14 DAY TRIAL // The price of a 3D printer grows along with the number of materials it can use at once, and its ability to combine those materials and colors together. So one would think that the Cube from 3D Systems would cost more than $1,000 / €1,000.
It doesn't. The company made a point of starting its CES product releases with a printer that sells for less than that amount.
And even so, the printer is twice as fast as “other alternatives” and can create items in “expanded, finer resolution print modes and with greater materials selection.”
The Cube 3 also has advanced mobile printing capabilities, integrating a Cubify mobile app and high speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
That way, you can use your smartphone or tablet to send a model to the item to be printed, and the models can be really complex too. It's all thanks to the auto-leveling printpad and easier supports removal.
Another advantage is the compliance of the 3D Systems Cube 3 with all IEC 60950 Printer Safety Requirements, meaning that it is safe to use at home or at work by adults and children alike.
That said, since 3D Systems was careful enough to secure a booth in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of time, it will have the Cube on show there from tomorrow to Friday (January 7 – 10, 2014).
And since the Makerbot Replicator 3 isn't ready for marketing yet, that means that 3D systems will get the market all to itself for a while.
Well, not like the previous-generation rivals are going anywhere, but contemporary means up to date and upgraded, so that will score points.
3D Systems also has the advantage of being one of the few 3D printer makers attending the Consumer Electronics Show, so it should ensnare quite a few visitors.