Mono 3D printer
Whilst some 3D printer manufacturers are firm believers in the 'less buttons the better' approach, a new machine has just landed on Kickstarter with a built-in smart 7-inch touchscreen to give you all the printing options you could need right at your fingertips.
The Mono, is a lightweight, desktop FFF 3D printer from Mono Industries. The built-in touchscreen is said to feature a use-friendly interface which gives users control over all essential 3D printing functions and provides a visual representation of the printing process layer by layer.
The machine features a build area of 16x16x16 cm and includes a built-in webcam so that the printing process can be streamed directly to a browser. Layer resolution ranges from 100-400 microns with a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm. Users can adjust print speed and extrusion rate whilst printing using simple single touch buttons.
No PC is needed to control the Mono but users can take advantage of the remote web interface that allows them to view print status and pause.
With two years experience in the 3D printing industry and funding from the European Social Fund, the Mono took 8 months to develop. On its decision to turn to Kickstarter, Mono Industries said: “In order for us to be able to produce top quality equipment we need an intensive start. We are planning to spend the past part of our financial resources on manpower and renting a new bigger space for our company.”
All Super Early Bird options are now sold out but backers can still get their hands on the machine for €399. Eventually the suggested retail price will go to €800. The first lot of machines are expected to ship by the end of this year with the second round estimated for February. So far €5,740 has been pledged to the project and Mono hopes to achieve its target of €12,000 by 15th October.
