Thingy Bot 3D Printer Seeks Funding on Kickstarter

What I love about Kickstarter, is the fact that nearly anyone can come up with a creative idea for a product, and if enough people think it’s an idea worth pursuing, that person can instantly start up their own company around it. One such man who is looking to entice backers to aid him in the production of his newly designed 3D printer, is Matt Wahlers.

After a bit of a lull in the number of new 3D printers making their debut on the various crowdfunding sites, perhaps due to the fact that we are in the middle of Summer, now may be just the right time to enter the market. With fewer printers seeking funding then we have seen in quite a while, Matt may have played his cards right.

The printer, called the Thingy Bot has been the brainchild of Matt’s for over a year. Working tirelessly, he has finally come up with a machine which he feels he can confidently offer at a very affordable price of $699, to his backers on Kickstarter. What Matt has set out to accomplish is create a machine which is large but also affordable. The Thingy Bot fits this description quite well.

The machine functions via a central frame, which contains the X and Y axes. The central frame then will move up and down, forming the motion for the Z-axis. Both the frame and the outer casing of the Thingy Bot is built out of 1/8″ aluminum, making this an incredibly strong device. Below are some of the basic specs for Matt’s Thingy Bot.

• Printer Technology: FDM
• Print Materials: PLA and ABS
• Filament Diameter Supported: 1.75mm
• Build Envelope: 8″ x 8″ x 8″
• Layer Height: 0.1mm
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
• Power Supply: ATX

The printer will come in a few different colors, including black, white, and a limited edition terra cotta color. Matt is looking to raise a total of $15,000 to begin production of the Thingy Bot. In exchange for backer’s contributions, he will be offering a variety of rewards, which include options for just the printer alone, the limited edition terra cotta Thingy Bot, or packages which include filament, tape, a hex driver, and more. The Kickstarter campaign will run from now until September 8th.

Let us know if you have backed this project in the Thingy Bot forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out a video of Matt below, explaining the process he has gone through in constructing this new 3D printer.