Cube™ is the first 3D printer specially designed for the home. From the sleek industrial design to the dimensions and weight – Cube will fit right in from the kitchen to the family room. Retailing for $1299.00 the Cube is ready to print right out of the box, you initialize like you would a cell phone and we will download 50 free print files to you immediately. The printer includes a cartridge of material that will deliver 8 – 15 average size models in a color of your choice – then simply reorder your next cartridge for just $49.99. Models will cost a few dollars to up to $10.00 for a large model. The printer dimensions are 14 X 14 X 18 inches high and it weighs under 9 pounds making Cube portable . . easy to use, fun to watch – and fit right into your home as a new member of your creative 3D family

Interview - 3D Printing with the Cube and Cubify.com

| 3D Systems

When will you start taking orders for the Cube and when will it start shipping to customers? 

We will ship  Cube™ in the first half of 2012 and announce order taking soon.  Right now we ask everyone to become a member of Cubify.com and ‘Vote’ for your favorite Cube color . ..  Begin to create and make in 3D – you can get started today with your favorite design and be ready when Cube arrives . . .

 

You have 10 colors of ABS available at launch. Will other colors be available?

We plan to offer additional material colors for Cube™ very soon.

 

Will other materials be available?

We will continue to look at other types of materials for Cube™ – right now we know that PLA will be one of the future material options for users just like we offer PLA on our RapMan™ and 3DTouch™ printers today.

 

Along with the Cube printer you are also providing an online on-demand printing service. Will that service be limited to the same plastic material used by the Cube or will other materials be available?  

The Cubify Cloud printing service will offer the full range of 3D Systems materials and technologies including full color 3D printing for delivery anywhere in the world  – this is just one of the many benefits unique to Cubify.com.

 

You are allowing third parties to build on top of your Cubify service through an API. Can you explain what functionality and services a developer will have access to? 

Cubify is a platform, one large application today.  By offering any developer our API we our inviting them to create an app from their current software development tool kit and, with one click, upload it for review and then sale on Cubify. We need to expand and extend the 3D content capture, design and personalization options we offer to individuals so that their create and make experience is all it should be. So on Cubify.com we want to provide developers an easy to use API and revenue sharing model to make it worth their efforts to engage.  The App developer sets the price and they will receive 60% of their purchase price on each and every transaction. 

 

When will the SDK be available?

We are working feverishly on the SDK – and will make it available before the end of February.  The SDK will provide all of the tools needed to develop apps for Cubify. However, please note that we will still accept apps built from a developers existing tools through our API.

 

Where is the primary market for 3D Printers at this time and how big is it? 

We have seen all manner of forecasts for this market – the individual consumer who simply wants to create and make in 3D. So the market size is subject to change but suffice it to say it is a very attractive market.   The largest bounding factor is the 3D content available today – the individual consumer is not expert in CAD and doesn’t want to become one.  By the way, we believe in a multi-tiered model where consumers may have the printer at home but local retailers also offer a way to get printed objects complemented by the Cubify cloud printing service. 

 

What do you see as the "Next Big Thing" in 3D Printing technology? 

Having been at this for 25 years we honestly believe that Cubify is that notable, major development – the ‘”Next Big Thing”. Over two decades ago 3D printing was about helping every product centric industry dramatically improve product development and reduce time to market.  Then from reengineering the entire hearing aid industry for in ear shells that offer a custom fit, to changing the way people get their teeth straightened and providing direct use parts for machines that fly and customized prosthetic devices, we have seen 3D printing improve the quality of life for humankind. When the individual is finally allowed to unleash their creativity with coloring book simplicity and access to 3D Systems cloud printing service or a Cube printer – the one thing we know for sure is that they will amaze all of us!

 

3D Systems

Founded in 1986 by Chuck Hull, with the invention of the first stereolithography rapid prototyping system, 3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D content-to-print solutions including 3D printers, print materials and on-demand custom parts services for professionals and consumers alike. The company also provides creative content development, design productivity tools and curation services and downloads. Its expertly integrated solutions replace, displace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, communicate, prototype and produce functional parts, empowering its customers to create with confidence.

Their 3D printing, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies use proprietary processes to fabricate physical objects using input from computer-aided design and manufacturing software, or 3D scanning and sculpting devices.

 

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow

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