Why fund only ideas with just a prototype when you can get one of the highest quality desktop printers already at an affordable price. Introducing CraftBot, the all new 3D printer that combines quality and affordability.

We have taken all of the most desirable features found in the best current 3D printers and have combined them into one unit. And if you are new to 3D printing, no problem, anybody can use CraftBot, especially when accompanied by CraftWare, our very own 3D software that is absolutely free to download at any time. Check it out yourself! CraftBot works right out of the box, all you need to do is load your 3D model, slice it with our state-of-the-art software and print it.

We have already began the production of CraftBot. Your contributions will aid us to manufacture this high quality product (using only the best components) in greater quantities, therefore decreasing the cost of each individual unit.

We have designed and developed every part of our printer from the ground up. We started by using the best quality steel and aluminium. CraftBot is assembled with the utmost precision, keeping in mind that the printer head must make very fine movements. CraftBot utilizes quality laser cut metal parts and CNC milled components to achieve a higher standard of 3D printing.

The tests have gone out and the results are in. In comparison with other approaches nowadays, this pathway is an obvious plus for youths growing up in a world of technology. It helps them to learn computer skill in a more constructive way. It's fun and educational for children at the same time. Its a catalyst for creativity. We've personally placed CraftBot and CraftWare in the hands of children, and the results were outstanding.  Specifically, we tested our products through a teacher at an elementary school and the kids couldn't get enough of it.  At home or in a classroom environment, CraftBot and CraftWare stand alone.

Size does matter!

Most people do not want to print chairs for ants. If you intend to make more practical prints think twice before purchasing a tiny sized 3D printer. CraftBot is capable of printing large objects (250x200x200 mm, approx. 10x8x8 in). CraftBot has one of the biggest build volume in its class.

Heatable build platform, no bending or warping

3D printing material shrinks as it cools down, therefore 3D printed objects tends to bend or warp during the printing process, causing the printer head to collide with the object, ultimately ruining the print. To overcome this problem we have designed our printer with a heatable build platform. Of course, it requires a stronger power supply that increases the total manufacturing cost, which is why most of our lower-priced competitors do not use it.

Removable platform

We have eliminated the unnecessary injuries caused by reaching into the machine to remove the finished object. The easy solution: a removable build platform.

Touchscreen LCD

Most of our competitors use a 4x20 matrix non-graphical display that is difficult to operate. CraftBot uses a 2.8” QVGA LCD touchscreen, which makes it very easy to control the printer.

Custom electronics

The heart of CraftBot lies in its electronics. Our goal was to achieve dual channel communication allowing the user to immediately interact with the printer. We used the best quality electronic parts and made several prototypes until we arrived at one that we were satisfied with.

Compatibility

CraftBot also understands a standard command set, which means that it can be controlled by CraftWare or with other software of your choice.

Technical specifications

• Printer Dimensions: Width: 41cm (16.1”), Length: 36cm (14.1”), Height: 38cm (14.9”)
• Max object dimensions: Width: 250mm (~10”), Length: 200mm (~8”), Height: 200mm (~8”)
• Max object volume: 10000 cm3
• Printing material (filament): PLA, ABS, Nylon
• Filament size: Standard 1.75mm from any source.
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
• Min layer height: 50 microns
• Filament type: non-proprietary ($29/kg)
• Total weight: 13kg
• It can also be used with any Windows, Mac, or Linux based system.
• USB-Compatible connection.
• Standalone printing from USB flash drive.
• Heatable and removable build platform.
• Replaceable nozzle.
• Best use between 100 and 300 micron layer resolution.
• 15 micron X and Y positioning accuracy.
• Core XY mechanism.
• Dual ARM Cortex M3 MCU.
• White interior LEDs.
• Dual voltage (110/220V supported)
• Texas Instruments DRV8825 stepper motor driver with fault feedback.
  

CraftWare, our free software

CraftWare is an all in one advanced slicer software written by us from scratch. Slicing is an essential part of 3D printing as it is the process that turns your digital 3D model into the toolpath information understood by 3D printers. An algorithm which generates such a toolpath must be smart enough to provide the most precise pathway for the best possible results and quality. Shorter build time also can be achieved using good toolpath information. With CraftWare you can interactively and easily build custom non-vertical support bars (see video below). With CraftWare, you can also attempt to print non-watertight objects.

Material & Filament options

PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) is probably the best non-toxic material to get you started with 3D printing. The material cools and sets very quickly with the aid of the CraftBot's two on-board fans. This means that you can achieve a wide range of shapes that would be difficult to print with other materials. You can use any 1.75mm PLA or ABS filament spool available on the market. Choose the one that best fits your budget. Now this is important, because as you will see in the comparison chart, most of our competitors use proprietary filament which is significantly more expensive! Proprietary filament is a custom filament which must be used to fit a specific machine. Don't be tricked, they are designed to create another source of income for the company.

Product development timeline

Perks

Stretch goals

We are reaching our goals, and this makes all of us at CraftUnique very happy! Now let's talk about "Stretch Goals", or goals set beyond the initial goal and the incentives there-after. We feel that the CraftBot, considering the components that go into making it, is already being sold at a very generous price.

