About the Printrbot Simple 3D Printer
Minimalistic in design, the Printrbot Simple 3D printer is a solid piece of machinery. It was originally born out of a kickstarter campaign, and is ideal for individuals looking to step into the world of 3D printing. The Printrbot Simple provides a hands on experience in a low cost package, creating an opportunity for learning & education. For tinkerers who want to balance the ability to tinker with the reliability of a well constructed machine – the Printrbot fits the bill.
One of the Printrbot’s premiere features is the all-metal minimal body construction. Built from powder coated steel and aluminum, the machine’s key feature is clear – durability. The limited number of components keep things simple, without limiting core functionality. Integrated linear bearings also ensure stability & smooth travel as the print head moves along the 12mm guide rails. The GT2 belt pulley system keeps the machine’s precision in check with a respectable 100 micron resolution, and an auto-leveling probe in the bed aids consistency from print to print.
Additional Tech Specs
With the lower cost of the Printrbot Simple comes a smaller – but still very functional – build area of 6″ x 6″ x 6″. The Simple is a single extruder machine, with PLA being the primary material it’s designed for use with. There are upgrades (such as a heated bed) that can be bought separately to better accommodate ABS.
Two nice things about the Printrbot Simple’s minimalistic design are its weight (just 16 pounds), and its relatively low power consumption (just 60 watts) with the included laptop power adapter. The Simple also uses a novel combination of printer head movement combined with bed movement, to allow for maximum efficiency of space within the design.
About Printrbot
Printrbot was founded by American maker & 3D print enthusiast Brook Drumm. Initially launched via a very successful Kickstarter campaign, the first models were assembly kits with laser cut parts. The move to a metal design has been well received, making for increased durability and improved speed of manufacturing. The company’s mission is to open access to the world of 3D printing in the entry level consumer market, by providing a level of quality and ease of use that competes with more expensive 3D printers.