The Makerbot Replicator 2

At 8pm (GMT) today it was time for Makerbot’s latest reveal — the 2nd generation Replicator or Replicator 2, labelled a prosumer 3D printer.   

The build up has been dramatic and the chatter has been quite loud in recent days, with rumour and speculation rife within the 3D printing community, forums and between the twitterati.

Will the reality meet expectations?

Here is what Bre and his team, are claiming to have brought to the table with Replicator 2:

  • 100 micron resolution 3d printing
  • a 410 cubic inch build area (11.2”x6”x6.1”), a 37% increase over the original machine. smooth surfaces that don’t need sanding or post-production
  • off-machine parts that feel good to touch
  • the ability to produce professional-quality, realistic products.
  • Material – PLA only. Makerbot optimized. (This has raised a few eyebrows already, but the Botters claim this is a new standard, with ‘practically no peeling’.) The material does come in a range of colours and finishes though, including matte, transluscent, shimmery (?), metallic and sparkly!
  • A pop-out platform
  • An updated extruder requiring less maintenance.

Oh, and it’s black and looks really sleek.

Take a little time to ponder and process and let us know your thoughts.