With new 3D printers, you can create designs or print 3D models of just about any replacement part, model or prototype.
As 3D technology improves and filament prices drop, consumer interest in 3D printers continues to grow. One new model that last year won both the CES Innovation Award and the Good Design Award in 2017 is the Robo R2, a 3D printer that can print from a variety of plastic filament types and by several connection methods, including Robo’s mobile printing app.
The printer is made by Robo, which was formed in 2012 by a group of San Diego State University students and has grown into one of the largest 3D printer manufacturers in the United States. Unlike the company’s previous product, the Robo R1 +Plus, which has a front and back that are open to the air, the R2 is more closed-framed, with only the top open, to reduce changes of an operator being burned by touching the hot extruder.
The Robo R2 high-performance smart 3D printer with Wi-Fi lets you tackle large-scale projects and make whatever you can imagine right from your mobile device using the Robo app. The heated print bed and open-source filament system allows you to print in more than 30 different types of materials. Every Robo R2 comes with a 1 year license of Autodesk Fusion 360 software.
The price isn’t cheap at $1,499. But that includes the Robo R2 printer, power cable, spool of filament, USB with 3D models, a tool kind, quick-start guide and a one-year autodesk Fusion 360.