Indiegogo startup debuts cheap, eco-friendly 3D printer

Following a successful Indiegogo campaign(with $683,804 raised), New Matter is set to release their 3D printer, the MOD-t, this Spring. While the final retail price is still up in the air, the company promises it won't be any more than $400.

Apparently, the MOD-t won't sacrifice any quality for that low price either. With print speeds up to 80mm per second and layer resolution that's user-selectable between 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm, New Matter's 3D printer is poised to make 3D printers a household product.

The MOD-t prints with an eco-friendly, polylactic acid (PLA) plastic. It's typically made from renewable sources such as corn or tapioca and, since it's biodegradable, won't contribute to any landfill waste in the future.

The innovations don't stop at the price and printer though, New Matter will also be rolling out the New Matter Store with the MOD-t. This will be a library of curated, print-ready 3D models designed to be easy to use. 3D printing bears a stigma that users need specialized skills in order to create anything worthwhile. With the New Matter Store, the company is looking to deliver a true plug-and-print experience. Consumers will be able to enjoy a dedicated library of free designs or upload their own designs and sell them.

Only time will tell if New Matter will upset the 3D printing world as much as they aim to.