Makerbot Replicator Mini 3D printer

MakerBot Replicator Mini is a compact version of the MakerBot Replicator desktop 3D printer. It is an intuitive desktop 3D printer designed to provide an easier 3D printing experience to anyone. It comes pre-assembled and ready to print after unboxing. Its compact, enclosed design makes it easy to bring anywhere. It is equipped with a series of thoughtful features, including an onboard camera for remote control and a redesigned extruder. It also offers direct connectivity to the proprietary Thingiverse platform via the MakerBot’s app.

This plug-n-play, lightweight printer features a build volume of 100 x 100 x 125 mm. The rigid frame and smart extruder+ offer high printing reliability. The Replicator Mini is ideal for personal use and pre-prototyping. It can be easily connected to a computer via USB cable or over Wi-Fi. A mobile app lets you comfortably check the printer status from your smartphone. Read the review to withstand what this printer is capable to do.

One user 3D printed some custom holders for the Oculus Touch controllers.

Another maker checked the printer capability producing a wireframe cat, a chair and an elephant. As you can see, the device proved to have good bridging skills.

Specifications:

• Print quality
• Materials
• Build volume
• Printer controls
• What’s in the box
• Look and feel
• Price

Print quality

The Makerbot Replicator Mini is an FDM 3D printer that can print at 200 microns. Despite the final result isn’t as smooth as you get with the more expensive printers, it is more than enough for experimenting and household use.

Credit @phelipe.97 / Instagram

The Makerbot Replicator Mini has a 0.4 mm nozzle, giving you the best balance between speed and detail. 

Credit @fireheaddesigns / Instagram

The print head runs on rods with linear bearings

Materials

The brand new smart extruder comes with a fan for printing with PLA-type materials reducing the risk of warping. For example, this little 3Dbenchy has been printed with PLA and is ready to sail.

Unlike many FDM printers, the Makerbot Replicator Mini has a heated bed and closed print chamber, which means it can reliably print with ABS-type materials and other specialty filaments, including bronzeFill, copperFill, and woodFill. 

The Makerbot Replicator Mini only works with own-brand filament. This ensures quality, as all the branded materials go through a strict quality assurance process. 

Build volume

The build area of the printer is 4 x 5 x 5 inches (101 x 126 x 126 mm). It allows printing tiny models or larger ones in parts.

Printer controls

You can easily control the printer via a computer or via a mobile phone.

Transferring your printing files to the device via USB or over Wi-Fi is a piece of cake. The printer’s built-in camera lets you remotely monitor the entire printing process.

The printer is compatible with the MakerBot software. It works with 3D models in STL and OBJ formats. The software is available for Windows and Mac OS X. Linux users will have to install a virtual machine. 

What’s in the box

• The Makerbot Replicator Mini 3D printer
• USB A-to-B cable
• Small MakerBot PLA Filament spool
• Smart Extruder+
• Power cord

For some items, package content may change. In case of any questions, please get in touch.

Look and feel

Makerbot Replicator Mini is available in black color.

The printer dimensions are 11.6 x 13.7 x 15 inches (295 × 310 × 381 mm). It weighs 21 lb (9.3 kg). The spool holder is mounted inside.
 

Price

The price of the Makerbot Replicator Mini is $1,600.00, which is reasonable considering its functionality.