MakerMex – From Kickstarter To Marketplace

You want to have a 3D printer but do not want to buy yet-another-printer for printing with different media? While numerous 3D printer technology companies allow for different types of plastic (and sometimes food) most printers cannot dramatically change media-type and a different machine would be needed to switch up materials. Upcoming is a 3D printer that can print on various media types such as plastic, wood, ceramics and even cake.

Mexico based MakerMex is raising funds for the MM1 Modular 3D Printer: Customize Your Printing Experience on Kickstarter. This printer has a modular design and extrusion head that can be replaced, as well as an additional accessory that allows the printer to accommodate most leading-edge 3D printing.

The so-called MM1 was created by the MakerMex company co-founded by Luis Arturo Pacheco, Sam Weatherly, and Juan Carlos Orozco, and supported by the Ministry of Sustainable Economic Development of the State of Guanajuato and Technology Park HUNDRED Monterrey Institute of Technology was rolled out officially in a presentation at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) Campus León institution where the project was first launched.

The main feature of MM1, which makes it unlike other 3D printers on the market, is that this is a printer with interchangeable modules. This enables the user to print pieces of different materials. The intention is to to design the MM1 platform to potentially be compatible with 3D printing possibilities that are not even a reality yet. Rather than being obsolete in a year or two, the MM1 Modular 3D Printing System will encompass advancements in 3D printing.

“Our MM1 is not just another 3D printer, it is a comprehensive 3D printing platform that eliminates the need to replace or update outdated printers,” says MakerMex on the Kickstarter campaign page. “What makes the MM1 unique is its modular design and interchangeable extrusion heads, and additional accessories that allow the printer to accommodate advances in 3D printing.”

It has a print speed of 300 mm/s, 30 micron resolution layer, in addition to 8,000cm volume printing. It has the dimensions of 49 x 37.5 x 49 cm and weighs only 11kg. The printer is compatible with any operating system such as Linux, MAC and Windows. It supports open source platform and comes with multiple printer connecting abilities.

The MM1 is ready for modification by the four existing extrusion systems offered – an extruder, a twin extruder, pasta extruder and extruder high temperature, each designed to be easily exchanged with one connector on the modular system.

Users can customize their 3D printer with accessories such as Wi-Fi capabilities, auto-leveling beds, heated beds, acrylic enclosed walls, and additional extruders that print paste, wood, single and dual extrusions and more.

MakerMex looking to have a presence throughout Mexico, implementing additive manufacturing in various industries and sectors in the economy. Currently the company has about 300 customers in the different states of Mexico, including businesses, individuals and institutions as Telethon, CICESE, La Salle University, and others.

MakerMex is emphasizing that the use of knowledge does not require a large capital investment, but the use of innovative capabilities to create technology-based global business.

Image: 3D Printed Burr Puzzle on Amazon.com made by CarryTheWhat; Image credit: MakerMex, MM1 Modular 3D Printer.