Introducing the Next Generation MakerBot—Nearly Affordable

The MakerBot Replicator is small, powerful, and puts 3-D printing almost within the reach of casual users. There are single- and dual-extrusion models available (the dual-extrusion model gives you the opportunity to print in different colors or with different materials, at one time), and the MakerBot's makers have gone to great lengths to make the printer easy to use. For example, there's an SD Card slot as well as an LCD panel (no computer required to be attached) and a "video-game-style control pad." The machine's "build envelope" (the area where the printed object is printed) is about the size of a loaf of bread, so you can get some pretty big items printed. If you want to design your own printable objects, you'll need the right software and some level of graphic-design skills; but if you want something that someone else has already designed, you've got the world of Thingiverse at your disposal, with objects ranging from cat toys to walking robots. So how affordable is the MakerBot Replicator? Only $1,749 for the single-extruder model, $250 more for the double extruder; replacement ABS plastic (what Legos are made from, according to the MakerBot site) comes in one kilo spools that cost about $43.