Here's what you can make with a mainstream 3D printer

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  • Cubify cube

    Cubify cube

    3D printers remind you of Star Trek replicators, and could be a first step in the development of that wonder.

    3D printers have been around for a while, but mostly in the hands of hobbyists and developers. But now, the first 3D printer, 3D Systems' Cube 3D printer, will be the first to go mainstream when it hits the shelves of Staples and other stores in late June. This $1,299 printer could be a sign of things to come.

    The big questions is what will this printer be able to do? Will it work for business? Or is it an expensive toy for Dad or Mom? Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up. In this gallery, we'll take a look at what it comes with, and also see what bigger 3D printers can really do.

    The Cube 3D printer works with Mac and Windows, and prints objects up to 5.5x5.5x5.5 inches. The Cube uses both PLA and ABS plastics, and prints in higher definition, featuring 16 colors including glow in the dark.

    3D printers can print just about anything that fits in the 5.5-inch cube, with the right software, of course.

    3D Systems also provides CAD modeling, reverse engineering, and inspection software tools and consumer 3D printers, apps, and services.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Cubeship

    Cubeship

    The Print Pack package includes the Cube 3D printer, four cartridges, 25 free prints, and Cubify Invent design software that allows you to make your own creations.

    3D Systems claims setup is easy. It takes about 15 minutes to get rolling. A touchscreen interface detects your print parameters based on the cartridge you plan to use. You can also purchase "one-stop design-tracking, downloads, and uploads in the Cubify Cloud".

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Cube colors

    Cube colors

    The 3D Cube Printer comes in five colors.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Cube with products

    Cube with products

    This seems to be the most popular use for the Cube 3D printer — toys.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Cube lifestyle

    Cube lifestyle

    It could probably be used to create works of art.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • CubeX UK mug print

    CubeX UK mug print

    The next step up is the CubeX line of 3D creations built by software from Cubify Systems. Items displayed include products that you can find around your house, such as this mug. It will print objects up to 10.8x10.45x9.5 inches, or as big as a basketball. Printers start at $2,499. There are 18 color choices, including two glow in the dark.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Atom guitar

    Atom guitar

    The Cubify line produces bigger and more useful projects and comes with playful items, such as a purse or a playable guitar. But the projects are limitless.

    Photo by: 3D Systems

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Urbee II

    Urbee II

    Jim Kors is well along the development trail with another 3D wonder, the printed car. His three-wheel Urbee II is built from AVS plastic that's much lighter than metal. It's being built with plastic safety measures, such as a roll cage. Several parts can also be combined to make easier to build. See ZDNet's sister site SmartPlanet's report.

    Photo by: Jim Kors

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • 3D guns

    3D guns

    The biggest fear of 3D printing would be allowing people to print their own 3D guns and other dangerous devices. Amateur gunsmith Michael Guslik produced the lower frame of an AR-15 and used off-the-shelf products to finish the weapon — that works.

    The firearm in question is a .22-caliber rifle developed by Wisconsin engineer and amateur gunsmith Michael Guslick. Using his Stratasys 3D printing machine and blueprints downloaded from the internet, Guslick successfully printed the lower receiver — or frame — of an AR-15 rifle, and turned it into a gun.

    Photo by: Michael Guslick

    Caption by: Andy Smith

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Staples and a limited number of stores will begin selling the 3D Systems Cube 3D Printer to the general public. But what can they do?

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Cubify cube

3D printers remind you of Star Trek replicators, and could be a first step in the development of that wonder.

3D printers have been around for a while, but mostly in the hands of hobbyists and developers. But now, the first 3D printer, 3D Systems' Cube 3D printer, will be the first to go mainstream when it hits the shelves of Staples and other stores in late June. This $1,299 printer could be a sign of things to come.

The big questions is what will this printer be able to do? Will it work for business? Or is it an expensive toy for Dad or Mom? Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up. In this gallery, we'll take a look at what it comes with, and also see what bigger 3D printers can really do.

The Cube 3D printer works with Mac and Windows, and prints objects up to 5.5x5.5x5.5 inches. The Cube uses both PLA and ABS plastics, and prints in higher definition, featuring 16 colors including glow in the dark.

3D printers can print just about anything that fits in the 5.5-inch cube, with the right software, of course.

3D Systems also provides CAD modeling, reverse engineering, and inspection software tools and consumer 3D printers, apps, and services.

Caption by: Andy Smith

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