One question that comes up a lot, when talking about when 3D printing will come to the masses, is if and when we will be able to walk into a traditional computer/electronics store and buy a 3D printer. In the United States, this has yet to really happen on any kind of large scale. Sure you can visit one of the three MakerBot stores, or one of the several dozen Microsoft stores and purchase a MakerBot Replicator. However, we have yet to see general computer and electronic stores begin to really start supporting the 3D printing movement.
That is until a recent announcement by Radioshack and Printrbot. The two companies have confirmed that select Radioshack store locations will begin carrying Printrbot Simple 3D printers.
“Ok, it’s official, said Printrbot CEO Brook Drumm. “Radioshack will soon carry the Printrbot Simple! Wooohooooo!”
Radioshack has already been selling Afinia 3D printers via its website for quite some time now. They even sell their own Radioshack brand of filament. However, this announcement is a big one, in that people that have no clue how 3D printing works, will now be able to walk into a Radioshack store, see a demonstration and purchase an affordable 3D printer.
The Printrbot Simple currently retails for $599. Here are the technical specifications.
- Build Volume: 6″ x 6″ x 6″ (150mm x 150mm x 150mm)
- Print Resolution: 100 Microns
- Filament: 1.75 PLA
- Hot End: 1.75 Ubis Hot End with 0.4mm Nozzle
- Construction: Steel and Aluminum Body
- Finish: Powder Coated
- Print Bed: Semi-Auto Leveling via Software
- Belt: GT2
- Pulley: Aluminum
- Rods: 12mm
- Weight: 12 lbs
It will be interesting to see if other stores such as Best Buy, Target, or Office Depot, follow suit. This may end up being a turning point, in what could possibly bring 3D printers to the masses.
What do you think? Discuss this article in the ‘Printrbot coming to Radioshack‘ thread on 3DPB.com
