OLO 3D: Will the Smartphone 3D Printer Soon Make Other Pricey Machines Obsolete?

Not too long ago I was talking with a friend who has resisted the smartphone as long as possible. One of those types who thinks kids and adults all spend too much time looking at screens instead of enjoying the natural world, once he got one he remarked on how he could pretty much throw out every other pricey tool in his arsenal from his nice camera to his GPS. But your 3D printer? Certainly it was bound to happen, and especially as the world of technology moves at such a rapid speed–and with the OLO, it would appear that might be delightfully so.

Beginning with a contest, right out of the gate, users can also register to win one of what looks like to be shaping up to be the 3D printer of the future, simply by taking a picture and putting it on Instagram with #olo3d.

Compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS, this new device is being greatly anticipated, and should be seen quite soon on Kickstarter for under $100 as they launch a campaign to get the smartphone 3D printer on the ground for the public. As to the finer details of how it will work, those are being kept well under wraps, but with the capacity to turn a smartphone into a 3D printer, this could signal an even far more serious explosion for the technology, far beyond what we are experiencing now–not to mention rendering some other pricey and unwieldy machines obsolete almost before they’ve even gotten off the ground.

The only hurdles 3D printing has really met, aside from infamous speed issues, have been those of accessibility and speed. With those out of the way, it should be quite fascinating to see what happens in the near future. Suffice to say, this technology may not be popular with some of the more traditional 3D printing manufacturers, unless they are somehow able and willing to jump on board, embracing this new technology as well and making it work for them.

Sure to be app-driven, the OLO will probably be a compact, open-source design that should allow for a great deal of sharing and continued social media interaction. The company was on site at Maker Faire recently where it received great attention and was of course received as a concept that’s only logical for this industry.

Developed by SOLIDO3D, this technology stems from an Italian company that is on a mission to bring 3D printing to the world in a stylish, accessibly manner. Aside from development, they also offer services in 3D printing, 3D scanning of medium to large items, as well as CNC milling. They work with a wide range of professionals from designers to architects, as well as those engaged in engineering and 3D solutions requiring custom materials–sometimes requiring ‘unconventional processes.’ Dedicated to constantly growing and researching the latest innovations in 3D printing, SOLIDO3D makes prototypes that are both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian, using other process and technologies as well depending on customer needs.

What are your thoughts on this new smartphone-powered 3D printer?  Discuss in the OLO 3D Printer forum thread on 3DPB.com.