3D printer funding campaign hits $2.05 mn in pledges in three days
11 Apr 2014
The Kickstarter campaign for The Micro 3D printer by its maker M3D garnered $2,050,300 in pledges as against what developers aimed for – a modest $50,000, which was overtaken in minutes.
The Micro, which is set to hit the market in August has its low price of $299 as its USP but many early backers would be getting the compact 3D printer for as little as $199.
The company claims its offering as "the first truly consumer 3D printer," and says it was also "incredibly intuitive, easy to own, and seamless by design". Unlike some other 3D models, the product is not a kit but is ready to use straight from the box.
The printer uses a so called 'Micro Motion Technology' to provide auto levelling and calibration for accurate and enjoyable 3D printing. The M3D printer, which is fully touch-screen capable (Windows, Mac, or Linux) is also said to be "as interactive and enjoyable as a game."
The Micro can do with users' choice of PLA or ABS material, standard 1.75mm filament spools and also its own design filament spools to build users' 3D models. The custom M3D spools fit snugly inside the printer chassis.
According to commentators, the cost of 3D printers was expected to keep them in labs and manufacturing facilities for a while before their cost fell to that of a regular household item for the masses. But, now it looks, they say, as if it was now time for everyone to get their hands on one of the coolest pieces of technology.
The Micro 3D printer true to its name, is a small, lightweight, and portable 3D printer that could easily fit onto even a crowded desk. With its simple and pleasing design without tons of buttons or ports that serve to intimidate the uninitiated, the 3D printer looked pretty simple to use, despite the sophisticated technology it packs.
People who support Kickstarter campaign with $299, can look forward to getting one of the units from the first production run when they are ready to ship early next year. Though definitely not inexpensive, it is very much within the range of early adopters who want to be able to try out this technology soon.
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