While 3D printing dominates the news lately, not much is heard about the venerable CNC machines anymore. In fact, CNC machines haven't changed much. Workers will design what they need on a computer and then bring the material to the machine to be cut. In a recent move to invigorate the CNC world, Shopbot decided users should be able to bring the CNC machine to the materials. They created the Handibot, which functions as a portable CNC machine.
The Handibot is built and designed to cut shapes designed through apps. Using a computer or a smart mobile device the user can specify the shape, dimensions, or figures that will be cut. Once the specifics have been decided the user only needs to load the information into the Handibot and then press a start button. One feature that can be beneficial or work against Shopbot is its control through multiple apps. Rather than using a single app for all the design purposes, multiple apps will be available for purchase, which will allow users to simply load specific shapes or designs right into the machine. This is an innovation in its own right.
Shopbot mentions virtually anything can be cut using the Handibot with a step resolution of 0.00025 inches. It is also useful for surfaces that may be bigger than the Handibot's cutting area. The default maximum volume is 6 x 8 inches and 4 inches in depth. Using jigs and additional motors, a larger automated system can be put together to cut larger shapes out of larger pieces. This is allowed by the Handibot's capability to control extra external motors.
In addition, Shopbot decided using crowd funding to get the Handibot into production. “We are seeking crowd funding to support development of the Handibot tool and its ecosystem of job-related and task-based software applications. As a small manufacturing company, we believe the best way for us to quickly and efficiently develop this tool and grow its library of apps is to reach out to the greatest possible number of people for help,” Shopbot mentioned on its Kickstarter page.
Over the period of a month, the Handibot faced no difficulties meeting its goal. The goal was $125,000 and they successfully collected $349,498. The cheapest available price for one of the devices was $1,995 available to the first 10 backers who pledged. However, after that it cost any additional backers $2,400 to purchase a Handibot. While the uses of the Handibot truly are limitless; I don't see many hobbyist and home owners purchasing one for themselves. As much as they might want one, the expected price of $2,500 is a bit expensive for a new shop tool of that size. On the other hand, this can be a great investment for a business. Using one of these machines, any business can greatly expand their capabilities and produce amazing work. Portable, on the spot, manufacturing is surely going to open doors to small business.
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