The MM1 Offers a Modular 3D Printer Experience

Although even most of the staunchest critics of commercial additive manufacturing (AM) have been silenced, the critics of home and desktop units remain. One of the chief complaints against AM systems having a place in the home is the lack of material variety. According to the critics, simply having the ability to print in plastic isn’t enough to make a system useful.

The MM1 from MakerMex might be the 3D printer that quiets some of those critics. Unlike other home systems that are locked into one material, the MM1 has a modular design that lets users swap extruder heads to change materials. The MM1 currently offers a choice of four different heads: single extruder, dual extruder, paste extruder, and high-temperature extruder.

From the Kickstarter page:

We modeled this printer with versatility and expansion in mind. We have created a platform to provide a unique, customizable experience for those interested in 3D printing. With its customizations, the MM1 can be the perfect printer for anyone – you can print with chocolate one minute and PLA plastic the next. The possibilities with the MM1 Modular 3D Printing System truly are inspiring!

According to MakerMex, the full list of supported materials includes ABS, PLA, flexible PLA, conductive material, wood-based filament, nylon, polycarbonate, chocolate, Play-Doh, ceramic, and plasticine clay. With new materials being developed on a fairly regular basis, the MM1 will be ahead of many other fused deposition modeling-type desktop systems by immediately being able to use a new material.

Technical specs for the MM1 are as follows:

• Build area: 20 x 20 x 20cm (7.87 x 7.87 x 7.87 in.)
• Filament: standard 3mm filaments
• Resolution: 20 microns (0.02mm)
• Speed: 300mm/s
• Multiple printer linking abilities using structural connector system
• Compatible with any Windows, Mac or Linux-based operating system
• Supports and uses open source software

In addition to home and small business use, the MakerMex team intends for their system to be used by educators. With all of the material options available, the MM1 could be a flexible tool for problem-based learning. MakerMex has run a number of workshops and seminars to help build a 3D printer that will drive and support interest in STEM studies.

The Kickstarter campaign is moving along fairly swiftly, with $23,950 pledged toward a $50,000 goal. MakerMex limited the number of low-priced introductory models to 10 (a smart move). Units are still available starting at $1,149 up to the standard price of $1,499. Below you’ll find the MM1 Kickstarter video.

Source: Kickstarter