India, however, has a very low GDP per capita, approximately 3% that of the United States, meaning incomes are still relatively low compared to the developed world. 3D printing, however, if it can be made affordable enough, could become a huge factor in driving the country’s continued economic growth.
Thanks to a company called 3D-ing, this is now the case. Jagadesh Koteesvaran, Business Head for 3D-ing, tells 3DPrint.com that they have just released their new FabX 3D printer, at a price point almost unbelievably low.
“The 3D printer was released on Jan 31st at our 2nd Anniversary event and we have now started taking pre-orders,” Krishna Kumar of 3D-ing tells 3DPrint.com. “The FabX 3D printer is manufactured by us and it is for sale in both India as well as abroad.”
The price of the printer is just RS. 19,999, which is approximately $324 USD. Kumar tells us that they were able to achieve this ridiculously low price because they have a dedicated R&D team that focuses not only on the advancement of 3D printing technology, but also on cost reduction.
The FabX is constructed with HiWin miniature series rails and blocks, making up its XY gantry and “super-precise” coreXY mechanism. It has a very easy to remove build plate, which is held in place using neodymium magnets. Here are some of the machines’ general specifications:
- Build Volume: 100 x 100 x 100 mm
- Heated Bed: None
- Machine Dimensions: 300 x 300 x 300 mm
- Machine Weight: 5.5kg
- Print Speed: 30-100 mm/s
- Minimum Layer Height: 50 microns
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Print Materials: PLA, T Glass, wood filaments, flexible filaments
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Power Consumption: 70 Watts
- Connectivity: USB
- Warranty: 12 Months
- Software Used: Cura
- File Type Compatibility: STL and Gcode
With its affordable price point, this machine could certainly be in the budget of individuals living in both India and abroad.
“This FabX was made especially to tend to the needs of students and hobbyists and for small prototyping,” explained Kumar. “In the future we will be launching machines that will be suitable for architectural purposes, and industrial prototyping with industry grade services.”
It should be interesting to check back with 3D-ing in a year from now to see how well these printers have sold. Without a doubt, India is on the brink of becoming quite the 3D printing powerhouse if current trends continue.
“India, like any other developing country, has a huge industrial belt and each one of them require 3D printers for prototyping at various levels,” explains Kumar. “In addition to the industries, we have educational institutions, research parks, and product designers who are looking forward to cost-effective 3D Printers and advancements in 3D printing [in general].”
What do you think about the FabX 3D printer? Would you consider purchasing it? Discuss in the FabX forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the video of the printer in action below.
