While iMakr is well-known as a massive retailer of 3D printers, scanners and supplies, the company does a lot more than just sell things. They’ve made education and accessibility big priorities, and by offering 3D printing training at their London and New York stores, they’ve introduced the technology to thousands of people. While iMakr’s workshops and classes attract makers and enthusiasts of all levels of experience, most of the people the company interacts with share a common opinion: 3D printing still isn’t accessible enough to beginners.
“As a company, iMakr functions with two joint missions: to continuously introduce 3D innovation and to expand the 3D marketplace. With the STARTT I believe we’ve accomplished both,” Eric Savant, CEO of iMakr, told 3DPrint.com. “Like with all of our product introductions, we identified a need in the marketplace, in this case for a sub $£€ 100 printer, and then went on a search to fill it. When we found the right printer, we gave it a name that would help it fulfill its mission, namely to make 3D printing accessible to anyone interested in giving it a try.”
While iMakr states that the STARTT offers excellent print quality for its price, they’re careful to emphasize: for the price. You won’t be able to create professional-quality pieces on a $99 printer, and iMakr is very clear that this is a starter printer, rather than a magical bargain machine.
“We’re not aiming to build a business around low cost printers; rather, we want to help people begin their 3D journeys,” Savant told us. “We strongly believe that once people understand the value of 3D printing, they’ll be willing to make a bigger investment into more sophisticated machines later on.”
“With regards to the projections for the machine, let me just say that we’ve been delighted with the results so far and have already increased our initial forecast twice!” Savant continued.
If you’re in the London area, you can learn how to build your STARTT in person by attending a workshop at iMakr’s Clerkenwell store. The company is offering the class from 10 AM to 4 PM every other Saturday for a fee of $299. If you’re interested, you can sign up here.
3DPrint.com will also be testing one of these printers in the near future; we’ll let you know what we think once we’ve tried it out! Discuss in the STARTT forum at 3DPB.com.
https://www.imakr.com/img/cms/STARTT/startt_launch.mp4
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