Taking Technology to the Next Level with These 3D Printers!
The evolution of printers has taken a giant leap with the advent of three dimensional printers. These printers take input from us in the form of 3-D designs generated using software like Auto-Cad and then print out its 3-D models. The general principle of these printers is to develop the model layer by layer. They use FDM ( Filament Deposition Manufacturing ) or FFM ( Filament Fused Manufacturing ).
The filaments used is generally plastic ( ABS- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or PLA- PoLyactic Acid ) though a few new ones use Plasticine or even chocolate! This filament is melted and poured on a filament bed. This layer is moved up and then the next layer is produced similarly.
These fancy printers come in various budgets and some of these are surprisingly affordable for domestic use in homes, nurseries or schools.
1. Da Vinci by XYZ Printing
Price: 500$
Priced under $500, XYZ offers da Vinci which is a full-featured printer that enables a large build volume (7.8 *7.8 * 7.8 inches) and a printing area enclosed in a transparent case that keeps curious fingers away from the hot plastic. The device prints using an ABS plastic filament and comes with its own XYZWare software that can print most types of 3D models from both Windows and Mac OS computers. This is a good option for those people who are looking for a 3-D printer within their budget and without compromising on quality.
2. Cubify Cube 3
Price : 1000$
This printer is not out yet, but will be in the market soon. 3D printing can be complicated, so it’s best to start out with a straightforward printer. The Cubify Cube 3 is one of the simplest printers available. It uses PLA or ABS filaments in a sealed cartridge that is available in around 20 colors. It also has a built-in software that outlines a step-by-step approach to printing and includes plenty of pre-made digital designs to customize and print. The Cube is also safe for kids to use as there is no heated print bed and hence you won’t have to worry about burned fingers.
3.Foodini
Price : 1300$
The Foodini is described by its manufacturers as “the first 3D-food printer to print all types of real, fresh, nutritious foods, from savory to sweet”. It takes fresh ingredients, which must be prepared for printing by cooking and blending. This is perfect for those who are busy with work as it can save a lot of time and effort. It can also be used by amateurs to make intricate designs that would be impossible to replicate by hand. An advantage of this printer is that the Foodini focuses heavily on using fresh and natural ingredients.
4. MakerBot Replicator Z18
Price : 6500$
Flexibility and Reliability are the strong points of this printer which can be used for business purposes. The MakerBot Z18 3-D printer has a build volume of 12.0 x 12.0 x 18.0 inches making it ideal for printing larger projects, models, or sales items. The Replicator Z18 can print multiple projects at once thus enhancing its time efficiency. In addition,it can easily be controlled by your smartphones! This 3D printer won an award for Best Tech at CES 2014.
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5. Printrbot 3D Printer Kit
Price : 350$
This budget-friendly printer is ideal for upcoming artists. It comes un-assembled and can easily be assembled at home using a manual. This makes it much cheaper than the other options available out there. Because of the DIY nature of assembling this printer, it allows for artists to easily put their own artistic flair on the machine itself. The hardware is made of wood and can therefore easily be customized to look unique and colorful as per one’s wishes and desires.