Dremel Has an Affordable 3D Printer; Do You Have One on Your Holiday Wish List?

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One of the newer pieces of tech that I’ve had a hard time getting too excited about is 3D printers. It’s probably because most of them look pretty complicated, and they aren’t cheap! Dremel, makers of the tool every hobbyist is familiar with, has their own 3D printer; it’s affordable, and it’s supposed to be easy to use.

3D Idea Builder

The Dremel 3D Idea Builder has been around for about a year; priced at $999, it is one of the more affordable models I’ve seen, but it also has plenty of options and support.

The Dremel 3D Idea Builder is more than just a 3D printer, it includes an “ecosystem” of features and services designed to nurture both novice and advanced users, opening a new world of project potential. Moreover, as the world’s first UL certified 3D printer with best-in-class features and world-class service via the Dremel Experts, Dremel 3D is the perfect choice for home use. To complete this ecosystem, Dremel, through its strategic partnership with Autodesk, Inc., will offer access to free* design tools found on www.Dremel3D.com. Consumers will be able to choose from print-ready models, simple adjustable templates, such as a jewelry customizer, or they can choose to start their design from scratch with easy access to the Autodesk® 123D® family of free* design software applications.

Dremel 2014 20864

Dremel says that with 3D printing, “if you can dream it, you can make it”, and I can see why they’s say that! Beyond the car components I’ve seen printed out on Ford’s multi-million dollar 3D printers, I’ve seen 3D printed phone cases, gorgeous jewelry, intricate figurines, and even 3D printed cookies — they tasted pretty good!

Key Product Features of the Dremel 3D Idea Builder Include:

Easy-to-Use Functionality
• Intuitive print software for simple customization of 3D models
• Pre-installed extruder for fast out-of-the-box use
• Print-ready model portfolio provided by Dremel and Autodesk to kick start the building process
• World-class product support and mentorship via the Dremel Experts
Key Product Features of the Dremel 3D Idea Builder Include:

Full-Featured Tool
• Full color touch screen and onboard print software for stand-alone operation when needed
• Fully enclosed for reduced noise and protected object building
• Active cooling fan prevents warping of objects while they are built
• Best-in-class print resolution (100 micron) for fine printing detail
• Large, removable build platform for larger prints and projects

Family and Environmentally Friendly
• UL certified to assure quality and safety
• PLA filament in 10 vibrant colors are plant-based, recyclable and renewable
• Energy saving mode reduces environmental impact and wasted energy

Dremel 3D20_HeroOnWood_Projects_LgFrog

Have any of you got a 3D printer? If you do. I’d love to know what you’re doing with yours — what you’ve made, whether you’ve felt many restrictions with the current technology, or whether yours has turned into a big dust collector (hopefully not).

Dremel 3D Idea Builder printers are sold Home Depot and Amazon [affiliate link]; do you have one on your holiday wish list?

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She started in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie is best known for her device-agnostic approach, deep-dive reviews, and enjoyment of exploring the latest tech, gadgets, and gear.