MakerGear Unveils Newest Workhorse Desktop 3D Printers

If you’re at all familiar with desktop 3D printing, you’ll recognize a few names immediately; among these is MakerGear, which introduced the M2 3D printer back in 2012. The M2 quickly garnered a reputation as a workhorse among 3D printers, gathering a dedicated following and accolades among best-of lists. The fifth-generation M2 represented more than 50 incremental improvements made to the machine since the original debut, the company pointed out when I visited their Cleveland-area facilities in March to see behind the scenes. The company has told us about their ethos, focusing on local manufacturing and in-house quality assurances, and this spirit has now carried MakerGear into the latest announcement with its new generation of desktop 3D printers.

“Our new products have the functionality and performance to meet the growing needs of professionals and educators. We have a standing commitment to provide excellent products with expert support. With the M3, we stand firmly behind this philosophy,” said MakerGear Founder & CEO Rick Pollack. “MakerGear has a long tradition of helping our customers achieve optimal results, and today, we are expanding our footprint with the long awaited M3. And continuing our commitment to our community, we are proud that it is primarily manufactured in and around our headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio.”

The MakerGear M3 Single Extrusion (M3-SE) and M3 Independent Dual (M3-ID) 3D printers will make their official debut next week at RAPID + TCT in Pittsburgh, though both are now available for pre-order. The M3-SE will ship at the end of this month, while the M3-ID will start shipping this summer. Both 3D printers feature precision machining and the continuous operation capabilities that made the M2 a staple for many. Designed with features such as True-Leveling, WiFi connectivity, wireless control, and an integrated user interface, the M3 3D printers are making the most of desktop 3D printing’s known advantages.

The M3-SE is designed for professional 3D printing kept simple, while the M3-ID offers multi-material and soluble-material 3D printing for advanced functionality. Using an independent, not fixed, dual extrusion system, the M3-ID uses its Mimeo Mode to double production speed for single-material prints.

3D printer specs for the M3-SE include:

• Dimensions (including spool and full range of motion): 533 mm (21”) x 610 mm (24”) x 420 mm (16.5”)
• Build Volume: 203 x 254 x 203 mm (8” x 10” x 8”)
• Layer Resolution: 0.020 – 0.350 mm (20 – 350 µm), recommended 0.050 – 0.250 mm (50 – 250 µm)
• Print Head Travel Speed Range: 30 – 450 mm/s
• Build Speed: 0.35 mm nozzle: up to 18 mm /s
• Printable Materials (1.75mm filament diameter): ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PET-G, PET-T, PLA, polycarbonate, PVA, Flexible (TPU, TPE, etc.), metal composites, wood composites, carbon fiber composites, and more
• Supplied Software: OctoPrint for MakerGear / M3 QuickStart

The M3 line features high-temperature V4 hot ends and a 12-month warranty.

“After 3 consecutive years of top-rankings, we’re excited to offer something even better. Beyond introducing MakerGear True-Leveling and our new, integrated UI (OctoPrint for MakerGear), the MakerGear M3 provides numerous developments that make it easier than ever for both new and advanced users to achieve high-end, professional results using desktop 3D printing,” Owen Schoeniger, Brand communications Officer, MakerGear, told 3DPrint.com of the new releases.

“We’ll be showcasing both versions of the MakerGear M3 (the M3 Single Extrusion and the M3 Independent Dual) as well as a colorful array of MakerGear customer success stories on a tour around the US, beginning with the Manufacturing and Technology Expo in Cleveland, OH and RAPID + TCT in Pittsburgh.”

For a company so focused on quality in production and in product, MakerGear seems poised to continue to take on desktop 3D printing for professionals, as well as educational users, as it rolls out the next generation of its 3D printers. You can learn more about the new M3 here. Discuss in the M3 forum at 3DPB.com.