Multi-Material 3D PRINTER III
2023 | Client: Electronic Alchemy
Commissioned by Electronic Alchemy, the Multimaterial 3D Printer III was designed to push the boundaries of what 3D printing could achieve in educational and R&D settings. With the ability to print complex, multi-material objects—including those with different electrical properties—this printer opens up new possibilities for creating functional, integrated devices in a single print. Tailored for hands-on learning and sophisticated prototyping, it was crafted as both an educational tool and a research asset.
Focused on affordability and scalability, this project featured:
• Expansive Print Area: Comparable to the Ultimaker S3, giving users space for larger, high-detail models.
• Enhanced Heating System: A heated print bed and pre-heated filament options support versatile material choices and consistent print quality.
• Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: Designed for all users, from beginners in classrooms to researchers in labs, with a simple, approachable UI.
• Distinct, Bold Design: A fresh look that breaks from traditional black and white boxes, standing out in classrooms and labs.
• Streamlined, Finless Extruders: Sleek, fanless extruders refined for compactness and efficiency.
The strategy was to use components that balanced initial affordability with future scalability. The printer’s final high-volume production model was engineered with custom-tooled parts to drive costs down, but at launch, we included alternate components with no tooling costs. This allowed for a competitive initial price while setting up for further cost reductions as production ramped up—improving build quality and aesthetics over time.
This concept became the heart of Electronic Alchemy’s SXSW pitch, and it won. My work on cost modeling, development timelines, and high-fidelity CAD helped craft a compelling, scalable vision that resonated with the SXSW judges. This success underscored the printer’s potential to transform how education and research approach advanced prototyping.
