Brooklyn based company, MakerBot Industries, has recently released their 4th generation 3D printer: The Replicator 2. If you’re unfamiliar with this new emerging technology, a 3D printer essentially takes digital data and creates solid objects through an additive filament layering process which MakerBot has effectively packaged for user-friendly, desktop use at work or home.
What you essentially get with the new machine compared to previous models is 37% more space to bring your ideas to life, a higher, 100-micron layer resolution and a more optimized, energy efficient way of using MakerBot’s signature PLA filament, all packaged in a sleek, sexy design and now bundled with its own software: Makerware. The level of detail is remarkable, and the fact that you can print objects with movable parts right out the box in a wide array of colors adds even more potential to the realm of creative possibilities.
The machine is intended for professional creatives and engineering types who would like an easier, convenient way to develop and design products but is by no means limited to them as people are using the machines to make crafts, jewelry and toys just the same. If you’re not sure what to print, MakerBot has a dedicated site called Thingiverse to download object templates and more. Below are a few examples of what the machine is capable of:
Functional Differential Gear System by RonG
Tiny Planetary Gears Set by aubenc
PLA Snap Connector Set by MikeBattaglia
MakerBot is considered an industry leader in terms of providing a relatively inexpensive, user-friendly means to print 3D objects but with a $2,199.00 price tag, it should probably be considered more of a professional tool or investment rather than a toy.
You can purchase the Replicator 2 here.
Also, if you’re in the New York area, check out the MakerBot flagship store.
If you’d like to learn more about The Replicator 2, check out the following reviews by Make and Geek.com
