Feb.16, 2014
Bethesda, MD based startup M3D wants to define the next generation of 3D printers. David Jones and Michael Armani of M3D released a small 3D printer 'The Micro 3D printer' (M3D) this weekend at the 3D Print Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.
Designed to be accessible to everyone, M3D comes fully assembled, has a 4.5" cube build volume, can print in ABS, and accepts standard 1.75mm filaments while using open-source software.
According to co-founder Michael Armani, a bioengineer Ph.D., the Micro resulted from years of constant dialogue between engineering, arts, and manufacturing - how to make a good looking device while keep the cost low? This led to 15 innovations in the field of 3D printing. One of them is a special Micro Motion Technology, a sensor system that measures and correct position errors, providing inteligent positioning feedback for precision. This technology allows the team to use fewer and lower cost components to achive better performance.
The Micro 3D printer also features the carbon fiber rods for a sturdy and lightweight build. Other innovations include an aerospace grade ceramic heater system that allows the printer to heat up to print temperatures in seconds in a very confined space, a multi-calibration system ensuring reliable prints and concealed filament compartment for swaping out filament with ease.
The Micro is space efficient, it is ~10 times lighter that other printers, reducing material and shipping costs. In addition The Micro is designed to use less energy. Co-founder David Jones says it uses only 5 volts and 15 watts, ten times less than the MakerBot Replicator 2 (24 volts and 150 watts).
Specifications:
- Build Dimensions: 109x113x116mm
- Layer accuracy: 50-350 microns
- Nozzle diamater: 450 microns
- X, Y Positioning accuracy: 15 microns
- Supports: ABS, PLA, Wood, brick
- Removable Print Bed Size: 128x128mm
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- External and internal filament ports
- Glowing LED indicator
- Printer Dimensions: 185mm3
- Package weight: 3kg
Software
- USB Compatible
- Use M3D Micro Pinter software
- Supports open source software
- File Types Supported: .stl, .obj, .xyz
- Compatible with Mac and PC
The Micro is a truly affordable consumer 3D printer, and will retail at $299. It will launch on Kickstarter in March with prices range from $199 to $299, meaning the earliest backers will get a $100 discount and the earliest delivery dates. Stay tuned!
Posted in 3D Printers
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Dear Mr. David Jones and Michael Armani, I am very interested in such tiny 3d printer. Can you please tell me the range of Thickness which The Micro M3D can does? or is it the same as the rest of FDM printers, such as vantage it has the range of 0.127 0.178 .0254 Thanks
Jason wrote at 7/14/2015 8:16:51 PM:
I just purchased this printer and it has lived up to the hype. It actually prints higher quality than other printers that I have, and only weighs 2? pounds, so it is very portable. I really love this printer for the price.
elFranz wrote at 3/27/2015 2:38:53 PM:
if you want to write a cool article, just have a look at their Ks comment page. International backers left with no printer, no information nor explaination given.
Alfred Tang wrote at 2/27/2014 4:31:48 PM:
Dear Mr. David Jones and Michael Armani : My name is Alfred Tang, a visitor from China, Right now I am just in Bethesda , MD, by my daughter. I am a retired professor of Huihuang Solar Ltd in Jiangsu province. I am so interested in your M3D printer and hope to talk with you about cooperation and implement mass production in China, or we become you exclusive agent in China. By internet I know you are just in Bethesda MD ? OK, please let me know your location and telephone number so that I can find you. best regards Prof. Alfred Tang Jiangsu Huihuang Solar Energy Joint Stock Ltd, Jiangsu, Huaian, Huaihe Rd. Nr. 109, PRC. ( 223002 ) tel : 18988406167 0517---84899179 email : m501210@163.com www.solason.com
Bri wrote at 2/18/2014 5:50:55 PM:
They are promising a hell of a lot for very little money. I'm not holding my breath on this one.
Tom wrote at 2/17/2014 11:45:24 AM:
I think it uses an accelerator to measure the displacements. I really doubt it.
Tom wrote at 2/17/2014 11:41:07 AM:
I think it uses an accelerator sensor to measure the displacement. I really doubt it.
yru wrote at 2/16/2014 9:05:13 PM:
cool, but does it print?
1984 wrote at 2/16/2014 5:59:29 PM:
I can't wait for this printer!!!