MakerBot Replicator Z18 Begins Shipping Today

Back in January, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Makerbot wowed the crowds as they unveiled a series of three different 5th Generation 3D printers, the Replicator, the Replicator Mini, and the largest of the three, the Replicator Z18. All three printers featured high end, easy to use technologies, not seen in the typical consumer oriented 3D printers that were on the market prior to their unveiling.

Up until today, all but the Replicator Z18 had commenced shipping to those who have ordered them. Having said this, minutes ago Makerbot announced that the Replicator Z18 has begun shipping to those who ordered them the earliest. The largest and most expensive of the three new fifth generation machines, the Z18 is certain to be quite the 3D printer if you can afford it. Marketed more towards small businesses, than the individual hobbiest, the Z18 features a variety of high end features, including an enclosed heated build chamber, to prevent warping of larger objects during the print process, as well as ethernet, USB, and WiFi connectivity.

The following are the general specifications of the Replicator Z18:

• Printer Technology: FDM
• Printer Weight: 90 lbs
• Build Volume: 30.5 x 30.5 x 45.7 cm [12.0 x 12.0 x 18.0 inches]
• Layer Resolution: 100 Microns
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Print Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
• Camera Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
• Z Positioning Precision: 2.5 Microns
• XY Positioning Precision: 11 microns
• Supported File Types: STL, Thing, OBJ, Makerbot

For those who placed an order for the Z18 already, Makerbot has stated that all orders will be shipped out within the next few weeks, based on the date the order was placed. Customers will recieve an email once their printer has been shipped. If you have not placed an order yet, the Replicator Z18 sells for $6499, and will be shipped as soon as possible, once an order is placed, according to the company.

Have you ordered Makerbot’s flagship printer? Are you considering ordering it? Let us know in the Makerbot Z18 forum thread at 3DPB.com

The Makerbot Replicator Z18 – $6,499