Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
you to http://www.3ders.org . On the website's home page, click the Price Com-
pare tab shown in Figure 10.4 , and then click the 3D Printer option that appears.
You'll be provided with an updated list containing all the various companies that
offer kits (and preassembled printers), along with a link to each company's web-
site. The list is organized by lowest-price 3D printer to highest, so you'll also be
able to quickly find companies that offer printers that fall within your price range.
Keep in mind that this list is by no means complete; new 3D printers seem to ap-
pear almost weekly.
Figure 10.4 Click Price Compare to view a list of printers.
Kickstarter and 3D Printers
If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, here is a very brief explanation. Kickstarter
is a website that allows individuals and companies to pitch their ideas to the world
while asking for financial help. These ideas can be anything from a band needing
to raise funds for some studio time to a stay-at-home dad needing financial help
to publish his Cookbook for Kids . People post proposals for books, music, food,
fashion, and more. The pitch is made along with a financial goal. The idea is to
woo backers to provide a bit of the money needed to make the goal a reality. It
should come as no surprise that many small businesses (and even individuals) are
reaching out to Kickstarter to help raise funds to create new 3D printers. Backers
can chip in any amount, from as little as $1.00 to $1,000s. The typical reward is
an actual 3D printer, fresh from the assembly line, sent to a backer who provides
a specific level of funding. The draw of Kickstarter isn't only to be the first on the
block to get a company's new 3D printer but also to get it at a slightly lower price
than it may be sold at retail.
This is exactly how Printrbot got started. Owner Brook Drumm pitched his idea
for the original Printrbot on Kickstarter and asked backers to help him raise
 
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