Voladd: The Netflix of 3D printers
In this day and age, on demand content has become almost a right of passage, with different providers from Hulu and Netflix for TV shows and movies to Apple Music and Spotify for music; we are spoiled with the ability to have anything we want at the push of a button. But, while this is true for digital content, could this same model be used in 3D printing?
Located in Spain, Tumaker is wanting to make this concept a reality by mixing together their new 3D printer, Voladd, with their online content platform. Currently, Tumaker has put together a catalog of 20,000 3D models on their platform that were developed by professionals in additive manufacturing. The catalog is divided into 24 categories such as games, science, and crafts, which goes along with the Voladd 3D printer. What sets this 3D printer apart from others is that it has as been exclusively developed for a home environment, meaning that the whole family can use it without complications!
“Our hypothesis is that if people consume content (sound, image, text…) without having to generate them, why would it be different with more tangible things?” said Jon Bengoetxea, CEO of Voladd.
The Voladd 3D printer was designed for home use
When talking about websites and platforms that provide STL files and 3D models, we know that this idea isn’t unique only to Voladd, with other companies like Cults 3D or Thingiverse offering a similar concept. But, the difference between what Voladd is offering and these other websites is that the platform is directly connected to the printer, meaning that only one click is needed to begin the printing process. Thanks to this, you are able to print without having any technical or additive manufacturing knowledge prior to this, only insert the cartridge and you’re ready to create!
“Open the box, push the button and start the process. Everything is integrated. You don’t need to download any programs. This is a radical novelty because currently the manufacturers of printers are on one side and those who provide content are on the other. With Voladd, we provide everything in one location,” Said Bengoetxea to Diario Vasco.
The Voladd content platform
Voladd is expected to be ready for sale by Christmas, with the first 3,000 copies being sold for a price of €600. They are hoping to increase their production to 100,000 by 2020. In addition to the development of the machine, the company is also developing their own cartridges, which will be biodegradable and based on corn. These cartridges are expected to be priced between €14 and €24 depending on the capacity required. We hope that with this latest project, the decrease in pricing, and the ease of accessing 3D printers that we are now seeing could mean that we may soon be approaching a day when 3D printers are a regular sight at home!
Check out their official website here
What do you think of the Voladd 3D printer and their concept? Could this be the future of 3D printing? Let us know what you think in a comment below or on our Facebook or Twitter page! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!
