Currently, the way that things are setup, if your typical FFF based 3D printer stops working because of a broken part, that machine needs to (a) be shipped back to the company, or (b) a part needs to be sent to the customer and they then need to figure out how to make the repair themselves. This is manageable for individuals and businesses who don’t heavily rely on their 3D printers, but for those who do — and there are an ever increasing number of these companies — a better solution is needed.
Today, one 3D printer manufacturer has announced a solution. Type A Machines, the creators of the 2014 Series 1 3D printer has announced that they will be releasing an upcoming product that helps owners of their 3D printers maximize their uptime.
Their new 3D Printer Supply Kits include spare replacement parts for those parts of the 3D printer most likely to suffer from malfunction due to wear and tear. While the company makes a very sturdy, high quality 3D printer, it is only a fact of life that parts wear out, no matter how “high quality” they are. Type A Machines realizes this and has thus created two separate solutions.
““We designed our robust Series 1 with modular components that make it easy to modify and easy to upgrade without voiding the warranty,” said Espen Sivertsen, the CEO of Type A Machines. “These new 3D Printer Supply Kits complement our uniquely flexible one-year warranty.”
The Standard 3D Printer Supply Kit costs $495, and includes Type A Machines’ essential set of over 10 different replacement parts and accessories. They are targeting schools, institutions and power users who require a steady use of their 3D printers.
If a replacement part is used, and the Series 1 3D printer still remains under its warranty, that part will be replenished as part of the kit, free of charge. While this probably isn’t necessary for only moderate users, those users who use their 3D printers on a daily basis would probably be smart to purchase at least the Standard Kit. The Type A Machines 2014 Series 1 3D Printer is available for $2,749.00 and from what I have heard, is a very durable, high quality machine. I’m looking forward to checking it out today at the Inside 3D Printing Conference.
What do you think? Are these supply kits worth the additional costs? Discuss in the Type A Machines 3D Printer Supply Kit forum thread on 3DPB.com.