GP3D Announces Sprout 3D Printer — To Be Unveiled at 2015 International CES Next Week

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a 3D printer that had a tiny footprint, yet could print larger objects? If you are like me then your desk space is incredibly valuable.  In fact, any space in your office or your entire home is valuable, especially when you have kids with lots and lots of toys. My problem is that I need a printer that can at least print objects which are the size of my fist.

GP3D, a subsidiary of Green Project Inc., with headquarters in China, Europe, and the United States, wants to offer a solution to this common conundrum many of us face.  They have just announced their Sprout 3D Printer. Don’t get me wrong, the GP3D Sprout does not print huge items. However, its footprint is incredibly small, and it has the ability to print within a build envelope of 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.5″, at a price well under what most of the competition charges.

“Our focus is to make an affordable and high quality 3D printer for everyone,” said Joseph Wu, President of Green Project.

Below you will find some of the general specifications for GP3D’s new machine:

• Printer Size: 11.7″ in length, 8.7″ in width, and 15.9″ in height
• Build Envelope: 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.5″
• Print Resolution: 0.18mm
• Filament Compatibility: PLA at 1.75mm
• Features: Stand-alone printing, 3.5″ integrated touch screen interface, one year warranty
• Price $549

GP3D was able to realize such a compact design by implementing a system where both the build platform and the extruder move in tandem. While the platform moves down as the print progresses, it also moves in a front-to-back direction while the extruder moves only in a left-to-right direction. This makes the print process fast, while also cutting down on the amount of space required to house all the components.

GP3D intends to launch Sprout imminently on Kickstarter in order to raise the funding necessary to cut down their raw material costs. “Sprout is not a pipe dream. It is fully designed and ready for production,” the company explains.  In fact, if funded, they will be ready to ship the very first units in a matter of a few months.

For those of you looking to get a sneak peak at this new 3D printer prior to their Kickstarter campaign going live, you may do so at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 6-9, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let us know your thoughts on GP3D’s new machine in the Sprout 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out a quick video below from the company: