When I was a young student, computers were just making their way into most schools and colleges, and it was becoming a prerequisite that we learn our way around them. Today though, students are not only generally somewhat computer literate before they even get to school, they are gifted with a wide range of advanced technology and assorted devices inside the learning institutions–often even in schools that are more isolated, all over the world.
Just as years ago we were all being prompted to learn the skillsets associated with computers, now we are watching as the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics agenda (STEM) is being pushed so that students of today graduate with the skillsets and knowledge that help them go onto fruitful careers in many different areas. Digital design and 3D printing top the list with STEM, and pretty much all faculty in charge of these programs will tell you that students are pretty darned excited about getting their hands on technology like 3D printers.
India is no exception, and while we’ve had the pleasure of reporting previously on the lineup of Drona 3D printers with three different options offering a machine for nearly everyone, now students have a choice too, along with the ‘best-in-class’ technology now being seen in the ICE 3D printers too.
Famous for offering open source designs and ‘kick-ass products,’ both ICE and Drona 3D printers are made by Botzlab Innovations, which offers a custom 3D printing facility featuring high precision, FFF-based printers also including the SeeMeCNC Delta 3D Printers. Founded by Pingnagan Pranavam, Botzlab is already famous for their innovation and well-constructed hardware. Now, those in the collegiate set can look forward to enjoying their wares, via the ICE series.
The Idea-Create-Exhibit (ICE) 3D printer retails for around $600 and also offers the all-metal body, making it a great choice not only for students in India, but all around the globe–which is Botzlab’s intent.
“Keeping the affordability of students in mind, we have created this with a very affordable price, without compromising quality–and delivering results,” the founder of Botzlab, Pingnagan Pranavam, told 3DPrint.com.
It has just been released at graVITas, which is a techfest sponsored by the premier institute for engineering and technology at VIT University in India. Over 25,000 students and others in the tech industry were able to get a good look at the robust ICE 3D printer which boasts an H-BOT gantry along with a unibody enclosed design. Its sturdy design, with a print volume of 240 x 140 x 100 mm, is meant to offer smooth, vibration-free 3D printing.
Other features include:
- Plug and play design
- Fully tested and calibrated
- Auto-bed leveling
- Self adjusting with B-Touch Mechanism
- One ‘soft touch’ print
- 100 to 300 Microns, and possible to print at 50 microns
- XY Resolution: 27 Microns or greater
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Connectivity: USB, optional WiFi and camera monitoring
- Input Voltage & Power : 220 V | 300 W
- Hotend: Botzlab designed hybrid metal hotend
- Extruder : Botzlab Designed OX Extruder, anti-slip technology incorporated
- Filaments : Optimized for PLA, Composite Wood and other new ranges of filaments under 260 degrees
Headquartered in Bangalore, Botzlab Innovations is an emerging technology research and development company, focusing primarily on industrial product designing, DIY laboratory trends, 3D printers, CNC routers with backgrounds in related Electronics and Mechanical Engineering and Technology. Their focus is on high quality design combined with precision–and a commitment to the freedom of the open-source and hacking communities.
What are your thoughts on this new machine? Let us know in the ICE 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com.
