MakerBot

They are getting a lot of hype these days because of their consumer affordable MakerBot machines. We have one of their earlier gen SLA. its a pretty cool system, but definitely don't expect high accuracy or smooth models with these for delicate and detailed parts. It might be good enough to make some childrens toys, but for some high detail and quality finishes that you need to reasonably have for R&D prototypes, this falls far short of SLA models you can get from some of the professional rapid prototyping houses. But for simple models, these systems are really nice to have mainly because it is extremely affordable for any company as well as individual

Strengths: Cheap, rapid prototyping

Needs to improve: Low quality

We saw an opportunity with Maker bot and 3d printing. Typically we like to build functional prototypes, but sometimes that can take awhile and be costly, especially if we're just trying out designs, seeing how things fit and feel. We understand that our model isn't a commercial grade printer, that being said it works beautifully to create our designs. We use our printer mainly to get the right shape of the product we're trying to build. Overall shape and feel a design before filling it up with parts. Design comes first for us.

Strengths: making prototypes, affordable, ease of use

Needs to improve: none

We use a MakerBot (1st generation, single head) to prototype handles in a very rough fashion. While the parts can be functional, their precision and surface finish are somewhat lacking so we then go to an outside source for 3D printed parts prior to cutting loose on an injection mold. The MakerBot does help us to get close, and eliminate 1-2 cycles of printing at a significant cost savings.

Strengths: Inexpensive, In-house 3D Printing

Needs to improve: limited quality of finished parts

Great for quick printing of non critical components when other equipment is tied up. I don't see this replacing the need for SLA, 3d printers, or even other FDM equipment.

Strengths: Affordable desktop FDM for rapid prototyping.

Needs to improve: The makerbot is a great hobbyist FDM. While it is affordable and it's size is ideal for small labs, it's quality does not compare to other commercial grade equipment. It does a great job for its intended use.

MakerBot is a good tool to use when trying to figure out handheld designs. It's easy to feed in several designs in a day and get a good idea of how ergonomic the design will be. A neat alternative to paying a rapid prototyping company a few hundred for a run that you'll get in a week.

Strengths: Rapid Prototyping

Needs to improve: VERY crude prototypes

A great little machine for making rough prototypes of handles and larger components. The parts it produces are somewhat rough, so it may not work for show and tell parts, but it can help iterate the design for not much more than a professional SLA run or 2.

Strengths: Rough 3D printed models

Needs to improve: Precision

3d printing all the rage and Makerbot is one of the companies pushing it. It is nice to have around when you need a low res part made quickly but until the quality and resolution improves it wont replace SLA FDM, etc

Strengths: 3d printing

Needs to improve: resolution

We ordered their 3d printer for our facility and I have to say it is awesome, it makes our designs come to life ,I definitely would recommend thus to anyone it's great.

Strengths: Great product

Needs to improve: No issues at all

i have used these on occasion. very easy to use and compact. also very affordable. quality isn't incredible but good enough to get an idea of how your parts will be and in scale.

Strengths: cheap, fast

Needs to improve: quality

I really like their equipment and there are definite advantages to MakerBot in regards to speed to market and help R&D work out their designs.

Strengths: Innovative and rapid prototyping equipment.

Needs to improve: Not as accurate as other production technologies

They are great for quick printing but the quality isn't that great. So if you need printing in a higher quality or detailed parts, I would look elsewhere.

Strengths: Easy to use, fast, affordable

Needs to improve: quality

We've been using their 3D Printer and Scanners for a little while now and they are phenominal! We haven't had any issues with them at all.

Strengths: Excellent quality! Very dependable printers and scanners

Needs to improve: None

Used MakerBot (2nd generation) to prototype medical device handles for ergonomics prior to using more expensive rapid prototyping methods.

Strengths: Inexpensive

Needs to improve: Takes some fiddling and controlled environment to get it right

Qe use markerbot 3d printers tgey work great and ave very user friendly

Strengths: Markerbot is a great company they have good 3dprinters

Needs to improve: Ive found no weaknesses with makerbot

easy to use table top rapid prototyper/3D printer. part quality is ok

Strengths: easy to use, quick, very affordable

Needs to improve: part quality

These table top systems are excellent for rapid prototyping. You can go from drawing to part in less than a day.

Strengths: 3D Printer

Needs to improve: None

The service was fantastic and i can make my plans for the job site for everyone fast and good quality

Strengths: Fasts and accurate

Needs to improve: None

MakerBots are inexpensive and great for rapid prototyping. The $1k machines pay for themselves within a couple uses.

Strengths: Rapid prototypes

Needs to improve: None

Great! These little 3D printers are a great addition.

Strengths: Great 3D printers, superior quality.

Needs to improve: none

quality 3D printing for a competitive price

Strengths: inexpensive, quality, prototype, printing

Needs to improve: N/A