So, the new MakerBot Sketch turned out to be exactly what I had predicted.
The Atomic Layers: S3E22 (00078)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Three days ago, I announced the launch of the new MakerBot, and today it became a reality. UltiMaker has launched the new MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D printing solution designed for educational environments. As suggested in last week’s teaser video, the new 3D printer offers faster printing speeds—up to five times quicker than standard desktop 3D printers (whatever that means...). It is equipped with a heated build plate, mesh leveling, and vibration compensation, has a fully enclosed structure, and HEPA filtration system.
The new Cura Cloud feature enhances print management by offering cloud-based slicing capabilities, ensuring optimized print settings and high-quality results. With its focus on safety and efficiency, the MakerBot Sketch Sprint is certified to meet UL 2904 standards for safe classroom use and comes with comprehensive training resources for educators.
Besides that – it’s basically a copy of the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro. You can compare both devices for yourselves:
Of course, there are differences, but they’ll only become apparent with use (at least, I hope so). For now, the key difference is in the prices – the new MakerBot costs $2,399, while the Flashforge is $469.
I wrote about this before, I wrote about it on LinkedIn – it’s an abomination what has happened to MakerBot. It looks like an inappropriate joke. The brand that started it all – that pioneered the entire desktop 3D printing industry, is now a pathetic caricature. All the innovation has been thrown into the trash. All the originality has been flushed down the drain. Today, MakerBot is just a Chinese 3D printer in a different casing with a correspondingly higher price.
Shame.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
10-22-2019: GKN Powder Metallurgy acquired FORECAST 3D, expanding its additive manufacturing capabilities with plastics.
Atomic News & Gossips:
Conflux Technology raised $11m in Series B round.
Subaru has adopted HP’s Jet Fusion 3D Printing to produce several parts for its SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK BOOSTGEAR PACKAGE concept car. Exhibited earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the parts were jointly developed and manufactured by Subaru and DMM.com.
Solukon launched new SFM-AT1500-S system for 2-ton parts.