ISG Announces The ISG II 3D Printer — Accepting Bitcoin for Orders

Two of the biggest stories in the tech world in 2014 were undoubtedly 3D printing, and the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. The world is changing, and these two technologies are playing a major role. Over the past year, numerous companies have begun adopting cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin as a means to expand their market reach. Even Microsoft and Overstock have begun accepting the online currency. With that said, the majority of merchants still will not touch Bitcoin, likely concerned with its erratic price fluctuations, and the uncertainty surrounding the currency when it comes to laws, taxes, and security.

In the past, however, we have seen that those companies who do jump on the bandwagon receive a boost in sales, as well as the backing of a large, tightly knit community of individuals who thoroughly support the cryptocurrency.

Up until this point, those wishing to purchase a 3D printer with Bitcoin had few options. Overstock, who accepts Bitcoin, sells only 3D Systems’ Cube printers, and the few other sites out there seem rather sketchy. That’s until recently when ISG, based in Sherbrooke, Canada, announced a brand new 3D printer, the ISG II. Along with the release of this new machine, which is currently available on their site for pre-order, the company also announced that they will accept Bitcoin as a payment option.

“We are already accepting Bitcoin and have been proud to collaborate with CannabisCoin on a line of 3D printed grinders,” stated Samuel Guillemette, CEO and Founder of ISG. “We are open to more collaboration with the cryptocurrency community. We want to bring the best experience to the users.”

The machine itself is based off of a Prusa i3 design. The company custom built their own frame, and added a heated build platform. Below you will find some of the general specifications for the ISG II:

• Printer Size: 42cm x 42 cm x 46 cm
• Build Envelope: 20cm x 20cm x 18cm
• Filament Diameter and Compatibility: PLA/ABS at 1.75mm
• Print Resolutions: 0.1mm

Priced at just $899.00 excluding taxes, or 2.8334 Bitcoin (at the current exchange rate), this 3D printer is certainly a very capable machine. ISG, a relatively new company, plans on rapidly expanding, offering a second 3D printer geared more towards professional users, called the ISG 730. This machine will be priced at $3,999.00 before taxes, and also be available for purchase via Bitcoin. Additional details on the 730 are forthcoming, as the company is busy planning to open a local storefront in Sherbrooke, Canada within the next few months.

Have you been looking for a way to purchase a 3D printer with Bitcoin? Is the ISG II perhaps that printer? Let’s hear your thoughts in the ISG II / Bitcoin forum thread on 3DPB.com.