MakerBot is not wasting any time getting its latest 3D printers to market, the company today announced its Replicator Z18 3D printer is available for pre-order and that its Makerbot Replicator 3D printer is now shipping.
Makerbot's 3D printers take what can be considered almost science fiction level technology and bring it into the office or home. The devices use long strands of plastic filament to literally print out objects. In the same manner that an inkjet printer sprays out layers of ink, the 3D printer does the same with plastic. Slowly building an object up one thin layer at a time.
The Z18 was introduced at International CES in January and is the big brother to the Replicator Mini Compact 3D printer that went on pre-order in February. With its $6,499 suggested retail price the Z18 is not geared toward the casual hobbyist like the Mini, but instead should catch the eye of professionals and those interested in 3D manufacturing. It can be ordered at makerbot.com/Z18. The company did not say when the printer would be ready to ship.
The Z18 can create 3D objects that are 12-inches long by 12-inches wide and 18-inches high. Comparatively the Mini can create objects 3.9-inches long by 3.9-inches wide and 4.9-inches high, for at total of about 75-cubic inches. The Mini costs $1,375
"MakerBot believes that the MakerBot Replicator Z18 offers the best price/performance in its category and will be one of the most disruptive products of the year in the 3D printing industry due to the combination of its massive build volume and affordable price," the company said.
MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis said the Z18 is the first industrial-size 3D printer the company has offered.
"We made the MakerBot Replicator Z18 for those who think big," said Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot. "We believe the MakerBot Replicator Z18 is a game-changer in the world of 3D printers," Pettis said.
MakerBot also has two accessories to go along with the Z18, the MakerBot Cart and the MakerBot filament case. The cart allows the printer to be easily transported around a room, while the filament case can hold XL and XXL size spools of PLA filament. The cart carries a $1,250 price tag while the filament case comes in at $750.
The company also announced that it is shipping its Makerbot Replicator 3D printer. This model contains fifth generation 3D printing technology and will first be sent to those customers who placed pre-orders.
"I have so many proud and excited emotions running through me today as we ship out our very first fifth-generation 3D printers. I want to know what our MakerBot 3D printing community thinks of this giant leap forward in connectivity, speed and reliability for their 3D printing needs. I can't wait to see what people make."
