Everyone has seen at least one scene in a sci-fi movie where someone printed out an item. The items in the movies are generally parts or food, but the fact is that sci-fi movies have used this gimmick for years. Like the ideas of HG Wells, this idea is quickly becoming a reality for consumers. The 3D printer has been around for many years, but two consumer versions have finally appeared.

Known as the Cube and the Makerbot, these 3D printers may change the world economy as we know it.

Price

The 3D printer market has mainly been for hobbyists and manufacturers. This is because 3D printers often cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and making the items for the printer can be difficult. You typically need to design the items in a CAD or similar program before they can be printed.

The consumer 3D printer starts at just $1,300 for the Cube, and about $2,000 for the Makerbot. That might seem like a lot, but you need to consider just how useful this device can be.

Printing Items

Don’t you hate when a part breaks from your computer, shelf or anywhere else in the house? You need to go out and buy the part, and it becomes really inconvenient if you just can’t find what you are looking for. The 3D printer can instantly solve that.

You can easily print out whatever item you need. There’s no need to buy the part, and you can make it right from your home.

Materials

The 3D printer currently uses a powdered plastic resin for printing. This is a common material for 3D printers, and it is quite sturdy or malleable depending on your needs. These 3D printers have been shown to print out shoes, wearable gloves, wristbands and toys without any problems. While the items aren’t exactly indestructible, they are sturdy enough to be used.

Designs

If you want to make a custom item, then you need to know CAD. Many people don’t have the technical knowledge and skill to create CAD drawings, but there’s no need to worry. There are currently several websites that have different models that you can download and print from your 3D printer. For example, you can download a dice design to print at home.

If you still can’t find an item that you want, or if you want to print something that is larger than what the device can handle, then you can commission a custom order through the manufacturer. It costs a bit more, but it should cost less than buying the item from a store.

Colors

Early 3D printers only offered a white plastic resin, but the consumer 3D printers are starting to have vibrant colors. There is red, blue, purple, yellow and many other colors to choose from. This means that you can make an item to your exact specifications.

Wireless Printing

The last great thing to say about these consumer printers is that they function wirelessly over a WiFi connection. That means that everyone in the house can make exactly what they want, and they can print it right from their rooms.

Conclusion

Everyone is used to printing images on paper, but printing objects is something completely different. The devices may still be on the expensive side, but you easily pick up a consumer-grade 3D printer for $2,000 or less. If the thought of printing out literally any item you want seems the least bit interesting, then you might want to give one of these devices a try.

This article was written by DJ Sweetin for the team at quicklabel.com. Color printers are always handy; why not check out the color label printer devices here?

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