3D Thingiverse’s ‘Death Star birdhouse’ makes aliyah
Popularly priced MakerBots have made it to Israel, with new learning and work opportunities for schools and offices
Israelis can now join the ‘Thingiverse,’ the on-line world where users present the things they created using 3D printers made by MakerBot, now a part of Stratasys the American 3D printing giant that merged with Israel’s Objet in 2012. MakerBots are meant for home use, popularly priced — most models cost under $2,000 in the US — and last week, Stratasys announced that MakerBots were coming to Israel.
Though it will be a bit more expensive here, Israelis will be able to print out the cute little tchochkes that folks in the rest of the world have been having fun with, like a Gangsta chess set, a miniature Queen Anne sofa, and a Star Wars-inspired Death Star birdhouse — as well as more serious things, like models for teaching, household tools and implements, or a pair of shoes.
Prospective members join the Thingiverse by buying a MakerBot 3D printer, which is sold in Israel by local representative Systematics. In a 3D printing system, users design a three-dimensional object on a computer screen, and the design is uploaded to the printer. Using material like acrylic and plastic resins, the printer produces flat (2D) renditions of the object on the screen, piling up the acrylic or resin layer upon layer, until the full 3D object is complete.
Stratasys is generally known for its industrial-strength 3D printers, which have been used to build models of machine parts, models of human organs, and even a working automobile. Last year, the company bought out MakerBot, which built smaller 3D printers aimed at the home and small business market. It’s this market that Stratasys/Systematics hopes to tap into in Israel, and to accomplish this, Systematics is offering the MakerBot Replicator 2 for NIS 9,995, with all taxes and shipping charges. That’s about $2,700.
Purchasers of the printers will be able to take advantage of the 100,000-plus model designs available in Thingiverse, MakerBot’s online worldwide community of 3D printing enthusiasts. While it’s unlikely that most Israeli households will shell out nearly NIS 10,000 for a device that will print them a bird house, the system could be popular in schools, community centers, and small businesses.
For example, a University of Sheffield project set to be uploaded to the Thingiverse will contain plans to print out a telescope with a camera module — at a total cost of $160. There are over 9,000 iPhone cases for printing on Thingiverse — and already, even before they’re on the market, designs for Apple Watch bands and straps are available. With reasonably priced 3D printers available, Israel could end up emulating a new UK policy, putting a 3D printer in every school.
“In the past, 3D printing as a method of production was mainly the preserve of large companies,” said Arik Shafet, 3D printing division head at Systematics. “With the launch of smaller and cheaper printers, 3D printing has become available for small businesses and private consumers. Today, anyone can turn abstract ideas into concrete objects.” He said the Israeli market, “which has always been among the first to embrace new technologies,” will install the printers “in many homes, businesses and offices.”