This isn’t the first time MakerBot has grabbed headlines here at Geeky Gadgets. The 3D printer made its presence felt at this year’s CES to remind everyone of the material future waiting for us—a time when consumers will design and build and print their wants in a snap.
Okay, so the future isn’t exactly here yet cos most of us still haul ourselves to retail outlets for buying stuff. But the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic marks a giant leap nonetheless. What’s featured in the pic above is the MakerBot that wowed the willing at CES 2011. The printer was on sale in kit form and it works exactly like your trusty printer—plug it via USB and design whatever it’s gonna print. Also part of the kit is a pound of ABS plastic.
Features and Capabilities
Aside from its USB capabilities, the MakerBot is also SD card compatible and can be reloaded with ammo, er, plastic in mid-print. This means you can start a print job, and if you run out of material, you can simply pause and reload without losing your progress. The versatility of the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic is one of its standout features. It can print a wide variety of objects, from simple household items to complex prototypes. However, while a huge variety of stuff is within the capabilities of a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic, please don’t expect it to build you a girlfriend or a surrogate sibling. But personal action figures are okay.
The MakerBot Thing-O-Matic uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which involves melting a plastic filament and laying it down in layers to create a 3D object. This technology is not only fascinating but also opens up endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. Imagine being able to design your own custom phone case, create replacement parts for household items, or even prototype a new invention—all from the comfort of your home.
Cost and Accessibility
All this awesomeness comes at a (steep) price: a single MakerBot Thing-O-Matic will set you back $1,225 and take seven weeks for delivery. While this may seem expensive, it’s important to consider the potential savings and benefits. For instance, businesses can use 3D printing to create prototypes quickly and cost-effectively, reducing the need for expensive manufacturing processes. Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts can bring their ideas to life without needing specialized tools or skills.
Moreover, the MakerBot community is a vibrant and supportive one. There are numerous online forums, tutorials, and resources available to help new users get started and troubleshoot any issues they may encounter. This sense of community can be invaluable, especially for those who are new to 3D printing.
The MakerBot Thing-O-Matic also represents a significant step towards more accessible and affordable 3D printing technology. As the technology continues to evolve and become more mainstream, we can expect prices to decrease and capabilities to increase. This will make 3D printing an even more attractive option for a wider range of users.
In conclusion, while the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic may not be able to build you a girlfriend or a surrogate sibling, it offers a world of possibilities for creativity, innovation, and practical applications. Whether you’re a business looking to streamline your prototyping process, a hobbyist eager to bring your ideas to life, or simply someone fascinated by the potential of 3D printing, the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic is a remarkable piece of technology that is worth considering.
Via Gizmag
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