Budget 3D printer now on Kickstarter

[Irken Tech]

I just backed the Micro for $299 on Kickstarter. It looks pretty good to me, especially for the price. Too bad I have to wait until next year to get it. But that does give me plenty of time to learn some how to make some 3D models. Anyway, just thought I'd give a heads up to the members that have more time than money and want to dabble in 3D printing, eventually. Build size is fairly small, but it should be fine for making scale model parts. This will be my first 3d printer. If it's junk, I won't feel too bad about losing $300.

Funding ends May 7th, 2014 and its funding goal has already been met.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/m3d/the-micro-the-first-truly-consumer-3d-printer

 

[Wes R]

This would be a good one for those of us who customize action figures too, cheaper than ordering from shapeways (the shipping hurts).

 

[CB2001]

To me, $300 is still pretty pricey, but still cheaper than building one or buying a kit.

 

[Philly]

Seems like a lot of sales talk for items that are already on the market. For me the lack of close up pictures of prints(not to mention very few pictures anyway) is worrying.

Also, $300 is easily enough to build one from 20x20 profile and still have change.

 

[wickedpaul]

Seems like a lot of sales talk for items that are already on the market. For me the lack of close up pictures of prints(not to mention very few pictures anyway) is worrying.

Also, $300 is easily enough to build one from 20x20 profile and still have change.

this ... I'm building a 3 axis CNC and all I'm missing are the electronics (controller board with drivers but I do have the power supplies). The total cost should be around 200-250$ when I'm finished and it'll have a 24x24 bed ... didn't do a 3D printer because of the nature of another another project, but a 3D printer would have been in the same price tag, might be my next project, like next year!

EDIT :
though, to build one you really need to know EVERYTHING about either a CNC or a 3D printer, it's not for everyone but it can be done if someone put himself into it!

And as far as mine is going, lots of expensive parts I got for free (Nema 23 steppers, the power supplies and ball lead screws).

 

[Irken Tech]

I don't have the will or desire to build a 3D printer. Kickstarter is a risk and I am not guaranteed to even get a printer. And who knows what the technology and costs for an entry level 3d printer will be in a year? I may be overpaying, but time will tell. I'll report back my honest opinion when (if) I get mine next year. I'm not recommending that anyone buy this unit, just that I backed one, it met my threshold for cost and I will eat it if it sucks

 

[Aegis159]

For the cost the detail level is actually good if it can actually do 50 microns. Nothing they showed in the video was printed at that level though, and it would be very nice if they put up some example shots.
That said, the form factor is very nice looking, especially when you look at what else is available in that price range for 3D printers.

EDIT: hmmm looked through their FAQ and it only comes with a 450 micron print head so it's not going to do small details very well. They're "looking into" making smaller heads available for purchase but that's all they say on the matter.

 

[irononreverse]

There was a 3d printer at a similar price point a few years back, the makibox.

They've had major issues delivering though, some people have had to wait over a year and a half ongoing. The guy is pretty much permanently at the Chinese factory churning them out.

I backed the peachy printer a little while back. Only around $100.

Won't be getting it til September but the guy's updates are all very informative and promising.

I can't actually model in 3d so I'm at a bit of a disadvantage really...

 

[Irken Tech]

I backed the peachy printer a little while back. Only around $100.

I'm kicking myself for not getting in on the Peachy Printer Kickstarter. Potentially better resolution and 1/3 the cost of the Micro. I'll be looking at it again when it goes retail. I'm at a very basic 3d modeling skill level at the moment, so waiting for awhile is ok for now.

 

[irononreverse]

All the other 3d printers on kickstarter were a bit too rich for my blood so when I saw the peachy, I jumped at the chance. Build volume is flexible too, depending on the size of your tank.

Construction seems fairly straightforward too. Browsing the wiki for reprap printer builds put me right off them.