At 3Dnatives, we like April Fools! So this article was just a little joke for the occasion, Amazon continues to support the development of 3D printing!
Surely you have heard of Amazon. The American online retailer currently offers more than 12 million products for sale at lower prices. On this platform, you can find video games, clothing, home appliances, and of course 3D printing solutions – until now! This is because Amazon plans to make non-company 3D printers disappear from the platform very soon. Amazon has announced plans to ban all 3D printers by 2023. A slap in the face for major 3D printing companies offering their technologies on the popular online portal. Considering that Amazon gets over 2 billion website visits per month, it’s easy to see why so many 3D printing companies sell their printers there.
Fortunately, Amazon didn’t keep its customers in the dark for long regarding its decision to ban 3D printers from the website. In fact, the company is apparently working internally to launch the production and soon sale of its own line of 3D printers, including software, which are expected to be on the market as early as 2024. This is a big step for the conglomerate, as who dares to give in an industry that has proven to enjoy increasing popularity and acceptance.
The company’s own 3D printer should be available for sale on the website from 2024 (photo credits: Amazon)
Amazon: A new 3D printer manufacturer in the future?
Although, of course, the plan to ban Amazon 3D printers is shocking, the first questions that come to mind are probably: What can we expect from the Amazon 3D printer? What innovative and ingenious features will this technology come with? Fortunately, Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon and successor to the famous Jeff Bezos, cleared up some doubts in a recent press release, making it clear that the plan is to take Amazon to the next level. To make Amazon’s vision a reality, the company has decided to position itself in the 3D printing sector. Internally, the board is already convinced that Amazon will have made a name for itself in the additive manufacturing market within a few years. It already appears that the US company’s board expects the company to become one of the big players among 3D printing manufacturers in the future.
As usual and as expected at Amazon, the R&D team already has the first concrete plans in place to ensure that the company’s entry into the 3D printing industry is guaranteed. David Stafford, as the Director of R&D for Amazon Lab126, plays a key role in the design and manufacture of the Amazon 3D printer. They plan to offer an affordable 3D printer based on FDM technology that is not only aimed at individuals, but also at companies; Priced under $100, this 3D printer will be found in the Amazon Basics product line and reinforces the idea of making 3D printing accessible to everyone.
3D printer functions and features
So that the entry into the field of 3D printing with the future FDM printer is also a complete success for the American company, the printer will have important and practical features: for example, the device, which will be powered by a closed power supply supply unit, it will have a build volume of 1200 x 600 x 450 mm and will be able to offer its users many interesting offers. What’s amazing is that it doesn’t plan to just use FDM as its printing technology, but will release an all-in-one FDM/SLA combo machine! As unrealistic as it sounds, Amazon has said it’s very confident in its idea. If done successfully, it will also give Amazon an even bigger advantage, as often those looking for cheap printers must choose between SLA and FDM for their needs. With this machine, they could get everything at an incredibly affordable price, even if they are very tight-lipped about the specifics of how the printer will work. What is also known is that with a total weight of 19.4kg, the print speed is expected to be 320mm per second, although whether that is just for FDM or both is still unknown.
It’s not yet clear what software the Amazon printer will be compatible with. However, Stafford did come up with a few small insights, setting himself and his crew up for high public expectations. They want to use this type of software that will combine ease of use, efficiency, and cost savings in one affordable package. Great words, which hopefully will be followed by great deeds. However, it is still unclear what exactly this bill means for the ban on current 3D printers and the companies behind them. But we will be attentive to the news and we will inform you of any developments. If you want to know more about the new Amazon technology, you can find more information about the American company HERE.
David Stafford gives one big reason to be excited about the advancement of 3D printing
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*Cover photo credits: Amazon
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