The Super Helper: A First Look at Winbo’s Newest 3D Printer

When it comes to busy and productive companies, China’s Winbo Smart Tech Co., Ltd. has just about everyone else beat. Last month we took a close look at this fascinating and dynamic company, which has already produced 14 3D printers, a scanner, and an extensive line of materials – plus a large model marketplace and a smart factory. Considering everything they’ve already done, you’d think such a prolific company might want to take a break every once in a while, but not Winbo. Next week, the company will release their 15th 3D printer (on the 15th, coincidentally), and it’s unlike anything they’ve done before.

The Super Helper 3D Printer will, from the looks of things, certainly live up to its name as a super-helpful machine that’s more than just a 3D printer. It’s also a laser cutter and laser engraver, and Winbo’s first multi-functional, combination 3D printer. Slated to be released on October 15, the Super Helper 3D Printer is still largely under wraps, with not a whole lot of detail unveiled yet, but what stands out the most at this time is the low price and stripped-down, portable design.

There have been multiple 3D printers combined with laser cutters/engravers released lately. It seems to be becoming a bit of a trend, creating 3D printers that are integrated with other forms of digital manufacturing like laser cutting or CNC machining. Although there are exceptions, many of these combination machines tend to be big, bulky, fancy affairs that crowd the desktop with their multitudes of features. The Super Helper, in contrast, has a simple, open design and a slim, compact shape that looks like it’ll fit easily into any workspace.

Then there’s the price. The Super Helper 3D Printer comes in two sizes, small and large, like most of Winbo’s other 3D printers (so once it’s released, the company will technically have 16 printers to their name). The smaller of the two models carries of price tag of only $199, while the larger will set you back just $249. That’s remarkably inexpensive for any 3D printer, let alone a multi-functional machine like this one.

Also, on a purely visual level, the Super Helper 3D Printer is just fun-looking. It comes in a variety of color options including red, blue, black, white, green, brown, orange, and yellow, so it’s almost guaranteed to complement the decor of just about any office. With its open build platform, you can get an up close and personal look at your print job while it’s in progress. While specifications haven’t been released yet, we’ll be following up once the Super Helper is officially released, so be sure to stay tuned for more details.

Winbo will be formally releasing the Super Helper 3D Printer next week at Canton Fair, China’s major biannual import and export fair, which just so happens to be celebrating its 120th occurrence. It’s a massive event, so expansive that it has to be broken down into three phases that take place over the course of nearly a month. Phase 1, which runs from October 15 to 19, encompasses the categories of electronics and household electrical appliances; lighting equipment; vehicles and spare parts; machinery; hardware and tools; energy resources; chemical products; and building materials. Phase 2 (consumer goods, home decorations and gifts) runs from October 23 to 27, while Phase 3, taking place from October 31 to November 4, focuses on office supplies, cases and bags, and recreation products; food; medicines, medical devices and health products; textiles and garments; and shoes.

Winbo will be at the Canton Fair through all three phases (it’s surprising how many categories a 3D printing company falls into, isn’t it?), so if you’re in the Guangzhou Province, stop by and say hello to this exciting, fast-growing, constantly-moving company – and meet the Super Helper 3D Printer in person. I wish I could be there myself, but we’ll definitely be taking a further look at the Super Helper when it hits the market, so check back with us shortly. We’ll be continuing to follow up with Winbo, as well, as they continue to carve out a large piece of the Chinese 3D printing market; it doubtlessly won’t be long until they come out with yet another intriguing invention. Discuss further in the Winbo 3D Printer forum over at 3DPB.com.