CEL Launches Free Automaker Slicing Software, Integrates with MyMiniFactory for all Robox Users

An announcement just in from London highlights a historical day for MyMiniFactory and CEL as they launch Automaker 1.01 today as a free download and now with full integration into the MyMiniFactory library. The partnership between CEL and iMakr promises to offer an even better 3D printing experience of downloadable 3D designs.

Coming through on their promises to Kickstarter supporters, CEL is not only promoting the slicing software from the beta phase and making it available as a free download, but they’ve had some new features that both new and existing users will appreciate.

“We’re already making good on many of the promises we made to our original Kickstarter backers, which is immensely satisfying,” said Chris Elsworthy, CEO of CEL. “We’re a challenger that builds all of its products from the ground up, we’re competing with companies that have bought their way into this space, that have very deep pockets – and we’re winning – that’s satisfying too.”

CEL is the company that brought us the popular Robox 3D printer, which retails at about $1549 right now under a North American special. The Robox has received critical acclaim, due not only to superior speed and performance, but also a number of strong, unique features leading to high resolution. The machine also boasts both brains and beauty, as it is exceptionally pleasing aesthetically with a sleek, modern design that seems to be a big selling point also.

Previously just being used in development for Robox, Automaker is now a software suite that they aim to please with as much gusto as the Robox 3D printer.

At the top of the list for new features allowing higher quality prints is the open-source Cura slicing engine, accompanying the existing Slic3r engine and catering to the fact that the Robox is a 3D printer featuring Bowden tubes. CEL announced that there will be more slicing engines available in the future.

Many of the improvements were established due to feedback from Robox users, like a new diagnostics system that also offers calibration, and features for helping the user fix potential problems.

“Creating a truly plug-and-print 3D experience is as much about software as hardware,” said Elsworthy. “With this release of AutoMaker, the Robox project now offers the most consumer-friendly 3D printing experience on the market. Our current users getting the new AutoMaker will experience an immediate improvement in the reliability and the quality of prints, while new users will find the Robox system more accessible than ever.”

MyMiniFactory library users now have the power to browse, and then download 3D models directly through the CEL Robox slicing software. From within the MyMiniFactory platform, Robox owners only need to click on the ‘From Cloud’ button at the bottom of the AutoMaker project screen, and they’ll be able to search from within AutoMaker to pick a design. It’s one more step in the rapid evolution of 3D design and 3D printing, offering users both ease, as well as a more streamlined way to experience higher quality prints.

“The first version of AutoMaker integrating MyMiniFactory will allow Robox owners to get access to great, thoroughly tested 3D-printable content from the best designers for 3D printing out there – and it’s absolutely free, said Romain Kidd, CEO of iMakr Group. “It’s tremendously exciting for MyMiniFactory to be the world’s first independent marketplace of 3D printable files to team up with a 3D printer manufacturer – even more so given that CEL shares our vision of widening access to this amazing technology.”’

Both CEL and iMakr share a focus for offering access to revolutionary tools, and designs to their users. This is an exciting new touch, and we look forward to following its success as well as seeing what new features and technology are in the works.

Are you a Robox owner? What do you think about the integration of the slicing software in the MyMiniFactory platform? Tell us your thoughts in the CEL Launches Free Automaker Slicing Software forum over at 3DPB.com.