MakerBot, one of the more popular names in 3D printing, has unveiled three new 3D printers at the CES 2014 in Las Vegas. The company showed off the latest incarnations of its top-of-the-line Replicator series 3D printers, and also launched a mini printer designed to help people step into the world of 3D printing.
All three models share a number of similar features. For one, each new MakerBot 3D printer comes with a built-in camera for monitoring and photo taking. Secondly, the new models are compatible with a new tablet app that can be used to create or purchase 3D models. Lastly, the new models are compatible with MakerBot's new "Smart Extruders."
The company's entry level product, the Replicator Mini will set customers back by $1,375. This petite wonder may be classified as an entry-level device but it outstrips similarly classed printers from rival brands in terms of ease of use and feature set. The printer has been designed with ease of use as one of the its primary features and people who have no prior experience in 3D printer will be able to use it with relative ease. Users can hook up to the Mini either through a USB cable or through WiFi and start printing their designs with the push of a single button. The Mini also comes equipped with a small camera allowing users to monitor the device's operations remotely.
The new and improved MakerBot Replicator is the second printer unveiled by the company. The new Replicator will retail for $2,899 and comes with a few improvements over its predecessor. For one, the new Replicator can handle printing objects that are 11 percent larger than the previous Replicator. The new Replicator also comes with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, which is located at the front of the device. Like the Mini, the Replicator can also access input through a USB cable or WiFi. However, the Replicator also comes with an Ethernet port as a bonus.
The company has also unveiled the Replicator Z18, which is the largest 3D printer of the bunch. The Replicator Z18 will retail for $6,499 and it has been designed with more experienced individuals and business professionals in mind. The Z18 comes with all the features included in the Mini and the Replicator. However, it can produce 3D objects at higher speeds and larger volumes than the other two. The Z18 can also handle multiple projects at the same time.
