International CES is an event in which there is a tendancy by most of the major electronics companies to try and “one-up” one another for the attention of the media, retailers, and ultimately the end consumers. It’s a time of year that brings with it a Christmas-like atmosphere to those us who consider ourselves “tech nerds”. At CES this year, there will be a whole section dedicated to 3D printing technology, featuring large companies such as 3D Systems, down to Kickstarter and Indiegogo startups such as New Matter.
For one company, ROBO 3D, who was funded on Kickstarter just about two years ago, CES is a time for them to show the world that they are here to stay. The company, which is known for their low-cost open source R1 3D printer, will be unveiling three new printers at CES this week. They include the R2, R MEGA, and R Mini.
The R2 is a 3D printer targeted toward prosumers, designed to be suitable for engineers, students, modelers, and product developers. ROBO 3D Co-founder and CEO, Braydon Moreno tells us that this new machine will be priced at around $1500. Specifications are as follows:
- 10x10x10″ build volume
- Dual nozzles
- Ability to print with multiple materials via its metal hotends
- Full color/graphic touch LCD screen
- Nearly fully enclosed build chamber
- Wifi enabled
The R MEGA is ROBO 3D’s large build volume (1 cubic meter) 3D printer, designed to be both simple and affordable, while catering to the needs of those looking for an industrial sized 3D printer. The estimated price on this printer will be around $10,000 according to Moreno. Here are some additional details on this 3D printer:
- 39x39x39″ build volume
- Dual nozzles
- Ability to print with multiple materials via its metal hotends
- Full color/graphic touch LCD screen
- Nearly fully enclosed build chamber
- Wifi enabled
The R MINI is exactly as its name states. It is a miniature 3D printer for those looking to print smaller objects in the comfort of their own homes. It is the most affordable 3D printer that ROBO 3D will offer, and it limited in its features. While it doesn’t feature the WiFi or the Dual nozzles of the other ROBO 3D printers, it does provide for quality print results, and a very appealing price tag. Moreno tells us that it will be priced at around $399. Here are some additional details:
- 4.5×4.5×4.5″ build volume
- Single nozzle
- Ability to print with multiple materials via its metal hotends
- Full color/graphic touch LCD screen
- Nearly fully enclosed build chamber
“Two years ago, we set out with a dream to shake the 3D printing industry with cool, feature full, great products,” said ROBO 3D Co-founder and CEO, Braydon Moreno. “We have been amazed at the reception of ROBO 3D in the marketplace and are excited for the release of new machines and new products in 2015. The world has seen nothing yet!”
It doesn’t stop here though. ROBO 3D is also introducing Spectrom to their line of 3D printers. Spectrom is a full color single extrusion system that is able to print in multiple colors, via a sturdy FDM process capable of instant, on-demand color switches without any intervention from its users. Developed by a group of engineering graduates from Wisconsin, the Spectrom device is said to be the world’s first full-color single extrusion 3D printer attachment to come to market.
Spectrom will be building beta units for the ROBO 3D R1 printer, and it will be available as an upgrade for current R1 owners. In 2015, however, ROBO 3D plans ot release a new version of the R1 with Spectrom already included. Currently allowing users to print with 64 different colors on demand, Spectrom says it will be capable of over 30,000 colors in the very near future.
“As we get ready for a HUGE year in 2015 with the rollout of more products and revolutionary technology, we plan to grow substantially, change the industry, and make ROBO 3D a household name,” explained Moreno. “The future is here and we are taking it as far as it can go. Time to continue our work.”
2015 will also bring the launch of Makable.com, ROBO 3D’s own file sharing marketplace, which will also act as a freelance platform to help designers connect with consumers looking to have 3D models created.
CES will certainly be an exciting time for ROBO 3D, and we will definitely be stopping by their booth to check out some of their new products. 2015 will be an exciting year not only for the company, but also for consumers, as the products we will see from ROBO 3D look to be quite extraordinary.
What do you think about the unveiling of these new 3D printers? What do you think about Spectrom? Discuss in the ROBO 3D forum thread on 3DPB.com.
