A printer that can create actual, three-dimensional objects
3D printing is one of the most intriguing technologies to emerge in years. The Cube 3 works in a similar way to inkjet printers, but creates actual physical objects you can use rather than a printed page. It uses plastic rather than ink, and this is heated to the point of melting and then forced out through the print nozzles, creating a fine, sticky thread. Motors move the nozzles back and forth over a flat surface. The nozzles are raised slightly after each pass so that the next layer of thread is stacked upon the previous one. Once this process has finished, and the layers of thread have cooled, you have your 3D object.
There are other more expensive 3D printers that use various materials, including metal, silicone and even chocolate, but plastic is the most common. The Cube 3 uses 3D System’s own cartridges, whereas some cheaper 3D printers use generic spools that are both cheaper and more widely available. These cartridges are much easier to fit though, simply slotting into place.
These little touches help explain the Cube 3’s price which is high even for a 3D printer. Cheaper alternatives are available but, unlike the pre-assembled Cube 3, tend to be kits that you put together yourself. The Cube 3’s also a doddle to use. We had it up and running in less than five minutes and started printing objects in less than 15.
Because the Cube 3 has built-in Wi-Fi, you don’t even need to connect it to a PC - you can use the free Android and iOS apps to print straight from your smartphone or tablet. Its built-in touchscreen provides basic controls, such as entering passwords for Wi-Fi networks or calibrating the nozzles.
Before you actually print anything, you need to apply glue (included) to the printing plate. This ensures the base of your design is fixed to the plate, so it doesn’t move during printing. The Cube 3 can make objects with dimensions up to 6x6x6in in size, which is fairly large for a printer at this price.
Having two cartridge slots makes it easier to create different coloured versions of an object, but you can’t create multi-coloured objects. To print something you need a design file (also known as an STL file). Several websites, such as www. thingiverse.com, offer vast libraries of STL objects that other people have made and uploaded. Download an STL file, upload it to the printer using your PC or mobile device, then click print. If you’re confident, you can create your own objects from scratch using various CAD programs. The www.tinkercad.com web app makes it easy to create simple objects.
Once you’ve uploaded your object design file, choose which cartridge you want to use. You also need to select the strength and resolution (0.07mm or 0.2mm) of the object. Weaker, low-resolution objects will have a rougher texture with visible print lines, but they will print quicker. Strong, smoother, high-resolution objects take longer to produce. Even a relatively small Rubik’s Cube can take hours to print in high-resolution mode. Even so, we had great fun printing simple objects, such as a camera lens cap, replacement keyboard buttons and other small parts for our PC.
'Ihe revolutionary potential of 3D printing is obvious - in future you might simply print what you need at home, instead of trekking to the shops or waiting at home for a delivery But as the Cube 3 shows, 3D printing is in its infancy. While it’s almost as easy to operate as a standard inkjet printer and there are vast libraries of pre-designed objects available, you will need realistic expectation levels, patience and deep pockets. At the moment it takes hours to make small plastic objects. This technology might change the world one day, but for now 3D printers like the Cube 3 are for wealthy tinkerers only.
3D printers are useful for creating a variety of objects, but they're still very expensive with lots of limitations. The Cube 3 is no exception.
SPECIFICATIONS
Prints in ABS or PLA plastic • 6x6x6in maximum object size • Wi-Fi • USB • 343x335x241mm (HxWxD) • 8kg