Tekma3D TM1 3D Printer Seeks Funding on Kickstarter

It seems like every week we see at least one or two new 3D printers launch crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo or Kickstarter. It’s a true sign of a booming industry, when numerous companies begin to emerge on the scene, all trying to outdo one another in some way, shape, or form.

Yesterday a company emerged on the scene, introducing what they believe is a very unique, high quality 3D printer. Tekma3D launched a Kickstarter campaign for their all new TM1 3D printer. The company is seeking $25,000 in order to begin manufacturing their machines.

The TM1 has a very futuristic, yet simple look to it. The goal of Tekma3D, for this device, was to create a 3D printer which was fast, accurate, and quiet. One of the biggest problems with cheaper printers on the market today is the noise and vibrations they give off during operation. Who wants a 3D printer in their office, much less their home, which distracts those within its vicinity? The TM1 looks to overcome these annoyances by using patent pending technology called ServoSpline™.

ServoSpline™ appears to work in a  similar fashion to that of the technology used within the MOD-t 3D printer we discussed at length in previous articles. The MOD-t, which just so happens to be the most affordable 3D printer offered today, is currently in the midst of their own funding campaign on Indiegogo. Basically what makes ServoSpline™ technology different from the technology used within most other FDM printers on the market, is the motion of the build plate. Most 3D printers use an extruder which moves along three axes, whereas the TM1’s extruder will only move along the Z axis (up and down) while the build plate will move the printed object along the X and Y axes. It does this by using two pinions which interact with elastromeric racks beneath the build plate. This brings speeds and accuracy up, and noise and vibration levels down.

The following are the specifications of the Tekma3D TM1 printer:

• Print Material: PLA filament, 3mm diameter
• Print Envelope: 130 x 130 x 130 mm (5x5x5″)
• Layer Height: 0.05 – 0.3mm
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.45mm
• Print Speed: 150mm/sec at 0.1mm height
• Printer Acceleration: 0.3G (3000mm/sec^2)
• Other Specs: No bed leveling required, SD card slot, filament change while running

The TM1 will retail for $1,499, which is a decent price when compared to printers with similar specifications. Those wishing to help back the project on Kickstarter can get the printer for a pledge of just $1,199, while supplies last. The Kickstarter project will run until July 18th and the first printers should begin shipping by September. Are you considering backing, or have you done so already? Let us know what you think about this printer in the Tekma3D TM1 forum thread at 3DPB.com.  Check out the Kickstarter pitch video below: