Since we first wrote about the Glacier Summit 3D printer from inDimension3 last October, the company has completely rebranded itself. With new management and a new website, inDimension3, or ID3, has launched a new printer line to, it appears, replace the old one.
The iDeator 12 is a sleek new machine that is a bit more appealing to the eye then the Glacier series, but still maintains a large build area, reflective of the Glacier line. The new iDeator 12 is named for its 12” x 12” x 12” print volume. ID3 also boasts that the new machine can print at speeds of up to 300mm/s, one of the fastest on the market. With a heated build plate and dual all-metal extruders capable of reaching up to 450°C, the iDeator 12 can tackle large tasks in a wide array of materials, including ABS, PLA, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon and HIPS. For such a large print volume and dual extruders, $3,945 is a decent price.
The company still maintains the Glacier Summit on its site, so it’s still possible to purchase the 16” x 16” x 18” Glacier Summit machine, but the site also hints that there are more iDeators in the works, a 16 and a 24. My thinking is that they may be repackaging their older machines with sleek new boxes to fit the company’s new website and image after the founders of inDimension3, Jeff Christiana and Detlef Schlieper, sold the company to “an investment company specializing in helping startups grow into larger, well-managed businesses.”
Now, the site features happy ID3 clients demonstrating items they’ve made with their large-scale 3D printers, while the new management gets completely situated. The company’s new CEO, John Springrose, explains the direction for the company, “The new site is designed to present a comprehensive solutions platform — high-performance printers, state-of-the-art materials, innovative software and high-quality post-processing tools and services.” Nice, new look or not, the most important thing for any 3D printer manufacturer is a quality product. A fast machine with a large build volume, I hope that the iDeator series can truly deliver on its promises.
“My thinking is that they may be repackaging their older machines with sleek new boxes to fit”:
I can readily assure you that they did NOT repackage their older machines with a sleek new box to fit…. Since I personally designed the core from a clean ‘sheet of paper’. This new machine and it’s derivatives have so many advancements from the originals there is no comparison.
-Christian
Thanks Christian—good to know. Now, if only the price for the new 16″ machine is comparable to that of the Glacier Summit (not the “plus” version) then I’ll get one.
This is tantalizing, eye opening, news! When a company makes a real investment to develop and produce proven quality products and their customers’ experience, it shows what their core values truly are. Quality should always be a foremost core value, not just a changing priority. The right values translate into more and repeat customers. I want to be one of them!
Was considering buying this 3D printer. However, after calling iD3 on 4 separate occasions I was unable to reach anyone in the sales department. Of course I made sure I didn’t call during lunch hour just to be sure. I also tried calling the tech support line to get a feel for how well they respond to customer issues. Guess what…I was unable to reach anyone in tech support either. BUYER BEWARE anyone buying a 3D printer is going to need support from the manufacturer to get the best possible prints and performance from the machine. Customer support should be high on your list of criteria if you are considering buying a 3D printer. If you don’t believe me search the 3D printer forums and see the poor souls who didn’t take this into account…and the frustration they are now experiencing with their machines. I ended up buying the Hyrel System 30. Their customer service is second to none.
Yes i bought the glacier summit and i have had nothing but troubles. i got it two mounts ago and i still have not been able to print a full print im so angry no one will help and i have no idea what to do now? Im out now more than 10grand.i can never can get any support from this company
Sorry to hear you are having problems. I know this machine can print well, because I have used it on a number of occasions. But I am not surprised that you cannot reach anyone, because they have gone through internal upheaval. The parent investors have dropped support and left many people hanging. I know, so I would definitely NOT recommend this company until you can get someone on the phone who has some essence of responsibility.
BUYER BEWARE because you will need tech support.