MiniCut2D – Backerjack

PocketMaker 3D offers 3D printing for pocket change

The concept of 3D printing brings to mind images of large, very technical machines designed to print out intricate creations. The PocketMaker 3D is here to prove that smaller printers can be as good.

The small, almost handheld printer can be a low-cost introduction to the world of 3D printing or an addition to an experienced maker’s 3D printing arsenal. With it, users can either wirelessly transfer their own custom 3D models from their computers to the device or select a model from dozens of options in the PocketMaker 3D’s companion iOS/Android app. No matter how it’s done, the printer can spit out something practical like an ashtray or something more decorative like a Mickey Mouse figurine.

MiniCut2D lets users take baby steps to 3D printing glory

While 3D printers are all the rage these days, they still remain somewhat of a mystery to the layman. Expensive machines coupled with complex programs ultimately build an extremely intimidating process most people would be scared off by.

MiniCut2D is aimed at those who are interested in what 3D printing can do, but lack the advanced skills necessary to transform what they have in their mind into a physical object. The product utilizes a hot wire that cuts hard polystyrene foam usually used as insulation material. The process is accessible to most because it only requires either a manually drawn image or a silhouette off of the Internet to help guide the wire to cut the shape necessary. The thickness of the material gives the object its third dimension as a result, and allows even beginners to create things such as words, planes, packing, and scale models. This gives users more variety than with scanners like the Pouff 3D that can only scan objects as big as the scanner itself.

Its open source Windows software supports CAD and SketchUp file formats, so MiniCut2D can serve as motivation for beginners looking to move on to more advanced ideas. The €8,900 (~$10,043) campaign is looking to have the €499 (~$563) product out to backers by May of this year.