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3D Printing

3D Systems targets families with sub-$1,000 3D printer

By Nick Lavars
January 06, 2014
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The Cube 3 will reportedly retail for under US$1,000, and s targeted at families
Cubify is emphasizing the Cube 3's appeal as a 3D printer for the family home
Through the companion app, users can browse other people's designs or connect to the Cubify online platform
The Cube 3 will reportedly retail for under US$1,000, and s targeted at families
The Cube 3 features an auto-leveling print pad and 75 micron resolution prints, courtesy of preloaded filament jets
The Cube 3 measures 13.3 x 13.3 x 11 in (33.5 x 33.8 x 28 cm) in size and weighs 17 lb (7.7 kg)
3D Systems also announced the Cube Pro, aimed at the professional end of the market
View gallery - 6 images

After first catching our attention with its out-of-the-box Cubify 3D printer back in 2012, 3D Systems is again looking to make inroads beyond the hobby market with its family-oriented Cube 3. Announced at CES today, the new sub-US$1,000 unit undercuts the $1,299 price of last year's Cube 2, while also upping maximum creation size and adding a new mobile app for more convenient printing.

The Cube 3 is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 13.3 x 13.3 x 11 in (33.5 x 33.8 x 28 cm) and weighing 17 lb (7.7 kg). The latest version also has the ability to print two materials and two colors at the same time. Using recyclable ABS and compostable PLA plastic available in a range of over 20 colors, dual jets allow for mix-and-match dual color and dual material objects.

Its maximum creation size of 6 x 6 x 6 in (15.25 x 15.25 x 15.25) is a slight upgrade on the 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 in (14 x 14 x 14 cm) output of the Cube 2, and although not revolutionary, is generous for a 3D printer at this price point. It also features an auto-leveling print pad and 75 micron resolution prints, courtesy of preloaded filament jets.

The company is emphasizing the Cube 3's appeal as a 3D printer for the family home, its website stating the device is recommended for children over eight years of age. This is complimented by the companion smartphone app (iOS, Android and Windows compatible), which lets users browse through other people's designs or connect to the Cubify online platform that features dozens of pre-designed objects, such as bottle-openers, dinosaur fossils and NBA figurines, and then print them remotely via the printer's built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g.

3D Systems also announced its high-end 3D printing solution, the Cube Pro. Geared toward the more professional end of the market, the device is capable of printing objects a considerable 10.75 x 10.75 x 9.5 in (27.3 x 27.3 x 24.1 cm) in size and three colors simultaneously.

The devices are set for a a 2014 Q2 release with the company yet to release specific pricing information, saying only that the Cube 3 will retail for under $1,000 and the Cube Pro for under $5,000.

You can watch the promotional video for the Cube 3 below.

Source: Cubify

View gallery - 6 images

Tags

3D Printing3D PrintersConnectivityWi-FiHomeCubifyCES 2014
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Nick Lavars
Nick has been writing and editing at New Atlas for over six years, where he has covered everything from distant space probes to self-driving cars to oddball animal science. He previously spent time at The Conversation, Mashable and The Santiago Times, earning a Masters degree in communications from Melbourne’s RMIT University along the way.
11 comments
BigGoofyGuy
If this trend keeps up, I think it won't be long where the 3-D printer will cost about the same as a desktop laser printer.
usugo
Too bad that as for the other 3d system printers you will find yourself to pay 3-5 times more (150$/Kg!) for the material as it uses a proprietary spool. It is the cheap printer, hugely expensive consumable all over again!
kvic
But can it print a document. Will the cartridge be half full new and last a few pages to find that the cartridge cost more than the printer?
The Skud
The cost of consumables will alwaysbe a stumbling block until one of these manufacturers comes up with an integrated or stand-alone accessory shredder/melter and moulder device that can reuse suitable recyclable plastic stock (drink water bottles?) into filament spools at a dearer upfront purchase cost, but then much cheaper system.
The Skud
Added comment - Perhaps that university guy could adapt his "shredded plastic into fuel" device to get the base stock for 3D spools? Circular thinking!
MarkmBha
I cannot see a long-term future for 3D printing.
kvic
Manufactures will always make wild claims about consumables and products costing while using planned obsolescence. This is the latest strategy by use by Manufactures for, to hell with saving the planet for big bucks.
ErinTarn
I'd like to point out to everyone that printers have been selling for $200 - $300 and the prices are rising based on demand/exposure. Classic price bloat and in the end, consumers lose. Build your own and print parts for other people to build them too. The 3D printer movement was intended to be open source but has now gone profit.
Eric Brackenbury
If it does not run in Linux its not worth discussing, these guys went to the "lets mess up the planet Business school" I think. The world is paved with the best of intentions until it comes to money.
sleat
The consumables for a multi-axis CNC milling station will always cost less than 3D printing, I'm afraid. And, even using billets of aluminium, which are fairly cheap, the result is tough, tough, tough.
You could plop the part right into your bicycle and ride it. Unlike anything that comes from a 3D printer, oh, except for maybe a headlight case or bottle bracket.
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