The knock against 3-D printing has come two-fold: the price of the printers and the ability to use the device easily.
Startup Anvil Electronic Technology is seeking to help in both regards with the introduction of its Anvil Printer, a 3-D printing machine that is user-friendly and costs just $299.
The Anvil 3-D printer features auto-loading mechanics to feed filament, a Lego-like model building app and costs $299. Source: AnvilThe ease of use comes from using auto-loading mechanics to feed 1.75mm filament directly into the printer, which eliminates the need to manually insert the feedstock into the printer’s hotend. The Anvil Printer also comes with an app that allows for building creations through the use of Lego-like modeling so that children or adults can use it in an easy fashion, Anvil says. Plus, the printer works via Wi-Fi or USB wire, and Anvil is promising to allow connection to its cloud server so users could even print creations while at work or out of the house.
Anvil says the app allows for the building of models without any real skills needed as they are put together in a way that is similar to building something with Legos. They also offer pre-designed templates. The models are built on the app and adjusted for size and shape, and then they can be printed, shared or even jazzed up using a variety of colors and paint. Currently the app works on PC and iOS software, but Anvil says it is planning for an Android version as well.
Anvil just launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to drum up funds to make the Anvil Printer available to consumers quickly. You can learn more about the campaign by visiting: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1454799740/anvil-the-true-user-friendly-3d-printer-for-everyo
