Sub-$10,000 3D Printers Near Market

By Sara Ferris

Both 3D Systems (Rock Hill, SC) and Desktop Factory (Pasadena, CA) are developing 3D printers that they plan to sell for less than $10,000.  3D Systems (Rock Hill, SC) launched its V-Flash Desktop Modeler, which it plans to roll out in the United States following its World Conference this week. The company expects to expand distribution into Europe during the first quarter of 2008. The printer uses 3D Systems’ FTI (film transfer imaging) technology and is expected to sell for $9,900.

With the capability to create high-quality, ready-to-use, three-dimensional models in the office, home or school setting, and the affordability of this solution, we believe that this modeler will usher in a new expansion era of Rapid Prototyping to a broader range of market applications,  said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems’ president and chief executive officer.

Meanwhile, Desktop Factory (Pasadena, CA) is now accepting reservations at its Web site for its upcoming low-cost 3D printer, the Desktop Factory 125ci. Customers can secure one of the first 1,000 printer orders with a 10% deposit (US$495). Initial shipments are planned for 2008.

“The potential of 3D printing and the vast array of applications for the technology immediately captures people’s imagination,” said Cathy Lewis, CEO of Desktop Factory. “Judging by the thousands of inquiries we’ve received from around the world, the Desktop Factory 125ci, with its promise of affordable, accessible 3D printing, will far exceed our initial sales projections.”

The Desktop Factory 3D printer measures around 25 x 20 x 20 inches and weighs less than 90 lb. The printer can be plugged into standard wall outlets, is fully network compatible, requires no special ventilation, and uses an inexpensive halogen light source and drum printing technology to build parts layer by layer from composite plastic powder. Maximum build volume is 5 x 5 x 5 inches.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.