3D Print – N – Pack is hoping that the Kickstarter community is interested in its pre-packaged 3D printing project kits, but who are these project kits aimed at and is there a market for them?
The concept behind 3D Print – N – Pack is pretty simple. Each kit is a complete 3D printing project that includes all of the non-3D printable components for the project including any motors, lights or metal parts needed for construction. So if you purchase a kit, right after you place your order, you will get an email with all of the STL files for the parts that can be printed at home on your 3D printer. If you’ve timed it correctly, by the time your non-printable parts arrive in the mail you could have all of your 3D printed components ready to go.
They say that the projects are for new and experienced makers with a 3D printer, however, personally I have my doubts that someone with experience is going to find much of value here. But the projects do seem like really great ways to bring new users into 3D printing, and have obvious benefits for schools and educational organisations. The available kits vary in complexity, so it’s entirely possible for new users to be educated on the basics of 3D printing and electronics using them.
Take a look at the 3D Print – N – Pack Kickstarter video:
There are five available 3D printing projects available via the crowdfunding campaign, with more projects planned for future releases. The mix of projects varies from easy, beginner projects to more complex and advanced – I’d call them intermediate – projects. Backers can select a simple 3D Printed Bottle opener project that includes the metal insert or a Google Headset that fits a smartphone, so you can either watch movies or use it for VR games. There is also a simple Computer Head Tracker project, a basic 3D Printer and the most advanced project is a working Quadcopter.
Once backers select the project that they want, they enter their personal 3D printer build platform size so you can be sent 3D models optimised for printing on your machine. There are size options for 4″, 6″, or 8″ printer beds. When you are emailed your STL files you will also be sent a PDF with detailed instructions, as well as tips and tricks for assembly.
The campaign is seeking an attainable $30,000 and is expected to end on December 22nd. The available kits range in price from $7 for the bottle opener, $25 for the Google headset, and $35 for the head tracker on the low end. The pricier options include the 3D printer project for $350, and the quadcopter, with a basic configuration available for $560 and a deluxe version for $680.
While I think the idea is a solid one, and the projects all seem fun and (relatively) simple, for me the campaign is aiming at the wrong people. There should be things like education packages and bundles of multiple projects. But just because the campaign is a little mismanaged it doesn’t mean that there isn’t value in it. I think there is most certainly a market for complete 3D printing and making projects, and if the campaign is successful it is easy to see many of their packages being included with the purchase of new 3D printers or brought up in bulk for schools. So while there are a few missed opportunities on this Kickstarter, I don’t think they are necessarily detrimental to the campaign or the product.
