While many have long boasted the aesthetic beauty and engineering of the BEETHEFIRST 3D printer, it’s been about two years since BEEVERYCREATIVE has released a new model. That isn’t to say that the company hasn’t been busy, but that all of their work has been done behind close doors for the release of four new printers, three of which are variations of an upgraded BTF, and a new device.
As it plays a role in two of the new products’ sales packages, we’ll start with BEECONNECT, BVC’s open source solution to wireless, networked 3D printing. Designed by the open source community, the BEECONNECTED is a Raspberry Pi-based device that, like similar solutions from other companies, allows users to print over the web. All of the files for the BEECONNECT can be found on GitHub and the device can be purchased for €149, or €249 with a premium cover.
Among the announcements is an improvement to their previous model. The new BEETHEFIRST+ has internal hardware improvements, a more powerful extruder, and is capable of using all filaments on the market that don’t require a heated bed, an issue that I ran into when reviewing the printer awhile back. The company also boasts that the BTF+ “probably has the most stable calibration in the market (one client reported over 500 prints with no need to recalibrate!).” Those that purchase now, during the pre-sales period, will get 15 BEESUPPLIES and a one month subscription to 3DShook, the first subscription-based 3D model marketplace.
In addition to their upgraded BTF+, the company is also releasing BEE ME, a “Makers’ Edition” of the BTF+, which has an easier-to-open cover that is more rugged for workshops. The product is described as “in development” so that Makers can test the printer to its limits. In order to get the BEE ME into FabLabs and business incubators, BVC is supplying their wireless BEECONNECT controller with the printer for free, in addition to giving €50 credit to FabLabs and incubators to purchase BEESUPPLIES in the future. Pre-orders are available at a reduced price of €1,299 and come with a month subscription to 3DShook.
BVC has also developed the BEE IN SCHOOL, a BTF+ variation with a cover designed for the classroom. Students that purchase the BEE IN SCHOOL will also receive BEECONNECT and generates €80 in credit for their school. Like the BEE MEE, pre-orders can be made at a reduced price of €1,169 and will receive a one month subscription to 3DShook.
Finally, BVC has released their own open source 3D printer, the Hello BEE Prusa, developed in partnership with Portuguese company Hello3DPrintingWorld (but not in association with Josef Průša, the original inventor of the RepRap Prusa 3D printer). Offered in kit form, the Prusa-style printer is modular, with a heated bed and full-metal dual extruder capable of printing a wide variety of materials, including carbon composites.
All of the variations of the BTF+ have the same suggested retail price of €1,449, while the Hello BEE Prusa has an SRP of just €529, which is not bad at all, though, because the price is already pretty low, there will be no pre-sales discount. Additionally, the Hello BEE Prusa will be available in July, unlike the other models, which will be shipped in September. All but the BEE ME and the Hello BEE Prusa will also have 2 year warranties. It’s also worth noting that BVC has been working on selecting filament for their printers, saying, “Over the last months some BEEs nearly despaired in the process of selecting the best value for money filament. Gladly, it was well worth the effort. BEESUPPLIES are probably the best value for money PLA for all BEE or non-BEE Printers in the market.”
Though three of printers are variations on the same model, they are all quite beautiful to look at in their own way. According to Davide, the printing process for the previous iteration of the BTF is almost flawless and the new extruder’s ability to use any filament is definitely welcome. Plus, the price of the machine has been reduced quite considerably, making the BTF+ in all of its forms pretty appealing. The new Prusa looks pretty nice as well, sturdy and capable. If you, like us, would like review one of them, you can contact [email protected] for a sample unit. BEE warned! These sleek machines will be sold in Europe first.
