Just as the consumer season reaches fever pitch, Solidoodle has unveiled its new 3D printer, Solidoodle 4, for the consumer market. The fully encased printer can be purchased through the Solidoodle website and at Micro Centers after forming a collaborative market venture. The product seeks to continue a trend to bring 3D printing technology into the home.
Even grassroots Kickstarter projects often rely on larger commercial printers through leasing for 3D printing ventures. Solidoodle looks to bring the printer directly to the consumer and offers an ebony frame with promising dimensions. The enclosure features two access point, a front door that shuts magnetically and a panel on top, both of which offer a good views of the heated print bed. The build area is 8 x 8 x 8 inches so Solidoodle 4 stakes a strong competitive claim for users looking to develop larger models.
Solidoodle partnered with Micro Center placing the 3D printer in stores in time for the holiday rush. Judging by the inundation of advertising in all US media and news reports ahead of Black Friday, Solidoodle picked a fortuitous season to unveil its new consumer-friendly 3D printer. It can, reportedly, print straight out of the box once plugged in. A smart buy for enthusiasts without commercial 3D printer access and sold as a novice-proof model, the Solidoodle 4 has the potential to appeal across a spectrum of 3D users.
What separates 3D printing from say Bitcoins or other technology like the latest smartphone is the fraternal community at heart. People want other people to share in their creativity and technology instead of hoarding it for personal gain. This sentiment is shared by Solidoodle CEO Sam Cervantes, “Our mission is to get more people creating! 3D printers are an amazing tool for today’s innovative society. With the Solidoodle 4, anyone can bridge the gap between digital and physical. Developing 3D printers that are affordable and easy to use is key to our growth and success, and our new product is a major step in that evolution.”