But... We are proposing the idea to install anodized aluminum parts on one of the immediate new batches to come. We are also planning to increase the color selection of the printers from 4 to 8 when we pass our $100,000 barrier!

Risks and challenges

We do not like to wait for something, do you? The good news is that we already began production of the first hundred machines! After our campaign ends, allow us one-month break until we arrange the final steps and we start sending out the first 100 pieces for our VIP backers. If you are late, you are not! All of our backers will receive their printer in this calendar year!

We have arranged everything with our suppliers, they know about our campaign as well. We have discussed the best shipping options with FedEx, our logistics partner, to make the shipping as smooth as possible.

International shipping

Shipping costs vary by location and country. To keep the shipping costs as low as possible for you, we have made a contract with FedEx and will charge the costs individually. Based on your location you can roughly estimate the shipping cost if you click here. After the campaign we will send you a survey and at this time you can give us your address details.

Disclaimer

The printed figures are only used to demonstrate that CraftBot can print various objects. We do not sell the printed figures. We respect the intellectual property rights of the authors and owners. Please, notify us if you find any prints that do not properly identify the author or potentially infringe any rights of the owners. We will take proper measures to resolve the issues.

Company

Our company is CraftUnqiue Ltd. a small but competent company. Our members have more than 10 years’ experience in developing high-end electronic and tech products.

We want to bring affordable user friendly 3D printing technology to every home. Our mission is to be innovative at every level of 3D printing, from object design all the way to the printing itself.

CraftUnique team members

Attila Horvath, founder & CEO: for more than a decade Attila was the CEO of a tech company, which developed software and hardware for foreign companies and governmental projects. He has vast experience in managing complex development projects (with lean project management). During the past 2 years, he has been working on this project along with his brother and their team. He is a passionate dreamer and a motivated professional with a proven record in the international tech industry.

Janos Horvath, founder & Chief Software developer: responsible for the development of CraftWare. He is an experienced professional with a technological background. He loves challenges, and dedicated all his time and talent to design and develop a unique state-of-the-art slicer software, which will revolutionize the market due to its high performance.

Nathaniel Hale, project supervisor with an emphasis on text and script writing and communications. An artistic visionary and Jack of all trades.

Janos Csobolyo, CTO: engineer with a wide variety of mechanical and electrical engineering experience. He was responsible for the design, operations and maintenance of CNC precision machines, building control systems and delivering unique solutions to different technological challenges. At CraftUnique, he is responsible for hardware and firmware development.

János Szabó, software developer: the right arm of our CTO, he exists in a QT C++ environment. He is one of the keys to the success of our unique 3D printer.

Bálint Szabó, marketing manager: an experienced growth hacker, addicted to new technologies, he is responsible for marketing and communication. Bálint has more than 5 years’ experience working with tech startups.

Luckily, we live in Hungary where we have a pool of talented developers and engineers. Occasionally we contract 3rd-party developers, testers and engineers on-demand if we need the extra human resources to reach a deadline.

FAQ

How much do I pay for shipping?

We provide an individual shipping cost for everyone. Please visit http://www.craftbot3d.com where you can roughly estimate the shipping cost to send 1 pcs of CraftBot and 1kg of PLA filament. Shipping will be calculated and collected when we send the backer survey. This will be just before your rewards are sent to ensure the fairest shipping rates.

How much VAT (Value Added Tax) will I have to pay if I am located outside of the European Union?

Because we are based in the European Union (EU), we won’t charge VAT to customers living outside the EU.

How much VAT (Value Added Tax) will I have to pay if I am in the European Union?

Because we are based in the European Union (EU), we need to charge a VAT rate of 27% for backers within the EU. After the successful conclusion of the campaign, we will contact you by email for the exact location you want your CraftBot to be shipped. If the location is inside the EU, we will send you a request to pay the 27% VAT before shipping. Once you have fulfilled that request we will send out your package as soon as possible. If you live outside the EU (for instance the USA or Canada) we won’t charge VAT. Local VAT and import tax might be applicable to you. Your country's local customs department will collect the import tax and VAT if necessary.*

How do I request a printer color and/or a filament color?

When the Indiegogo campaign ends, we will send everyone a survey asking them exactly what they want. We would like your feedback too during the campaign as we finalize the filament color options.

How do I add extra filaments to my pledge?

Please select "PLA filament supply" perk. Please note that shipping is calculated by weight, so the backers who want an extra roll may need to pay a little more for shipping.

Which operating systems does CraftWare run on?

The software works with Windows 7 at the moment. We are currently working on the OSX release.

Can I use the CraftBot 3D printer with other operating system than Windows?

Yes, all mayor operating systems are supported by CraftBot.

Can I use the CraftBot 3D printer with other software like pronterface?

Yes, you can use CraftBot with pronterface.

What is CraftBot's command set?

CraftBot's command set gives you more control options with the CraftBot 3D printer than compared with anything else. A full documentation of CraftBot's extended command set will be released later in August.

Which colors can I get my CraftBot 3D printer in (preferably something that ties the room together)?