MakerBot, one of the pioneers in desktop 3D printing today announced the launch of METHOD – the first performance 3D printer for professional segment. The new 3D printer from MakerBot bridges the gap between desktop and industrial 3D printing as it brings together features that were previously only available on industrial 3D printers at a significantly lower cost.
Leveraged using technologies and expertise from one of the global leaders in additive technology – Stratasys and combined with MakerBot’s accessibility and ease-of-use, this new 3D printer has been initially priced at $6, 499. Shipping of this 3D printer is expected to begin from Q1 2019.
What’s Inside MakerBot’s Method 3D Printer?
The new Method 3D Printer features industrial technologies such as a Circulating Heated Chamber that controls the temperature and quality of every layer, Dual Performance Extruders built for high-speed printing without compromising part accuracy, Precision PVA Water Soluble Supports that enable fast and easy support removal, Dry-Sealed Material Bays to keep filament material pristine and reduce moisture absorption, and an Ultra-Rigid Metal Frame that offsets flexing to ensure more consistent prints with better part accuracy and fewer failures.
Some of the other features of Method include built-in sensors and automation features that are designed to provide users with a seamless experience. The printer’s industrial features control the 3D printing process. This enables a high level of precision, reliability, and dimensional accuracy at an accessible price. This technological breakthrough defines the new Performance 3D Printing category.
Industrial Level Reliability and Precision
The MakerBot Method 3D printer has been tested by MakerBot for over 220,000 hours of system reliability, subsystem, and print quality testing.
By carefully controlling every aspect of the 3D print environment, resulting in repeatable and consistent parts with ± 0.2 mm dimensional accuracy as well as vertical layer uniformity, and cylindricity, Method is designed to deliver industrial reliability and precision which was earlier limited only to industrial-grade 3D printers.
The dual extrusion system found in Method combined with water-soluble PVA provides a superior surface finish, and enables unlimited design freedom and unrestricted geometries, such as complex overhangs without scarring.
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In addition to the above features, Method also comes with the following features:
Smart Spool: The Smart Spool offers valuable information, including type, color, and amount of material remaining via an RFID chip directly to MakerBot Print, while desiccant in the spool maintains a low moisture level inside the drawer bay.
The 5” Capacitive Touchscreen: This provides the latest status updates of current print jobs and allows users to navigate the menus in the most intuitive way.
MakerBot Print Software: The MakerBot Print Software could be easily integrated with 25 of the most popular CAD programs. This allows designers and engineers to design with what they know best. For easy collaboration, teams can also save 3D files as projects and share them via the native Cloud Management platform. Method’s built-in onboard camera also allows users to monitor their print progress remotely with MakerBot Print or the MakerBot Mobile app.
Spring Steel Build Plate: The build plate provides true flatness for unyielding part accuracy and enables the printed part to pop off the plate.
Two Times Faster Print Speeds than Desktop 3D Printers
Method allows users to turn their CAD files to parts faster by providing a seamless and reliable workflow without tinkering, up to 2X faster print speeds than desktop 3D printers. Method offers out-of-the-box deployment and a hassle-free guided setup, making it easy to install and use. Method also includes automated maintenance procedures and support to ensure a smooth and seamless user experience.
Explaining how the new 3D printer from MakerBot can help organisations to adopt 3D printing at a larger scale, Nadav Goshen, CEO at MakerBot said, “In an age of disruption, businesses are under pressure to innovate and bring products to market faster. Current desktop 3D printers derive their DNA from hobbyist 3D printers and are insufficient for many applications in the professional segment.”
“We believe that Method is the next step in helping organizations adopt 3D printing at a larger scale. Method provides a breakthrough in 3D printing that enables industrial designers and mechanical engineers to innovate faster and become more agile. It is built for professionals who need immediate access to a 3D printer that can deliver industrial performance to accelerate their design cycles. Method is developed to bring industrial technologies into an accessible platform, breaking the price-performance barrier and redefining rapid prototyping in the process,” concluded Goshen.
