Replicator 2 (via MakerBot)
MakerBot industries, creators of the Cupcake CNC and Thing-O-Matic, have ventured into new territory with their newly opened 3D-printing shop in New York City in an effort to bring the now affordable inclusive hobby to the masses. The brick-and-mortar store features a selection of 3D printers, supplies/parts, as well as licensed works of art and models from the online community Thingiverse.
The company has also recently unveiled their new "Replicator 2" 3D printer that has a 100 micron resolution for more detailed 3D objects that require no after-production sanding or finishing unlike some of the other models currently available (RepRapPro, Solidoodle 2 and the Airwolf 3D to name a few). The Replicator 2 features several improvements over the original Replicator which includes a powdered steel frame (over the originals wood exterior), a build area of 410 cubic inches (about the size of a large loaf of bread) and prints objects using PLA filament in only one color (yes that’s a step down). The Replicator 2 is targeted for beginners (at a price-point of $2,199 US) that aren’t thoroughly familiar with making 3D objects. The system includes user-friendly MakerWare 3D printing software that’s easy to use over the company’s ReplicatorG program. For those with more knowledge MakerBot will be releasing a higher-end version, known as the Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer, earlier next year that features dual-extrusion to incorporate two colors and uses ABS thermoplastic filament over PLA (trickier to use). This means that the Replicator 2X will have a heated bottom which makes the material more pliable. This revision is targeted for those in the R&D who need to make prototypes on-the-fly as opposed to the lower-end Replicator 2 which was designed for architects, engineers and product designers that need demonstration models or quick prototypes. The Replicator 2X will cost slightly more than the first iteration ($2,799 US) and is currently available for advance orders.
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