Desktop 3D printer

From WikiCover

On September 13, 2007, Desktop Factory announced that, in response to growing customer demand, the company will begin accepting reservations for its forthcoming low-cost 3D printer, the Desktop Factory 125ci.

Starting today, Desktop Factory will begin taking a 10% deposit ($495) for the first 1,000 reservation orders placed via the company’s web site . With the introduction of the Desktop Factory 3D printer, disruptively priced at $4,995, Desktop Factory is bringing the power of printing in 3D to the masses.

Until now, 3D printers have been large, expensive machines confined to the shops and design departments of major corporations and elite design firms. The Desktop Factory 3D printer, however, is about the same size as early laser printers, measuring approximately 25 x 20 x 20 inches and weighing less than 90 lbs. Unlike traditional 3D printers, the Desktop Factory printer has, from the start, been designed to be extremely user friendly. The printer can be plugged into standard wall outlets, is fully network compatible, requires no special ventilation and uses an inexpensive halogen light source and drum printing technology to build its robust parts layer by layer using low-cost composite plastic powder.

The Desktop Factory printer uses industry-standard 3D file formats to build its highly durable models and has a maximum build volume of 5 x 5 x 5 inches. Build speed is comparable to existing 3D printing technologies and proprietary software automatically slices and orients the part for optimal build performance and creates any required support structures. The Desktop Factory 125ci is currently in beta, with initial shipments planned for 2008.