MakerMex’s MM1 Modular Paste & Plastic 3D Printer, The IKEA of 3D Printers, Coming Soon

Yesterday we did a story about a company called Ord Solutions who just launched a Kickstarter campaign for their food/paste 3D printer, called the Rova-Paste. This printer also was capable of printing with up to two normal FDM extruders in addition to its paste extrusion system. This may be the latest trend within the 3D printing space, machines which are both compatible with paste extrusion as well as the normal FDM filament extrusion method.

A day after the launch of Ord Solutions’ 3D printer, a company based in Mexico, called MakerMex, has announced that they too will soon be launching a 3D printer able to print in multiple materials using different extruder extensions. The MakerMex MM1 is a modular 3D printer like nothing you have seen before. The company describes themselves as the “IKEA of 3D printers”.

“We’re modeling this printer after the Automotive Industry, or even like IKEA, in the sense that we’re providing a unique, customizable experience for those interested in 3D printing,” says Sam Weatherly, Owner of MakerMex. “Because it prints with multiple extrusion options in many different materials, the MM1 really is the perfect printer for just about anyone. You can print with chocolate one minute and PLA plastic the next – the possibilities are inspiring.”

Unlike most other 3D printers on the market today, the MM1 is built upon a modular design, enabling the easy swapping of components, and add-on features.  For instance, if you would like to add on WiFi compatibility, there will be a module for that. Want to add acrylic enclosed walls, or an additional extruder?  There will be modules for those as well. Because of this setup, the company claims that it is the “only 3D printer you’ll ever need.”

Sure, maybe that’s a pretty lofty statement, but it makes sense. Why buy a new 3D printer every time new technology comes out? Just buy a new, more advanced extruder, or upgrade to other capabilities as you see fit. This project reminds me a lot of Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone. It’s a whole new way of thinking about expensive electronics. Below you will find some of the general specifications for the MakerMex MM1:

• Print Envelope: 20 x 20 x 20 cm
• Overall Printer Size: 49 x 37.5 x 49 cm
• Print Materials: clay, PLA/ABS, chocolate and more
• Print Speed: 300 mm/s
• Printer Resolution: .03 mm layer height

The company plans on launching their Kickstarter campaign on October 2nd, looking to raise a total of $50,000 to begin mass production of the MM1 printer. This multi-faceted machine will be able to be pre-ordered by backing their Kickstarter project for just $999.

Let us know what you think about this new way of looking at 3D printing hardware. Will you be backing this printer on Kickstarter next month? Discuss in the MakerMex MM1 forum thread on 3DPB.com.