14 DAY TRIAL // Calling the new 3D printer from QSQM Technology Corporation a “desktop” 3D printer isn't altogether accurate, since the product is too tall to be put on a desk or table. However, the 3D printer is definitely a consumer product and will fit in quite well, even come across as just another piece of furniture when turned off.
The new contraption is called Uncia DLP 3D Printer and uses DLP technology, or digital light processing, to essentially grow an object out of a photopolymer, a light-sensitive resin. The term SLA (stereolithography) is also used to refer to it.
DLP 3D printers have very high resolution compared to FDM ones (Fused Deposition Modeling), which creates objects by layering superheated plastic filament drop by drop.
Unfortunately, DLP / SLA 3D printers have also been very expensive compared to the other consumer models in the world. Not multi-thousand dollar/Euro expensive (that's an honor reserved for metal 3D printers), but still in the several thousands.
Now, that time is at an end, for the Uncia DLP 3D Printer from QSQM Technology Corporation will sell at a price of only $299 / €299.
As we said, it cannot qualify as a desktop 3D printer, since it cannot be put on a desk or table. However, it is definitely a consumer 3D printer. Cheaper than many low-cost FDM ones really.
Although you might still want to position the thing next to an open window. After all, the 3D printing process gives off fumes, and the Uncia does not have a closed build chamber or an air purification mechanism.
The story of the Uncia is a pretty strange one really. The original model was crowdfunded back in January and cost $999 / €999. QSQM, the company behind it, proceeded to be acquired by another not much time later.
The Uncia development continued though. Indeed, the product actually followed a totally twisted development process. Crowdfunded products generally cost a certain amount during the campaign (orders are called pledges), but when they finally become retail products they get higher tags.
The Uncia 3D Printer went the other way. It originally cost $999 / €999, but the new model, which is pegged as more accurate and detailed than the first, will sell for $299 / €299. We can only hope that the $300 / €300 mark will be adopted as a standard price point after this, although QSQM probably won't mind if it keeps a monopoly on low-cost, high-resolution 3D printers.
