AVOC 3D is working on an incredibly cheap 3D printer that might fit into many budgets.
The AVOC 3D printer is not yet available, but according to their website, it’s over “65% complete”, as they’re “testing final prototype” at the time of this writing.
The specs on this pre-assembled, filament extrusion machine are reasonable, but not particularly notable: 150 x 140 x 150mm build volume, maximum “100mm/s” print speed and a decently attractive case.
One feature of that case is that it’s completely enclosed. This could slightly increase print quality and reliability, but the company says it’s for safety purposes:
We tested AVOC with cats. They couldn’t get inside.
A good feature indeed. I have that problem all the time.
But the most important feature of this machine is its price: USD$250. This would make it one of the most inexpensive assembled 3D printers yet sold but that also comes with risk.
There have been multiple examples of cheap machines priced too low for the company to survive, sometimes leaving excited buyers without a machine and losing their cash.
That was the first question I’d ask AVOC 3D – particularly since the exterior design seems oddly reminiscent to the ill-fated Pirate 3D machine, but it turns out they’ve anticipated this query and answered it in their FAQ:
Will $250 be enough for you to deliver?
Yes, it will. We worked hard to get AVOC right. We achieved a simple structure, with few different parts, and easy manufacturability. Unlike most 3D printers, the AVOC 3D printer is using custom moulded parts for most of its features, which are designed for their role, so they are much cheaper than generic off the shelf solutions. With using custom parts, we had the freedom to design a super light, and super compact effector, so we could drastically reduce backlash, and improve build quality.
OK, but many will be watching closely, especially after this machine launches.
Via AVOC 3D
