,249 unassembled and the Litto is $999, unassembled. Both can be shipped assembled, but it’s $300 more. The models are C-shaped and build from birch plywood.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
CEL Robox
The creators of Robox raised nearly triple their goal on Kickstarter with this desktop 3D printer. All the user has to do is plug the machine into a computer and connect it to the wifi network.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
RepRap 3D printer
Print your own 3D printer. No, really. RepRap, which created one of the first open source desktop 3D printers, emphasizes its ability to print plastic objects, specifically the parts to self-replicate another RepRap printer. All the materials to make the Mendel cost just over $500.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Solidoodle
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
3D Systems ProJet 5500X
The professional ProJet 5500X, made by 3D Systems, uses the latest Multijet Printing technology to print and fuse together rigid and flexible materials. It has an industrial-grade print head that can produce prototypes rapidly.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
ProJet 660Pro
The ProJet 660Pro professional 3D printer is made for stop motion animation, professional model shops, consumer product development, and digital and fine art manufacturing.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Stratasys Objet 100
The Stratasys Objet 100 is a multi-material, large printer for rapidly creating prototypes and models. The Objet series has several different models of 3D printers: large, small, compact, and portable. They are all made for rapid prototyping.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Stratasys uPrint SE
The Stratasys uPrint SE is a desktop FDM printer. It comes with a startup supply of materials and bases and software for transforming CAD design.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
Stratasys professional 3D printers
Stratasys has many different types of industrial 3D printer models made for rapid prototyping.
For more on 3D printing, see:
–10 facts on 3D printing: Understanding tech’s next big game-changer
EOS M 400, for Direct Laser Metal Sintering
EOS M 400, for Direct Laser Metal Sintering
E-manufacturing Solutions (EOS) makes giant 3D printers that produce high-quality, complex metal parts. The operation is simply through a touch screen on the machine.
