Imagine one day, when your computer breaks, you can just make the damaged parts yourself and fix it. It's called 3D printing. They are already talking about doing it for car parts, and even, one day, human organs. Those ideas are just talk at this point, but the less controversial level of the technology is ready for you to take home, for a price tag that's less than an iPhone. In the May issue of Business Traveller, our regular contributor Steve Dinneen will share the latest with you and recommend 10 machines in reachable price ranges that allow you to get a taste of the future. Here's a preview:
3D PRINTING PEN
Build dimensions Unlimited
PRICE US$116
PROS Cheap, tiny
CONS Final product is not professional-grade
INFO Essentially an unanchored nozzle, which you can use to extrude your PLA plastic in any shape you want.
CUBEX TRIO
Build dimensions 18.5cm x 26.5cm x 24cm
PRICE US$4,399
PROS Prints different colours and materials
CONS Relatively expensive
INFO The Cubex Trio is able to extrude different materials at the same time (ABS and PLA plastics) and even print in three colours at once.
MAKERBOT DIGITIZER
Scan dimensions 20.3cm x 20.3cm x 20.3cm
PRICE US$799
PROS Compact, fast
CONS New tech, so not perfect results
INFO Instead of using computer aided design (CAD) files, this machine offers consumer-level 3D scanning technology. It is small enough for you to pack in a suitcase for roadshows.
BUKITO PORTABLE
Build dimensions 12.5cm x 15cm x 12.5cm
PRICE US$849
PROS Small, light
CONS Have to build it yourself
INFO Weighing only 2.7kg, you can really take this on the road with you, although if you are one of those who find IKEA furniture annoying to build, you might want to find help with this one.
To subscribe to Business Traveller, click here.
Clement Huang
