One of the major pitfalls of 3D Printers is their cost; their status as unattainable technology is essentially predicated on that assumption by itself. The cost has, in general, started to come down, but the Peachy Printer is the lowest we’ve seen yet. At less than $100, it sets a high bar – so to speak – that companies like Makerbot have yet to meet. Unlike more expensive printers, the Peachy Printer uses a laser, guided by mirrors, to set objects from a liquid resin. It’s fascinating to watch this important technology develop and take shape, and this is but another example of its rapid expansion.
Tag: Printers
LG’s “Tap-To-Print” Photo Printer
You may be familiar with NFC technology powering mobile payments from Google Wallet to ISIS, or perhaps some marketing uses that are similar to QR, but the use cases for the tech spans far beyond these two instances. At this year’s CES we saw NFC used primarily for device pairing, like connecting your mobile with a smart fridge or speaker system. But LG takes that concept to a whole new level with their “Pocket Photo Printer” which will print photos from your camera simply by tapping it against the printer. The printing happens nearly instantaneously, speaking to fast data transaction through the tags. This could be pretty fun theater at events and is a great example of using NFC to trigger real world events.
Staples Now Sells 3D Printers
In a true sign of the times, 3D printing is now more than ever rapidly becoming a regular consumer product. The office product supply chain announced today that it will begin selling 3D printers through its website, and that the printers will hit stores by the end of next month. Staples also claims that it is the first major U.S. retailer to sell the product. Potential consumers will be able to purchase the Cube 3D Printer from 3D Systems for $1,299. It comes with built-in WiFi and more than two dozen 3D design templates, with infinitely more available for download online, of course. Staples will also sell plastic cartridge refills. Though this means that 3D printers might lose some of their ‘cool factor,’ it heralds their continued acceptance as a genuine consumer product in the marketplace that the average person might purchase. The day when everybody will have a 3D printer in their homes is rapidly arriving.
