If you’re seeking an inexpensive desktop 3D printer and fear an unknown Kickstarter project, the Monoprice Select Mini may be for you.
Monoprice has been making a big deal with desktop 3D printers recently, and I suspect they are one of the world’s largest resellers of 3D printers these days. They’ve marketed a number of very inexpensive units successfully, providing some support and supplies. All of their 3D printers are rebranded versions of successful 3D printers from Asia.
The one in question today is the MP Select Mini 3D Printer, a small unit that has an unbelievable price: USD$199. Under USD$200!
But what do you get for that? Actually, it’s pretty complete:
- 120 x 120 x 120mm build volume
- Heated print surface
- 1.75mm filament through a 0.4mm nozzle
- 0.10mm layer resolution, the industry defacto standard
- 55mm / second print speed, which is not particularly fast
- Hot end temperature of up to 230C, suitable for ABS
- Ability to 3D print: ABS, PLA, XT Copolyester, PET, TPU, TPC, FPE, PVA, HIPS, Jelly, Foam, Felty (Jelly??? Felty???)
- Printing by SD card, no need for continuous computer connection
- Color LCD screen (not touch)
- Only 4.5kg weight
Multiple reports indicate this machine is very solid, and I’m not talking about the Monoprice reviews, which are also excellent. In fact, some say the machine can beat its 0.100mm layer resolution and print somewhat faster than 55mm/second.
The MP Select Mini 3D Printer is, as all Monoprice 3D printer are, a rebrand of an existing unit. The original machine is the Malyan M200, a brand from the Zhangzhou Changing Computer Equipment Company in Zhangzhou, China. This is a reputable company that has apparently sold a great deal of such machines.
But among the features of this machine, the most notable aspect is the rock-bottom pricing. USD$199 is lower than almost all competitors, even those with lesser features.
And of more interest is how this pricing could affect future crowdfunding 3D printer ventures. Why would you consider buying a risky untested (and possibly non-existent) 3D printer from Kickstarter at twice the price?
This machine should drastically reduce the number of low-cost 3D printer startups that frequently fail in fundraising. It’s just not worth competing at this point.
And if that’s not enough, Monoprice also sells associated filament spools: 1kg for only USD$19.99.
Via Monoprice
