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  • Author Author: Catwell
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Makerarm is six machines in one

Catwell

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For a machine that does so much, it's pretty small. Markerarm can 3D print, carve, plot, etch, and so much more. (via Makerarm)


Thanks to easy access to 3D printing and other CNC machines, more and more people are exploring their creative side without being a master machinist. But if you need to do something like resin printing, carving, plotting, and 3D printing all at once it's going to cost a lot of money. But don't max out your credit card yet; there's a new product that does all these things. Makerarm is a fabrication system that does all of that from the comfort of your desk. It will allow you to make nearly anything and even assemble the parts. Though there are other products similar to this, such as the Flux 3D printer, the Makerarm has the greater advantage thanks to its free-swinging arm. This means it can build pretty large objects and has more functionality with interchangeable heads.

 

The Makerarm can do a range of things, such as 3D print both filament and resin, do light-duty milling, and carve plastics, wood, and soft metals. There are also other features including laser engraving, pen plotting, and PCB fab with automated soldering. It also has a pretty big work area at 15.7 inches long by 31.4 inches wide by 10 inches high. And if you know someone else that's lucky enough to have one of these devices, the Makerarm has the ability to work with it in collaboration. As an added bonus, it also has wifi connectivity allowing you to control it from any device, anywhere. Sounds good, right?

 

Right now, the Makerarm is just an ambitious idea. There's currently a Kickstarter campaign that has yet to reach its goal of $349,750. But it definitely looks promising. An accompanying video posted on the page shows the device building an entire (shoddy looking) laptop. Anyone interested in the Makerarm can order a unit starting at $1,399 with a single head tool or shell out $2,199 to get the device with all the heads. Those who pledge will also get the software and a one year subscription to Autodesk's Fusion 360. If the company actually hits its goal, you can expect to get your Makerarm around October 2016. With a device like this, the DIY spirit won't be dying anytime soon.


I have to say, the video makes me want to buy one. The real question will be, get the Makerarm or individual machines for each functions? Typically, All-in-one approaches can never reach the same quality level stand alone machines designed for each task can do. Also... where is the lathe attachment?



C

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  • Hi Cabe,

     

    frankly I like the design. That's all. Unfortunately image

    To be honest I have no idea if you are presenting this idea as the solution of the future or you too are seeing this arm with a certain diffidence. I am for the second option, and I am more innovator than conservator by principle and nature.

    IMHO the point is that behind the really nice design there are aspects that are not explored by this well don and well edited marketing video. The things that I am sure are that the arm can feed the red fish, can paint and can do a lot of other things. Then, what is the cost? Because there are tons of DIY projects that can do these thing better.

     

    Instead speaking of the performances that can be really useful, I have am really skeptic. My first impression objections are the following:

     

    1. How much complex is to change the tools moving from laser engraving to milling to foam cutting?
    2. What when really milling a piece? Should someone stay there seeing the arm working with his brush in the hand? What about the real plastic powder produced when you mill something? On your desk? Because you can keep this beautiful thing in a garage ...
    3. Did someone of the engineer that made this project asked himself for just a minute why the mill machines are so heavy? The answer is in a single word: stability But they mill with a arm placed on the table. Sounds as fantastic as fiction!
    4. What about laser engraving? These machines, as well as the mill machines has protective boxes, did someone of these engineers asked himself why ?
    5. What about drill? I have serious doubts on this too. And what about software? Do the arm write its software of there is a serious compatible framework to support the real things?

     

    These are only the most meaningful aspects that make me suspecting ...

     

    Enrico