I got a great opportunity to catch up with Brook Drumm of printrbot this week. It was definitely a highlight of my two days at the 3D Printshow in London.
Brook is an extremely knowledgeable, engaged and engaging, passionate and straight talking individual. I must also mention that on at least two occasions during our chat, he described himself as a “goof” (he really isn’t!) but demonstrates his self-deprecation nicely. What I think struck me the most, though, is that he is certainly a rare breed in that he demonstrates a combined keen head for business with a sense of morality the likes of which I rarely come across in this 3D printing industry of ours — it tends to be one or the other.
Printrbot is going places — Brook is close to getting a funding impetus — done in his way and in his time, which will allow the company to scale up. As you might expect there has been a fair few offers when it comes to funding, due to his ongoing success, but the definitive impression he left me with is that he is not going to sell out — ever. He loves what he has done — and what he is doing — too much for that. So, what is on the horizon? Imminently there is a printrbot CNC machine on the cards — to be launched at Maker Faire NY this coming month. Also the Printrbot Go — which never quite went, his words not mine — is morphing into the printrbot Pro. A true professional scaled up version of the printrbot tech embedded with the printrbot company values.
And value is the key word — it’s not about offering the lowest cost machine; rather it is all about offering real value for money. Brook explained his ethos — he’s tried cheaper components in his evolving machines, in a bid to keep the RRP of the machines down — it just didn’t work. He talked about how he would rather use superior components, despite the extra costs involved, and having to pass them on, to ensure improved performance, which ultimately means that his user base is happy and as untroubled as possible. They get the best price performance ratio he can possibly offer — and that’s tested and proved from his own experience of playing, tinkering, working hard and being passionate about it all.
The printrbot platform evolution is self evident over the last few years – from the early KS success to now as the range of 3D printers have expanded, perform better and look more and more professional with a wide (and happy) user base. Education also remains a strong driving force behind the company ethos, as does the growing community of users.
The wood is going to be a thing of the past across the board — metal is the way forward for functionality and aesthetics. With the one exception of the kits — “because the kids like it!”
The parts produced on the printrbots are beyond impressive — and that’s not just my opinion. Ooohs and aahhhs filled the soundswaves around the constantly busy printrbot exhibit in London.
The very best thing Brook told me (and RichRap) though, is a big secret – a brilliant initiative he’s been involved with but can’t go on the record with yet. Can’t wait until that goes live, it’s really exciting – for him and for America!
