Voladd - will it be more expensive to run than sla ?

[curious aardvark]

So I get a lot of adverts for 3d printers crop up on my facebook page.
Those I don't mind so much - all the bloody adverts for razor blades, are annoying (I'm a very hairy dude lol)

This one popped up this morning. Voladd - currently on kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...ref=nav_search

Not only does it have propriatary filament cartridges, but the print nozzles are integrated into the cartridges.
To change nozzle size you need to buy another cartridge.
The cartridges only have 440gms of pla in them. So you're changing nozzles every 150-200 metres or so.
Tyhe cartridges are sent back to the company, so what's the odds the nozzles are not new when you get them.
Can't find any indication of what they are going to charge for the cartridges, but I think we can safely say they won't be cheap.

The printer looks pretty basic, small build volume - that they seem determined not to mention.They just say it's 3 and a bit litres and that it's larger than most other printers - yeah right lol
My replicator clones are over 5, so it's not great.

It has no control panel, looks like everything is done via a network or phone apps.
So without internet you're stuffed.

They are also lying through their teeth about it 'being the first 3d printer connected to an online platform that puts thousands of objects at your fingertips.'
Mod-t ring any bells ?
This is practically a carbon copy of their setup - but mod-t were sensible enough to not go the locked down cartridge route.
I think mod-t are still going.
Yep newmatter launching the mod-t mk2 as I type.

Apparently these things will retail (if it gets that far) at around the 899 euros mark, approx $899.
Consider that the monoprice mini select is a quarter that price and not locked into any platform or filament.

I just can't see this system going anywhere.

Or will it appeal to the cell phone generation ? Of whom, I am definitely not one lol
Tumaker also say they are not astartup as they make the Bigfoot 3d printer. Anyone ever heard of or seen one ?
They do exist, but not outside of spain by the look of it.
They've certainly never been to the tct show.

Found some specs:

Voladd 3D printer specifications:

• Internal computer – BeagleBone Black based on TI AM335x ARM Cortex A8 processor
• Connectivity – Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and NFC; MQTT protocol supported
• Print area – 175 x 125 x 150 mm (xyz)
• Printing plate – Surface treated, removable, and adjustable with 3 rollers; optional glass platform
• Print head – 0.2 (coming next year), 0.4 or 0.6 mm
• Noise attenuated fans
• Misc – On/off button, switch dial for cartridge, LEDs for connectivity status, general status, server interaction and head heating.
• Power Supply – 100-240V @ 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions – 29 x 40 x 29 cm (xyz)
• Weight – 4.5 kg
• Certifications – CE, EAC

Voladd 3D printer will ship with a Cartridge with 420 grams of white filament, the printing base, , a quick start guide and warranty. Voladd Cartridges, made of biodegradable, recyclable, and plant-based PLA bioplastic, come in 7 possible colors (20 colors planned for next year), and it appears you can’t just buy filament from anywhere for a refill. So if I understand correctly, you’ll be tied to the company for both the cloud service and filament. But if it really works as advertised: no assembly, no manual calibration, no jamming, no cleaning, etc…,just select an object to print online, it could be a good option for people that just want something that works…

From this review: https://www.cnx-software.com/2017/10...-crowdfunding/

So no heated bed, build volume not awful, but nothing to boast about.

It has absolutely no appeal to me - but then I'm definitely not the target market.
Are you ?
Do you know someone who might buy one of these ?
I'm assuming whoever they are they will own an Iphone :-)