14 DAY TRIAL // Having a Kickstarter campaign pulled from the site usually results in something not too different from disgrace, but the case of GP3D was, fortunately, just a misunderstanding. One that has been cleared up, meaning that a new and cheap 3D printer is up for grabs again.
GP3D has posted a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter website hoping to finance the further development and marketing of the Root 3D printer.
This additive manufacturing machine is one of those small and less than fancy consumer printers, but it is also one of the cheapest ever made.
True, the retail price will be a fair bit higher than the minimum pledge, but that doesn't take away from the allure of the $375 / €330.
Even the standard retail price of $549 / €482 will be no greater than that of every other low-volume FDM printer in the world, lower than some even.
The GP3D Root 3D printer
The Root 3D printer has a layer thickness of 100 microns and a build volume of 5.90 x 5.90 5.51 inches / 150 x 150 x 140 mm, though the whole printer measures 11.7 x 8.7 x 15.9 inches / 230 x 220 x 400 - 403 mm.
The body of the printer is made of metal, making it significantly more robust than many others in the world.
Not that it should matter as long as you don't drop it or throw it out the window due to the sort of rage usually seen in peeved-off gamers.
The Root 3D printer is even intended to be kid-friendly, though we would still advise against anyone under school age being allowed access to it.
Finally, the Root 3D printer accepts PLA filament (biodgradable) and itself has a small environment footprint, as expected from a parent company called Green project, Inc.
Availability
People willing to pledge the sum mentioned above will get a GP3D Root 3D printer at some point in May 2015, since the campaign ends on March 25. The printer should be able to print nonstop for around 300 hours before it needs maintenance.
