While the current trend is towards large format 3D printers, some providers seem to want to stand out from the crowd and offer exactly the opposite. This is the case with TinyMaker, the brand behind one of the smallest resin 3D printers on the market. It fits in the palm of your hand and can be taken anywhere, with the goal of bringing the benefits of 3D printing to as many people as possible. The only question is what this little machine is really used for and whether the manufacturer’s promises on crowdfunding platforms will be kept. The TinyMaker will be available for around 110 euros and delivery will begin in February. So far the manufacturer seems to be behind schedule. So is this small resin 3D printer a real innovation or just a passing trend to be wary of?
This is not the first time that we present you a 3D printer of surprising size: remember the Pluto or the My N Mi project, a machine no bigger than a matchstick. Of course, this type of solution is a surprise as the market is used to seeing machines aimed at larger print volumes, high speeds and proven repeatability. In the case of TinyMaker, it’s about making 3D printing even more accessible and being able to start printing anywhere. It took two years of development and multiple prototypes to find the right design and functionality.
The TinyMaker 3D printer uses resin
Take a closer look at the TinyMaker
The 3D printer is very compact, measuring 100 x 115 x 155 mm and weighing 600 grams. It consumes very little power and users can connect it to an external battery to operate. The size of the printing plate is limited to 30.6 x 40.8 x 60 mm, the layer thickness is between 0.05 and 0.1 mm. Note that the small 3D resin printer is open source and therefore could benefit from modifications from the user community. Finally, as far as technology goes, the TinyMaker utilizes MSLA (Masked Stereo-Lithography Apparatus) technology and therefore uses an LCD screen to mask the UV light source.
Additionally, the brand has developed post-processing solutions that are as compact as the machine itself. These include a cleaning solution and a heat treating machine for just thirty dollars. Everything is designed to be easy to transport and reuse anywhere. It remains to be seen whether the results are satisfactory; Can the part be properly cleaned and stripped of all supports? That seems doubtful.
And for good reason: the goal was more than achieved – or even exceeded – on the Kickstarter and Indiegogo platforms. The problem lies in the delivery of the machines, which is scheduled for February 2023 on Kickstarter and April 2023 on Indiegogo. A visit to the respective pages reveals that the Kickstarter was launched several months ago and links to the Indiegogo campaign, which is still open. So we’re a little skeptical about the seriousness of this campaign – is TinyMaker still raising money even though it’s more than met its original goal? What about the production and delivery of the machines? But the pictures and videos shared seem promising. This is the inherent danger of crowdfunding platform projects, and 3D printing is no exception.
The MSLA 3D printer is easy to transport
It’s still worth sharing the enthusiasm for TinyMaker because the concept is interesting and shows that 3D technology can become more accessible and open to as many people as possible. We still have concerns about the quantity of parts and their quality, but for a machine that costs less than 150 euros we can’t be too demanding. To find out more, find the manufacturer’s campaign HERE.
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*All image credits: TinyMaker
