Months ago, MakerBot dropped hints to Wired about a newer version of their shiny Replicator 2 3-D printer. Today at CES, CEO Bre Pettis announced the Replicator 2X, an update to the printer that is designed for a more advanced consumer, a more experimental user.
Targeting a higher-end market, the 2X features dual heads for printing more-complex objects. "For the daredevils out there, the Doc Browns, the MacGyvers, the test pilots, we haven't forgotten about you," says Pettis in a YouTube video released in advance of the announcement. Whereas the Replicator 2 uses PLA filament, the 2X — like the original Replicator — uses ABS filaments. But the 2X is supposed to run more smoothly, and print in multiple colors and even multiple materials.
"There are many ABS filament fans out there that want to keep using ABS, even though it can be a trickier and more challenging product to use," Pettis says in MakerBot's press release.
MakerBot alienated some of the 3-D printing community last September when it announced that the Replicator 2 would not be entirely open source. While the 2X is designed for tinkerers, MakerBot has not mentioned whether it will be open source, or have some of its hardware and software patent protected.
The company also announced their MakerWare 1.1 software and Makerbot Firmware 7.0 updates.
Priced at $2,799, the Replicator 2X prints at 100-micron resolution (the same as the Replicator 2), and will be available later this month.
