Accelerate The Design Process

The use of 3D printers makes the development process faster, better and cheaper. Especially for the first iterations, our printers bring high cost savings and efficiency gains. As a rule, 50% of the costs and time can be saved compared to classic manufacturing processes, e.g. machining.

Agile methods, such as Scrum, with fast feedback cycles have become the standard in software development. With a Makerbot Replicator 3D printer, the benefits of fast feedback cycles can be transferred to the development processes of physical products. Our customers design in CAD during the day and print a 3D model overnight, which they discuss the next day in a team or with the customer. This enables the products to be launched on the market more quickly.

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How does the new Makerbot Print software support the designer in creating the model?

Makerbot Print is designed to easily and efficiently integrate the 3D printer into the design workflow. The software works with all common CAD programs and eliminates the need to export each component as an STL file. With Makerbot Print, complex assemblies can be imported directly from the CAD file, which are then automatically arranged on one or more building boards. Printing then takes place in succession or simultaneously on several Makerbot 3D printers that are controlled via the network or the Internet. Users can now also manage 3D files and multiple building boards in projects, and simply send project files as attachments and collaborate with others.For the designer, this means a considerable saving of time and enables faster iterations and teamwork - also worldwide.

What improvements do the new "+" series 3D printers offer?

The new Makerbot Plus series includes the Makerbot Replicator + and the Makerbot Replicator Mini +. The new 3D printers are faster and quieter than their predecessors and have a larger build volume to produce larger models or multiple prints at the same time.

The Makerbot Replicator + is around 30% faster, has a 25% larger installation space and is 27% quieter than the previous model. The Makerbot Replicator Mini + is around 10% faster, has a 28% larger installation space and is 58% quieter than its predecessor Makerbot Replicator Mini Compact. To ensure a consistently high level of performance, the new 3D printers and their components were optimized and tested in over 380,000 cumulative hours. Furthermore, both devices are equipped with a Smart Extruder +, which can be easily replaced with one hand.

What materials do Makerbot 3D printers use?

Makerbot printers work with Makerbot PLA filament and Makerbot Tough PLA filament. PLA is an environmentally friendly bioplastic made from corn starch and can therefore be used safely in the workplace without producing toxic fumes.

The new Makerbot-Tough-PLA filament enables the printing of durable, highly stable parts and brackets. The mechanical properties are comparable to or exceed ABS, for example in terms of elongation at break. In addition, the material is easier to process, which is shown by the thermal distortion.

In addition to the PLA filaments, Makerbot also offers a filament made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for its 3D printer Replicator 2X.

What solution does Makerbot offer for design departments with multiple locations?

With the new 3D printers of the Makerbot Plus series, a comprehensive range of network solutions and services has been developed. The devices are equipped with a MAC address, TCP / IP, remote condition monitoring and remote condition control and offer individual users or small to large organizations the greatest flexibility - regardless of whether the devices are in the same room or building or even in different parts of the world. With the integrated live camera feed and status updates on printing progress, several networked 3D printers can be checked and monitored on the desktop PC or via the Makerbot mobile app on a mobile phone.

Furthermore, departments at different locations can work together, as 3D files can be saved in the form of projects and shared and edited with each other.

Thank you very much, Mr. Storz.