A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
MacroMAKEiT is a large-format 3D printer perfect for automotive, engineering, machine services, design, education and more. With a full 2x4 foot print area, MacroMAKEiT is far more than just a bigger 3D printer. It's based on years of experience in 3D printing and designed to give you meaningful capability, feature-packed ease, and ergonomic usability.
Nearly Completed #1, only the enclosure left to finish!
Our goal with this Kickstarter is to meet crucial volume-cost reduction points on the most unique and important components of our design. We're not willing to sacrifice on our commitment to quality or professional support, so these volume marks are necessary to make it possible to offer the unbeatable product we want you to have. As a further commitment to offering the most capability per dollar, we're offering MacroMAKEiT as a kit. If you're not familiar with assembling a 3D printer, don't worry! We'll be there to support you with video instructions and the excellent customer support our customers have come to expect.
3D printed on MacroMAKEiT's predecessor, codenamed "Bigfoot"
Main features of the MacroMAKEiT printer:
2 x 4 x 2.75 foot print envelope
10" touchscreen tablet (removable) with inductive charger built-in
Operate locally, over WiFi, or via cellular connection
Includes webcam for remote monitoring, compatible with 2nd camera (not included)
Remotely control on/off, upgrade firmware, start or cancel prints
Filament run out detection
Choose 1.75 or 3mm extrusion
Dual-action mechanical and mesh-based auto-leveling
275 degree nozzle temperature, 80+ degree bed temperature
Designed for easy compatibility with common open-market printer accessories, ie. extruders, multi-extrusion upgrades, filament switchers, etc.
MAKEiT's proprietary 3D printer controller board paired with an integrated RaspberryPi 3 computer allows for complete standalone operation and boundless expansion capabilities
Fully enclosed and compatible with most general-market 3D printing filaments
Lightweight and compact design is easy to use and move in office; has wheels and fits through standard door frames.
Easily accessible build area
Runs off standard US wall outlet, no high-voltage line required
All high-quality components; silicone cables, aluminum hotbed, high-precision bearings, and more
1 partially-assembled, flat-packed MacroMAKEiT 2x4x2.75 foot 3D printer kit
Complete assembly video instructions from unboxing to your first print, accompanied by detailed technical drawings
Comprehensive video lessons on operating and optimizing your MacroMAKEiT
All the software and peripherals you need to get started
1kg roll of starter filament
Access to MacroMAKEiT owners forum and MAKEiT's online knowledge-bank of large format printing resources
$100 coupon for any other MAKEiT 3D printer
Our logo printed almost 5 feet long.
Current state of the product:
The first MacroMAKEiT is more than 90% complete, functional, and capable of producing parts. Below are the aspects of the design that are still not yet finalized as of Kickstarter launch, but will likely be finalized before the end of the Kickstarter project:
Hinge and support design for enclosure's top cover and related parts sourcing (will most likely be clear acrylic sheet with gas support struts)
Hinge and slide design for enclosure's front doors and related parts sourcing (will most likely be bi-folding clear acrylic doors)
Final design theme for enclosure graphics
Shipment packaging design
Non-Printer Rewards
Not everyone needs a huge 3D printer (although we wish that were true!) so we're offering a number of other more affordable rewards for everyone to enjoy some of what we have to offer! As the project continues, we may be able to add more rewards so keep an eye out here!
3D Printed Vases
Offered in two sizes these 3D printed vases have a unique translucency and create beautiful Fresnel-like refractions of light. They are printed in PETG plastic so they won't degrade in sunlight or with exposure to water. We will contact you at the close of the project so you can select your choice of color (clear, red, green, blue, or orange).
3D Printed Keychain Flashlight Kit
All circuitry is completely 3D printed
This unique 3D printed keychain flashlight is printed on our Pro series printers using dual-material extrusion. A combination of conductive and non-conductive PLA plastic, all circuitry for the batteries, LED, and on-off switch is completely 3D printed. Just insert the batteries and LED (included) with no soldering and you're ready to show off this unique item everywhere you go.
3D Printed Bluetooth Speaker Kit
Finished 3D printed Bluetooth speaker kit
These unique and highly characteristic Bluetooth speakers are made from 3D printed housings, printed on our in-house production units, and utilize all high quality Dayton Audio components. Kits include everything you need to assemble and use your very own Bluetooth speaker; Sand and paint the housings, use wood stain to create a beautiful faux-wood effect, or use the housing raw to show off the fact that it's 3D printed. The total assembly time is less than 1 hour. To achieve the look shown above takes approximately 5 hours of finishing. Housings are shipped unfinished, as shown below:
Unfinished raw 3D printed speaker housings, printed in "wood" material with excellent audio qualities.
The wood-filled PLA material has audio qualities similar to that of MDF, a tried-and-tested speaker building material. All components including amplifier board, rechargeable batteries, speaker sealing gasket, and vibration dampening feet, etc, easily snap or screw together.
Delivery Order:
3D printed rewards will be delivered in the first two months following the end of the Kickstarter. 3D printed Bluetooth speakers may not be delivered until January 2019
"Rush" reward supporters will receive their MacroMAKEiT from the first production run, early at the start of 2019
"Early Bird" reward supporters will receive their MacroMAKEiT from the second batch of production, following delivery of "Rush" rewards
After delivery of Rush and Early Bird rewards, all other MacroMAKEiT supporters will receive their printers.
Risks and challenges
Simply by the scale of it, large format 3D printing presents more problems than it does in the small scale. Things like long-term durability are more challenging when the weight and size of components increases. However after multiple years of testing printer prototypes even bigger than MacroMAKEiT we are confident that our design choices and part selection is what's necessary for long-term reliable operation. We've already solved many problems that were present in our earlier large format prototypes such as cable harness design and accessibility, leveling routines, print bed materials, and far more. Over time, Murphy's Law means that we will come across some unforeseen problems, but the highly accessible design of the printer means they will be easy to fix and improve.
With any production, there is always risk of delays due to distribution problems, vendor delays or vendor production errors, and unforeseen complications in shipping and packaging. In this situation, the majority of our vendors are companies that we have long-standing relationships with and have proven themselves to be reliable and of a high quality. There are a few components that we are sourcing from new vendors, however we have already established good contact and ordered at least one example of the parts we need from them. As such, any new vendors are at least experienced with the custom components we are asking them to produce for us.
Our sincere thank you for supporting the project. We'll include your name in our list of supporters, visible on the product page of MacroMAKEiT on our website.
3D printed flashlight, made with conductive 3D printing material for all circuits. Includes all parts necessary for assembly, as well as design breakdown, print files, and instructions.
