Final Hours of M3D Pro KickStarter

At the time of this writing, there were only 18 hours to go before the M3D Pro KickStarter campaign ends.  And, I just got another update that shows great things are happening with the M3D Pro development.

As part of the email, they sent two images, which I have combined in a short video.

This is just a small sample of the major advancements in FDM 3D printing that are delivered in the M3D Pro.  Here is an updated video demonstrating the new "auto-correction" capabilities. 

Now, you have to admit.  THAT is very cool.

There is so much more to say; but, I will simply send you over to the "Final Week Update" to see the rest of the story.  :)

I can hardly wait to get my hands on one,  And, you can bet I will be breaking out the microscopes to test, for myself, the ultimate print quality.

NOTE: there is one thing that I hope to be able to improve on and that is the nature of the first layer which uses rather wide lines for adhesion.  (See the above link.)   I am hoping to be able to achieve a super-smooth bottom layer and that might mean using a 3rd party slicing application.  We'll see.

What is most refrshing for me is the candor of the Michael Armani and the M3D team as they develop the product and part of that is allowing KickStarter contributers to make requests.  Being able to define the first layer will be among my requests.  

I am hoping that many of my fellow Cube users will take a serious look at the M3D Pro as their next 3D printer so that we can grow together with that platform as we did on our Cube journey.  And, speaking of that, I have created a Cube Software Dropbox folder that should contain all of the various version of firmware and client software just in case you might need it in the future.

The M3D Pro's Error Recovery Demonstrated!

I know this is a Cube oriented blog.  But, our Cubes won't last forever.  So, it's important to see some viable options.

I just finished watching the M3D Live Stream which offered a Q & A session for their Pro KickStarter backers and potential backers.

During the session, they provided a link to a YouTube video that only lasts for a very few minutes; but, speaks volumes!  It's an early proof of concept test;  but, they clearly can achieve a self-aware 3D printer as promised.

Here is a link to the Error Recovery Test

We work with at-risk students and the ability of a 3D printer to recover from something like being deliberately stopped has some very real appeal! 

M3D Kickstarter Live Stream

Today, September 8, 2016 at 8:00PM, M3D will be testing Kickstarter's new Live Stream capabilities to communicate directly with people interested in hearing about their new Pro 3D printer.

I don't exactly know how the streaming, which is in beta, works; but, there is a sign-up for participating on M3D's KickStarter Page.

It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions of the M3D team.

A Glue that works with PLA

For years I have sought a glue that would work better than fingernail polish for attaching PLA.  In the quest to find a clear coat to protect 3D printed objects painted with alcohol marker ink, I think I have found it.

It's called Loctite GO2 All-Purpose ink and it does, in fact, bind PLA pieces together. 

Loctite GO2 Glue

When dry, it is flexible, much like silicone glue.  The drying time to set is about 30 minutes and the full cure time is 24 hours.

The great news is that it can do double duty.  Not only does it glue; but, it makes for an excellent clear coat that does not appear to smear alcohol marker ink.

Here's a more complete story on the IdeaRoom3D blog.

By the way, while most of the projects in the IdeaRoom3D blog are printed on an M3D Micro, the mini-blackboard project in which I create a personalized 3D printed chalkboard was printed on a Cube3.  The chalkboard paint from Rust-Oleum covered the PLA very well.  I tried it with a primer and without.  I prefer not to use a primer in the future.

Making Excellent Progress with Colorizing 3D Prints

In the short time that I have been working with the eCraft eBrush using Spectrum Noir markers, I have learned a LOT and enjoyed it even more!

This is the latest result.

Surfboard Colorized

It was printed on an M3D Micro in ABS-R and prepared for painting using a flap wheel sanding tool by Dremel and coated with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer before being painted.

The complete story on this process is in 2 articles on my IdeaRoom3D blog.

1. Preparation
2. Final Painting

Because the markers are dye based, the process should work equally well with 3D System's PLA, normal ABS and Nylon.

UPDATE ALERT ON M3D PRO

Yesterday, I received two emails communicating the progress of the M3D Pro development for those who are participating in the Kickstarter funding process.  I will be writing about this latest news later today, or tomorrow, after I have time to assess the many ramifications of the innovations that will be included in this new M3D 3D printer.  But, I can tell you now that M3D definitely gives Cube owners something to consider as their next 3D printer.

Another Step Testing Colorization

I continue to explore potential methods of adding value to 3D prints through colorizing them.  For now, I am focused on using the eBrush airbrush system and Spectrum Noir markers.  I will get around to testing these with PLA from the Cube; but, for now take a look at the results using flexible Tough 3D Ink from M3D.

Colorizing a 3D Printed Face

This is definitely showing some promise.

M3D PRO Now on Kickstarter!!!

When 3D Systems ceased production of the Cube series of printers, I began to explore alternatives.

That's when I became acquainted with M3D and the low-cost Micro 3D printer.   At YouthQuest Foundation, we have been experimenting with two of the Micro printers in our 3D ThinkLink lab and I have purchased one for my granddaughters.  It is destined to have an important role in our work with at-risk young people.  In fact, the YouthQuest Foundation's Board of Directors just approved a fund-raising campaign to purchase M3D Micro 3D printers as the anchor of a new peer mentoring program for our cadets.  So, we plan to purchase many more.

More importantly, as I studied the company behind the Micro, it was apparent that they were much more than simply a 3D printer manufacturing company.  At its heart it is an innovation company.  In fact, I was so impressed that I began the IdeaRoom3D blog to feature the M3D line of products.

Several weeks ago, I received an email from M3D that invited me to take part in a video they were creating.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance to meet the team at M3D and I am ALWAYS ready to talk about the wonderful benefits of 3D printing.

Today, I received an email that announced the opening of M3D's KickStarter campaign for the new sensor-rich M3D Pro!  Following the link, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the video in which I participated is on the Kickstarter page.  (I'm the old guy in the red shirt.)  :)

But, that is NOT why I am urging you to visit M3D's Kickstarter page.

Normally these days, I would avoid a KickStarter campaign for a new 3D printer like the plague.  So many in the recent past have ended badly.  But, this one is different.  Having been experimenting with the M3D Micro for a while now, I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about this new development.  I have gotten to know this company and I've used their products which gives me the utmost confidence to pledge my support.

Remember that I said that M3D is more than simply a 3D printer manufacturer and at its heart M3D is an innovation company?  That is MORE than evident when one examines the M3D Pro.

I could waste your time by trying to write about all the many features I find appealing about this new, unique 3D printer.  But, the M3D KickStarter page does a much better job than I could in presenting all the wonderful new innovations it represents.

I missed out on their first KickStarter campaign for the Micro; but, we're not missing out on this one!  Count us in for a pledge!!!

Here is the Link to the M3D Kickstarter Page.