MakerBot roundup

I realized recently that I’ve never actually posted about the MakerBot, despite all of the tweets and YouTube videos I’ve made. So here’s a roundup of what it is and what I’ve done with it.

What is the MakerBot?

The MakerBot Cupcake CNC is an inexpensive 3D printer for everyone. A 3D printer lets you manufacture small objects using melted plastic and a 3D model file that you’ve created or downloaded.

What can one make with it?

Pretty much anything up to 10cm x 10cm x 15cm. Large or complex items can be created by combining multiple small parts. There are some limitations to how finely detailed an object can be but advanced users have done some impressive things.

How does it work?

A 3D model is turned into a series of instructions for the MakerBot. The MakerBot then melts a filament of ABS plastic and extrudes it according to those instructions, building a physical object layer by layer from the ground up.

Where do the 3D models come from?

Some people create them using an open source tool called Blender. Most people (I suspect), download 3D models that others have created from the Thingiverse community.

How to buy one?

The MakerBot Store has everything you need!

Photos of some things I’ve printed

Videos

Here’s a time-lapse video of the Beethoven printing out. To see all of my time-lapse videos, click through to this YouTube playlist.

Beethoven