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Tag: Cube

  • AT&T Adds A 3D Printer To Its Online Store

    As 3D printers continue to become more popular, more and more retail outlets are beginning to carry the devices. Staples became the first major retailer to carry 3D Systems’ Cube 3D printer in retail stores, and Office Depot offers in-store demonstrations for those who want to buy the 3D printer from their Web site. Now a wireless carrier is getting in on the action.

    AT&T has partnered with 3D Systems to sell the Cube 2 3D printer via its Web site. The reason being that the Cube 2 is compatible with many of the wireless devices that it sells. As 3D printers continue to evolve, their reliance on mobile devices will become more apparent. AT&T seems to embracing the trend before it becomes mainstream.

    According to 3ders, AT&T sold out of their initial allotment of Cube 3D printers on Friday. The printer seems to be in stock as of this morning though. It’s a little weird to see such strong sales from a wireless carrier, but it’s always good to see 3D printers doing well in the marketplace.

    So, is there any chance we might see a Cube 3D printer in a retail store? No idea, but we’ve reached out to AT&T to find out if it has any plans to expand its availability. With the wide range of 3D printers that support mobile devices available today, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it start offering MakerBot or Form Labs printers as well.

    Image via AT&T

  • Staples Becomes The First Major Retail Store To Sell 3D Printers

    Staples Becomes The First Major Retail Store To Sell 3D Printers

    3D printers are still very much intended for industry professionals or hobbyists. That’s going to change within the next five years though, and Staples has decided to get a head start.

    3ders reports that Staples will start offering 3D Systems’ Cube 3D printer at physical store locations by the end of June. If you can’t wait, you can buy the Cube through Staple’s online store today for the relatively low price of $1,299.

    “Staples is excited to bring the power of 3D printing to our customers, by being the first major U.S. retailer to announce the availability of this innovative technology that lets you create fully formed objects in your home or small business,” said Mike Edwards, Staples executive vice president, merchandising.

    Now this is actually a pretty big deal. Before today’s announcement, those looking for 3D printers had to buy them straight from the manufacturer. Retailers were probably cautious about stocking 3D printers because the high price ensures the technology will be a niche product for at least the next few years. With Staples throwing its support behind it, we might see other retailers stocking 3D printers, including cheaper models.

    The Cube from Staples comes with all the benefits of buying one from 3D Systems. In other words, you get to choose your color, including green and pink printers. There’s a wide selection of plastic cartridges, including the more unique materials, as well.

  • This Robot Cube Can Walk, Jump And Balance Itself

    This Robot Cube Can Walk, Jump And Balance Itself

    Cubes are relatively stationary objects. You can throw them around, sure, but it’s hard to see them as being autonomous. One robotics lab did just that, however, with its newest invention.

    Robohub reports that the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control at ETH Zurich have created Cubli, a robotic cube that can walk, jump and balance on its corners. The most amazing part is that the cube is built out of nothing but off-the-shelf motors, batteries and electronic components.

    You can see Cubli below balancing on its corner through the use of spinning flywheels that maintain its balance, even when slightly nudged:

    So, what’s next for the Cubli? The researchers are already working on a version of Cubli that can walk on flat surfaces, or jump. It can already do these things, but it was found that some internal components were damaged when it jumps. These flaws have been mostly fixed, and now the team is working on “controlled maneuvers of jumping up, balancing, and falling over to make the Cubli walk across a surface.”

    [h/t: Gizmodo]

  • CES 2013: 3D Systems Introduces A Faster, Quieter Cube 3D Printer

    There’s a lot of cheap 3D printing options now available to consumers who want to start experimenting with the technology. That being said, all of the cheap options are coming from innovative Kickstarter campaigns. There’s not a lot of cost effective options coming out of the already established players in the industry, but 3D Systems’ newest 3D printer might just do the trick.

    3D Systems announced at CES that it’s readying a next-generation Cube 3D printer for launch later this month. The new Cube builds upon the success of the first one, but adds a number of enhancements that will be welcomed by the 3D printing community.

    “With the next generation Cube, we are giving consumers the best ever at-home 3D printing experience with more options for more fun.” said Cathy Lewis, CMO 3D Systems, “Our growing selection of 3D Apps, designs and lifestyle accessories on Cubify.com makes 3D printing accessible to everyone and our sustainability and safety enhancements makes 3D printing responsible and enjoyable for the entire family.”

    The new Cube is said to be 1.5x faster, and has a quieter print speed. As for materials, it can now print in PLA and ABS plastics. 3D Systems offers 16 different colors in both materials including glow in the dark blue and green. Even better, owners can send empty cartridges back to 3D Systems for recycling while receiving a discount on future cartridge purchases.

    The new Cube 3D printer will ship on January 21, and will retail for $1,299. For only $100 more, 3D Systems will throw in three additional print cartridges, and the company’s design software. It’s a pretty good deal considering that the extras would cost normally $189.