MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis Video Interview: New 3D Printers at CES 2014

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We are at #CES2014 in Las Vegas this week, where there are a whole lotta new 3D printers at the 3D Printing TechZone.

MakerBot, the darling of the desktop 3D printing world, announced three new 3D printers at the show.

We caught up with Bre Pettis, Founder and CEO of MakerBot, for an exclusive video interview and tour of the new announcements. Watch the full video below.

First, Bre Pettis showed us the MakerBot Replicator Mini, which sells for $1,375.

“You can make great collectibles with it,” said Pettis. The build area allows for objects 4” x 4” x 5”.

Pettis also suggested that the Replicator Mini 3D printer would be great for schools. MakerBot recently announced an education initiative called MakerBot Academy with a goal to put a 3D printer in every school in the U.S.

This is also one of the next generation of MakerBot 3D printers that are smart, explained Pettis. They know when they need more filament and say “feed me.”

MakerBot seems to be taking an Apple strategy, creating a desktop 3D printer for everyone’s needs. Instead of the iPad, iPad Mini, and iPhone, MakerBot has the Replicator Z18, the Replicator Fifth Generation, and the Replicator Mini.

“If the Replicator Mini is the consumer machine, the MakerBot Replicator [Fifth Generation] is the prosumer machine,” said Pettis.

Bre was especially product of the knob on the Replicator interface, modeled after high-end stereo equipment. This interface lets you browse and select projects to print and the 3D printer can connect to the Internet via Ethernet, with Wi-Fi coming soon. The Replicator sells for $2,899.

Pettis also showed us the Replicator Z18, a large-size 3D printer with a 12” x 12” build volume and a heated build chamber to keep models dimensionally stable. This monster of a 3D printer sells for $6,499. Pettis said he’s really excited to see what people create with such a large build area.

Back to the education initiative, Pettis – who is a former teacher – thought that the Replicator Z18 might be great

It’s Also About Software

While the MakerBot founder was really proud of the new desktop 3D printers, he was quick to emphasize that the software is also new and improved.

MakerBot announced this week the availability of the MakerBot desktop application including a digital store, the MakerBot mobile app, and the MakerBot PrintShop application that lets you design bracelets and other items.

Thanks to Bre Pettis for the interview!

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