MakerBot CES 2014 Press Conference Recap - 3 New Printers / 3 Apps & a Digital Store!

[Eddie]

OK, here is a recap I wrote up after watching the MakerBot Press Conference at CES!
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Here is a brief overview of the MakerBot Press Conference from CES 2014
- MakerBot CEO introduced the event by saying that they've been working for years on some of the stuff they are about to announce, and that there has been so much excitement leading up to this moment.
- There are 44,000 MakerBots in the world, and 218,000 Digital designs currently on Thingiverse. Thingiverse allows you to take an idea and make it a reality.
- Partnership with Softkinetic, who makes 3D Sensors, to develop the futuristic 3D Scanners of tomorrow. Could we see a new MakerBot Scanner soon to replace the just released Digitiser?
- 531 Teachers have signed up on DonorsChoose.org and have funded projects. 106,268 students now have access to 3D Printers because of it.

3D Printers:



- MakerBot Replicator Mini announced. It has an enclosed print chamber that helps with faster, steadier heating up, and thus faster, and more reliable prints. It has the same build volume as the original MakerBot Cupcake printer. It is optimized for speen, and no leveling is required. It has One-touch 3D Printing.

It also works using USB and Wi-Fi, and has a Camera for in-progress photography of your creatiions. It allows you to be able to keep an eye on your printout remotely.

It has a Smart Extruder, which is a magnetic snap-on repository for filament. It tells you when you need more filament.

Priced at $1,375 shipping in Spring 2014


- New MakerBot Replicator. No longer being called the Replicator 2, Replicator 3 etc. Made for professionals to put on their desktop. Companies like NASA etc will have this printer. Good enough for professional but affordable enough for everyone.

11% larger build volume is 11% bigger then Replicator 2. 8inches X10inches X6inches. 100 Micron resolution, that can be switched to 200 microns or 300 microns.

Optimized for PLA filament. Has smart extruder that can tell you when you are out of filament. The smart extruder connects with magnets so it can snap off.

3.5 inch LCD display with vibrant colors. Tells you percentage done for a print. Tells you how much longer it will take to finish.

Can connect via USB cable, Wi-Fi, USB Stick, or Ethernet Cable. Can be shared over a network. Also it is cloud enabled.

Has Assisted Build-plate leveling so you can print faster than ever. It allows you to move extruder to a point and tell you when it is leveled. You just turn the knob until the light goes on.

You can order it today at http://makerbot.com/replicator. Priced at $2,899. Starts shipping in February.


- MakerBot Replicator Z18

Huge Build size. 12 inches X 12 Inches X 18 Inches (tall) 2,592 cubic inch build volume

You can also make a lot of things at once due to the build size.

Has smart extruder that can tell you when you are out of filament. The smart extruder connects with magnets so it can snap off.

3.5 inch LCD display with vibrant colors. Tells you percentage done for a print. Tells you how much longer it will take to finish.

Can connect via USB cable, Wi-Fi, USB Stick, or Ethernet Cable. Can be shared over a network. Also it is cloud enabled.

Enclosed heated build chamber.

Can be purchased at http://makerbot.com/z18

Ships spring 2014 and is priced at $6,499.


3D Printing Apps

- MakerBot Desktop App

Access to Thingiverse. You can explore Thingiverse right from the desktop app. You can keep organized with your personal MakerBot Cloud Library. It's FREE for MAC, Windows and Linux. Also works for all Makerbot machines except the earliest one.

- MakerBot Mobile App

Give you the power to monitor and control your fifth generation 3D Printer. You can monitor and control your printer from your phone. It give you alerts for when your print is complete, and tell you how long your print has to go. It allows you to stay connected. Access to Thingiverse as well. It is a FREE app. Comes out on iOS and Android in Spring 2014


- MakerBot Printshop

A fun, easy and free way to create and 3D Print all kins of cool things.
- Type Maker - allows you to make things by typing (name plates, quotes, signs, etc). Can be done on a tablet.
- Bracelet Maker - Design and print your own custom bracelets.

MakerBot has also curated a number of things that work great from the community. Anroid and iOS in Spring 2014


- MakerBot Entertainment

MakerBot Digital Store
A store for awesome designs that can be printed on your MakerBot.
6 Great Collections for purchasing

[JohnA136]

Wow, a lot of good stuff coming out at CES.

[jimc]

wow finally a desktop with a heated enclosure!! nice

[Rainday21]

I'm loving the new MakerBot Replicator. My only complaint is why they couldn't increase the resolution a bit. The New Cube 3 prints in 75 microns. Why couldn't MakerBot do the same?

[Markum_Debreeze]

I really wasn't even expecting to see a new Replicator for at least another 6 months, let alone 3! I love what MakerBot is doing. Really pushing the envelope. They remind me of Apple before Steve Jobs turned them around.