Bitcoin and 3D Printing, Probably two of the most exciting technologies of our time. While Bitcoin promises to change the way the world transacts with one another, 3D printing promises to change the way the world manufactures. One Chinese company, 
Weibao is in the process of trying to raise substantial funding via both equity and rewards on a Bitcoin crowdfunding site called BTCIPO.Me.
The printer itself will function via the delta framework. It will have the ability to print in PLA plastics, as well as food, and also has the ability to quickly be transformed into a CNC machine, or Laser cutter within minutes. The printer will come in two packages, one which includes only the 3D printer, while the other will come packed with all the extras needed to turn the machine into one of several different computer aided manufacturing devices.
Below are a few specifications of the WeiBao machine:
- Build Volume: 16cm x 16cm x 17cm cylinder
- Software: Repetier-Host
- Extruder: Bowden extruder
Electrical:
- Assembled RAMPS 1.4 w/ 4 Pololu steppers
- 12V 10A laptop power charger
- Nema 17 motors with 0.55 N*m torque x 3
- Nema 17 motor coupled with a planetary gearbox
- J-head MKIV hotend
Modules:
- CNC Module (0.4 -3.2 mm Cutter, drill)
- FOOD Module (Cream 、Chocolate)
- ROBOT Module （Sucker and brackets）
- Laser Module (300mw)
Unlike the typical 3D printers which we have seen launch, thanks to rewards based crowdfunding from the likes of Kickstarter or Indiegogo, Weibao is taking a different approach in their drive to fund the mass production of their Delta-style 3D printer/laser cutter/CNC machine. They are simultaneously running two separate crowdfunding campaigns on BTCIPO.me. The first is one which works just like most Kickstarter projects that you may be used to, except for the fact that only BTC is accepted as a means of payment. In this campaign the company is seeking 60 Bitcoin over the next 29 days. For a pledge of just 0.3 Bitcoin, contributors can receive a basic WeiBao 3D printer, and for a pledge of 0.5 Bitcoin, they will receive the WeiBao full assembly kit, which includes all the modules.
In addition to this, the company is also selling equity within WeiBao in exchange for an investment. They are looking to raise 400 Bitcoin via equity crowdfunding. For each 1 Bitcoin invested, investors will receive a 0.1% equity stake in WeiBao company. The company hopes that within their first year of full scale production they will sell 3,600 machines, and generate profits of $1.2 million. If those numbers do turn out to be accurate, such an investment could be very lucrative.
It will be interesting to see if WeiBaop becomes the first major equity crowdfunded 3D Printer on the market. The machine seems to be quite affordable, and could really help to grow the Chinese consumer based 3D printer market.
Have you funded the WeiBao 3D Printer/CNC/Laser cutter machine? What do you think about the machine? Let us know in the WeiBao forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the introduction video below.