MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer Begins Shipping Today

Back in January the MakerBot Replicator Mini 3D Printer was unveiled to the world at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It immediately won several technology awards, including Popular Mechanic’s coveted ‘CES 2014 Editor’s Choice Award’. It also was selected as the ‘CES 2014 Best in Show’ by Zdnet and Digital Trends.

Today, over five months later and after a tremendous amount of anticipation, the first printers have begun shipping. Those who ordered earliest will get their printers first. It is recommended that they update the firmware upon receiving their printers, to ensure that they are running the latest version, and are able to unlock any new features that are available.  Makerbot’s CEO, Bre Pettis issued the following statement hours ago, in a press release announcing the commencement of the first shipments:

“As soon as we announced the MakerBot Replicator Mini, we received calls and orders from customers who couldn’t wait to purchase this easy and affordable 3D printer,”stated Pettis. “We see the MakerBot Replicator Mini as a turning point in the 3D printing industry. Much like the transition of the computer moving into the home 30 years ago, the MakerBot Replicator Mini is one of the first 3D printers to shift from the office to the home. We’re excited to have the MakerBot Replicator 3D Printing Platform and our Fifth Generation 3D printing technology inspire creativity and innovation in adults and children alike. Everyone can benefit from having a MakerBot Replicator Mini, but we expect to see the largest impact of having this 3D printer in the home with children. We believe that exposing children to 3D printing with a MakerBot Replicator Mini will change the way they think about the world and help prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

The Makerbot Replicator Mini has the following general specifications:

• Printing Technology: FDM
• Build Volume: 10 L x 10 W x 12.5 H cm (3.9 L x 3.9 W x 4.9 H in)
• Layer Resolution: 200 Microns
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Camera Resolution: 320X240 pixels
• File Types Supported: STL, OBJ, Thing, MakerBot

The printer currently retails for $1375, and can be purchased at the Makerbot website, or any Makerbot retail location. The Makerbot mobile app will be released shortly and will allow users to stream a video of their prints to their mobile devices via an on board camera within the Replicator Mini. Makerbot’s other 5th generation printer, the large Z18, will also begin shipping in the next few weeks.

Are you considering a purchase of the Makerbot Replicator Mini? Let’s hear your thoughts on the device at the Makerbot Mini forum thread at 3DPB.com. Watch the video below with Makerbot’s CEO Bre Pettis giving an overview of this new machine: