Dremel gives high-tech tools a spin with $999 3D printer
Available for preorder tomorrow, the toolmaker's 3D Idea Builder goes on sale at Home Depot and Amazon in November.
Power tool company Dremel, which invented the high-speed rotary back in 1934, is getting into the 3D-printing business.
Dubbed the 3D Idea Builder, Dremel's 3D printer is capable of creating models of just about anything a user cooks up. The 3D Idea Builder comes with its own print software to customize 3D models and can work both as a standalone device or with the collaboration of computers to design and print models.
In collaboration with 3D design firm Autodesk, Dremel will offer customers free 3D models through a new website it established to help folks get going on quickly creating projects. Customers can also design models for the 3D Idea Builder from scratch using the Autodesk 123D suite of free 3D-modeling applications.
3D printing is hot topic in the technology industry, due in large part to the current leader in the space, MakerBot. MakerBot offers a range of 3D printers that allow users to build practically anything. Its products have proven somewhat successful to this point, though the industry is still a niche.
MakerBot, which was acquired by Israeli 3D printer manufacture Stratasys for $403 million in June, unveiled a new line of 3D printers earlier this year in three price ranges. The Mini, for entry-level designers, comes in at $1,399, while the Replicator is priced at $2,899 and big bot Z18 goes for $6,499. In July, MakerBot partnered with Home Depot to sell its 3D printers at select stores and on HomeDepot.com.
The Dremel 3D Idea Builder is designed to take on MakerBot's Mini and goes for $999. Dremel is starting preorders on the device on Thursday and will offer it on Amazon and in select Home Depot stores in November.
While MakerBot's products are designed with both consumers and companies in mind, Dremel has made it clear that its offering is for home use. The company specifically points to its 3D printer's ease-of-use, full color touchscreen, onboard software and reduced noise as core components in its sales pitch to consumers.
Looking ahead, Dremel said it has more in store for the 3D-printer market and it plans to bring more products to customers in the coming months.