At the moment, there is an overlap between what might be considered first-ish generation desktop 3D printers and second-ish generation 3D printers. The former might be characterized by a the basic functions to hook the machine up to a computer and start 3D printing. Slowly, as this vaguely defined category blurs into the current second generation of desktop devices, there are a number of bells and whistles applied to the technology to bring it up to speed with the computers, smartphones, and tablets we’ve become accustomed to. This latter generation is characterized by things like a touchscreen control, automatic printbed calibration, and wi-fi connectivity.
To fill the gap between the two roughly outlined generations, a number of new companies have come onto the market, specifically offering this last and, in many ways, most coveted of features. It’s almost impossible to imagine a device these days that doesn’t have wi-fi connectivity and, as the owner of a USB-tethered 3D printer, it’s frustrating as hell to have to deal with any machine that isn’t hooked into the cloud. I’ve been in the process of setting up a Raspberry Pi control for my machine for months, without the time to buy and set up a suitable touchscreen. On Kickstarter, right now, there sits an easy solution to my problem.
Activ8 is a new device that aims to help people like me, stuck with a 3D printer without the bells and whistles. As an all-in-one package, Activ8 is made up of a touchscreen computer equipped with a slew of 3D printing programs suited for almost any open source 3D printer. This wi-fi enabled device uses its own, custom-made operating system (based on Debian Linux OS) to run all of the following programs:
Active 3D Pronterface – Our own custom version of Pronterface which incorporates Slic3r, with an .STL and .Gcode 3D viewer and plater.
Repetier-Server – A multi-printer, multi-connection printer server that handles the communication with 3d printers.
RepG – Drives MakerBot Replicator, Thing-O-Matic, CupCake CNC, RepRap machines and generic CNC machines.
Slic3r, Cura and Skeinforge – All three of these programs convert a 3D model into G code instructions for a 3D printer. Most printers are designed to work optimally with one of these programs, so we’ve included all of them.
Octorprint – An application that allows you to operate your 3D printer wirelessly.
Meshlab – Allows for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes.
Web browser – An integrated Web Browser that can be used to access and download all your favourite 3D designs straight from the internet.
In addition to running such open source programs as the aforementioned Pronterface, Repetier, and Octoprint, Activ8 includes both the virtual keyboard, incorporated into the touchscreen, and a physical, wireless keyboard. On top of that, the project’s creat8rs have been kind enough to throw in a stylus, too.
Backers of the Kickstarter campaign can purchase the Activ8 in either of two models. For 400 quid (am I saying that right?), roughly $675, customers will receive an upgraded Activ8 with a rechargeable battery. And, for £50 less (about $590), they’ll get the plug-in version of the Activ8. Designed by the makers of the Active-X1 desktop 3D printer, Activ8 continues the brand’s same open source philosophy. So, even if you don’t have the quid, you can still build your own touchscreen device to forever free your fabricator from your laptop or personal computer.
If, like me, you’re desperate for something to make your 21st Century 3D printing machine more in line with your smartphone and computer, the Activ8 may be among your options. For more info, visit the Kickstarter or watch their campaign video below:
