Last year it seemed like every week we covered another company trying to outdo the others within the industry by creating the most affordable 3D printer possible. This year we are seeing another trend, though. For the most part, individuals who are in the market for desktop 3D printers are those who would describe themselves as ‘makers.’ They usually have interests in other ‘maker’ tools such as CNC mills, laser engravers, etc. This is likely the reason that we are now seeing the emergence of numerous all-in-one desktop manufacturing machines. In fact, I believe that we have covered a new all-in-one machine each of the last 4 weeks here at 3DPrint.com, and the trend seems to be only picking up.
Today, yet another all-in-one device has launched on Kickstarter, called the Stepcraft 2. For those of you in Europe, you may have heard of the company before. They have sold over 2,000 CNC machines since 2013 in Europe and now wish to expand on their success, with a new, much more capable machine.
The Stepcraft 2 builds upon the success found within the company’s first machine. This latest all-in-one device features 40 refinements from the prior design in addition to the multiple tool heads which are now compatible with the machine, turning the original Stepcraft CNC mill into so much more.
With tool heads for 3D printing, laser engraving, milling, hot wire cutting, and cutting vinyl as well as other materials with a drag knife attachment, this machine would be perfect for small businesses, schools, or simply those individuals who enjoy various DIY projects at home.
The Stepcraft 2 will be offered in several different versions, differentiated by their overall sizes. The Stepcraft 210 will feature a work space of 210 x 210 x 40 mm. From there the sizes expand with the Stepcraft 300 having a 210 x 300 x 80 mm work space, the Stepcraft 420 a 300 x 420 x 80 mm work space, the Stepcraft 600 a 420 x 600 x 140 mm work space, and the granddaddy of them all, the Stepcraft 840, having an enormous 600 x 840 x 140 mm work space.
The 3D printing capabilities of the machine will enable printing with various filaments (1.75mm size) such as PLA, PVA, ABS, PET, Nylon, and more. The company also claims that the straight path design of the machine will enable print accuracies and control above that of the typical desktop 3D printers you will currently find on the market.
Stepcraft is seeking funding of $35,000 by April 22 to send this all-in-one machine into production. For those interested in any of the various sizes of the machine, Stepcraft is making them available at a discounted price via their Kickstarter campaign, starting at $999 for the Stepcraft 300 ‘Crafty’ package, and going up from there as the machines get larger and additional attachments are added.
If all goes as planned, Stepcraft would like to begin shipping the very first units, globally, sometime in June of this year. Let us know if you have backed their Kickstarter campaign and what your thoughts are on yet another all-in-one desktop manufacturing machine. Discuss in the Stepcraft 2 forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the Kickstarter pitch video below:
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