Fulcrum Minibot 1.0: small, educational 3D printer
Cheap 3D printers are not rare, but these usually come as a kit and you have to assemble yourself. Recently, however, a number of new budget 3D printers have also been delivered ready-to-use. The Fulcrum Minibot 1.0 from Gearbest is such a printer, which you can use immediately.
The Minibot is touted as an educational printer for use by children, so you don’t want to waste time on complicated instructions anyway. With this printer that is no problem, within just a few minutes you are able to print the first objects. Ideal for a first experience with 3D printing.
Fulcrum Minibot 1.0: Small is beautiful
The printer lives up to its name and is really mini: only 22.00 x 21.00 x 21.00 cm (H x W x D) and weighs 3.5 kilograms. The black and white housing with rounded corners is made of ABS. Transparent panels close off the left and right sides.
The maximum dimensions of the objects that you can print with it are also mini: 75 x 70 x 70 mm. Combined with the high printing speed, you can therefore manufacture small objects, but in a very short time. Less waiting, more fun.
When the printing is finished, you can easily remove the object from the printer. The print bed is magnetic and flexible. Remove the print bed from the printer and simply bend it to loosen the object.
Great to specifications
The specifications of the Fulcrum Minibot are, especially considering the low price, not mini. Operation is via a 2.8 inch color touchscreen. The brain of the printer is a Makerbase MKS Robin mini v2.0 32-bit mainboard.
The motors that this controller drives are solid NEMA14 and NEMA17 stepper motors that ensure good accuracy and relatively quiet operation. The MKS Robin mini v2.0 also provides “Power-loss recovery”: after power failure, the Minibot can continue and finish a print.
Ready to go
The printer comes complete with everything you need to start printing immediately. The included SD card contains designs that you can print directly without using a computer. If you still want to use a computer, you can do so via the USB cable. The required software, Ultimaker Cura and Simplify3D, can be found on the SD card. Even a roll of filament is included.
Fulcrum Minibot 1.0: Anyone can 3D print
Printers like this Minibot make 3D printing accessible to everyone. They are affordable, easy to use, and fun to play with. Educational for children, accessible for beginners. Do you own a Minibot? Share your tips and experiences in the comment section below!
