(from left) Alwin Wong emerged as the winner for the corporate category and Ew Chee Guan is the winner in the individual category in Ricoh
Bringing your imagination to life using a 3D printer was a costly affair as the devices used to cost upwards of RM30,000.
Ricoh, the local authorised partner for MakerBot, is hoping to break the barrier. It is selling the Makerbot Replicator Mini for just RM4,999.
The Replicator Mini prints objects up to 10.0 x 10.0 x 12.5cm in size and only in one colour of your choice. The device, which measures 29.5 x 31.0 x 38.1cm and weighs 8kg, has a layer resolution of 200 microns.
The Makerbot is also eco-friendly as the 3D printed objects are made from Polylactic Acid (PLA) which is biodegradable.
Those with bigger pockets can go for the Makerbot Replicator which costs RM10,699. It can print larger objects of up to 25.2 19.9 x 15.0cm at a layer resolution of 100 microns.
Ricoh Malaysia chief operating officer Peter Wee says 3D printing can add value to education, research and engineering sectors. However, in order for the industry to thrive there needs to be a proper ecosystem such as trainings.
Enthusiasts can visit iMakerzone.com, a crowd-sourced 3D design platform, which connects users with 3D modellers and designers.
Ricoh Malaysia also just concluded a 3D printing contest themed Imagine Functionality: The Perfect Office Aid which attracted over 50 entries. The winning entry for the corporate category was a Dispenser Pin Tack for picking up sharp, tiny object without hurting yourself.
In the individual category, the winning idea was for a Desktop USB Ioniser which functions as a penholder, SD cardholder, a USB port and, of course, as a USB ioniser.
