MakerBot unveils Manhattan store, new Replicator 2 3D printer (pictures)

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based MakerBot has a new 3D printer on sale, and a new store to sell it in.

Rich Brown

Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.

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Rich Brown

Sept. 19, 2012 3:31 p.m. PT

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MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis

Around the corner from its Brooklyn headquarters, MakerBot and its CEO, Bre Pettis, made four announcements today: two new 3D printers, revamped 3D printing software, and a Manhattan-based retail store.

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The Replicator 2 unveiled

The Replicator 2 Desktop 3D printer was on-hand for photos. It only prints in one color, and at $2,199 it's more expensive than the original two-color Replicator, but the new model also has a larger build space and can print objects at a higher resolution.

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The Replicator 2

Pettis touted the Replicator 2 and its high-resolution models as a perfect fit for architects, product designers, engineers, and other professionals.

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Replicator 2 close-up

MakerBot says the Replicator 2 boasts a maximum build size that's 37 percent larger than that of the original Replicator, but without increasing the printer's footprint.

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Single-head extruder

The Replicator 2 prints in just one color, but a $2,799 Replicator 2X will offer two-color printing and other features when it launches in the first quarter of 2013.

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Objects on display

MakerBot had a handful of high-quality 3D-printed objects at the event.

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Object close-up

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Object close-up

You can still feel the printed layers on objects printed with the Replicator 2, but they're not as rough as those from the older MakerBot printer.

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MakerBot Store in Manhattan

MakerBot also soft-launched its Manhattan store this afternoon.

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MakerBot Store interior

Inside, MakerBot will sell 3D printers, spools of plastic printing feedstock, as well as 3D-printed novelty objects.

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Wall of PLA

The plastic feedstock on sale at the MakerBot Store.

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Replicator 2 on display

MakerBot has multiple Replicator 2 printers operating at the store. The original Replicator was not on the floor, but a MakerBot rep told me that it would be on sale there as well.