MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o [url=http://www.makibox.com/]MaxiBox Home Page[/url] A friend just pointed out to me that the 3D Printer upstart "MakiBox" which was crowd funded earlier this year, opened its online store on Christmas Day. They have their mini-flagship complete printer set for sale at $200... WHAT!? ::o The printer is tiny but still manages a build area of 110mm x 150mm x 90mm (X,Y,Z). The $200 version does not have a heated bed; there is a $300 that does.. There are videos of the prototype makibox printing; notice that it does not use belts (goodbye backlash?) At this very low price, it seems hard to be the loser in this deal. It would seem that even if you just used the printer for parts, you would end up with 4 stepper motors, a printr-board, and a Bowden Extruder... Buying one now :) I will report back to let you know if I was robbed or got an awesome deal ;) [img]http://www.makibox.com/isotope/c/clear_iso_800_800.jpg[/img] https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,173483#msg-173483 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:48:20 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232354#msg-232354 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232354#msg-232354 -------------------------------------------------------
> Dark Alchemist, sorry for your loss. please let me
> know if you would like something printed, I will
> print you something free.
Thanks. I am not having an easy time with her passing but I do not wish to rain on this thread I was just saying (in reference to this thread [forums.reprap.org] ) that I still want to personally print those for her and this printer would/should allow it since it is so cost effective. As long as the prints do not look like the Printrbot Jr. then it should be fine.

edit: thanks to everyone for their kind sentiments and words.]]> Dark Alchemist General Sat, 03 Aug 2013 09:14:23 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232268#msg-232268 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232268#msg-232268 vegasloki General Sat, 03 Aug 2013 00:54:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232250#msg-232250 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232250#msg-232250 isonoob General Fri, 02 Aug 2013 21:51:05 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232168#msg-232168 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232168#msg-232168
Yes, if I didn't already have an early order in, I'd wait until I see a skid of boxes getting shipped out. Only 522 days since I 'funded' their effort. ;) Would have been nice to been able to print a year ago, but it is what it is. The latest videos of the latest revisions look like it could be quite the contender.

It might be a few months before they get through their current backlog--rumored as a few thousand or so.

i'm impressed with their assembly manual. I'm ready to turn some screws.]]> rtideas General Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:29:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232162#msg-232162 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232162#msg-232162 Dark Alchemist
Man that really strikes a chord. Having just printed a set of similar items for my other half it really makes you think. You have my sympathy. I hope you get your machine and your prints soon.]]> SanjayM General Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:17:30 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232125#msg-232125 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232125#msg-232125 Dark Alchemist General Fri, 02 Aug 2013 12:52:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232084#msg-232084 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,232084#msg-232084 Shipping final production models.

Also, they posted their assembly manuals. Great looking. Looks pretty straight-forward to assemble.

Supposedly I'm order #00013 and paid for expedited shipping. Potentially i should have my MakiBox in a couple weeks and assembled within 2 hours after that.]]> rtideas General Fri, 02 Aug 2013 10:40:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220977#msg-220977 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220977#msg-220977 Think before typing.]]> Andrew M General Sun, 23 Jun 2013 20:50:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220411#msg-220411 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220411#msg-220411 -------------------------------------------------------
> yeah 38% but thats after they write off things
> like stores, advertising, those stupid "geniuses".
> makibox wont have any of that. and as far as the
> mark up on an apple product, its huge, it has to
> be in order for them to recoup the costs of
> advertising and the stores and stuff.

Apple's margin exceeds most other companies not only in that sector but in retail products as a whole. A gross margin is before expenses and deductions and as such those aren't counted in the figures. Apple product is priced at a premium because that is what the market will bear. The costs of the stores and support are a factor though those costs would be included in the retail price if the the product was sold primarily through a dealer network as the costs of distribution and retailing aren't free. The retailer, regardless of if the stores are company owned or independent, is going to have to shoulder those costs and those are factored into the product at the retail level.]]> vegasloki General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:01:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220397#msg-220397 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220397#msg-220397
You are right, I've used the wrong word. I meant that they will use the 30-40% difference between their manufacturing cost and sale price to pay for electricity, rent, wages etc. They will not make Apple style profit (like the $25 sdramps dudes), nor do I think that's their goal. And this is the biggest reason why I'm hoping they, and companies like qu-bd succeed.]]> lajos General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:08:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220385#msg-220385 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220385#msg-220385 aduy General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 14:15:14 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220373#msg-220373 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220373#msg-220373 -------------------------------------------------------

> The key for makibox to succeed is decent print
> quality and volume. I don't think their margins
> need to be razor thin. Depending on the model,
> they can still make 30-40%. Which probably won't
> buy them the corporate jet, but maybe their
> motivation, other than earning a normal size
> paycheck, is to bring an affordable 3d printer to
> the market.


I think you are mistaking margin for markup. As an example Apple's gross margin is about 38%. And that's a segment leader of what I'd consider a premium brand with the retail price structure to match. Those are remarkable numbers. Makibox will be nowhere close to that. It's not a premium product but a value product with price as the primary feature. Makibox aren't going to sustain that growth and be able to deliver without getting more capital as the costs to expand will not only outpace any net profit but likely the entire cash flow as well. Same as Makerbot. That's not going to be accomplished from a Kickstarter crowd sourcing.]]> vegasloki General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 13:37:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220372#msg-220372 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220372#msg-220372 rsilvers General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 13:36:28 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220367#msg-220367 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220367#msg-220367
I'll take a simple one from above, the sdramp board, from digikey, single quantity:

- 3.3v voltage regulator $0.40
- micro sd socket $2.20
- 74HC4050 level shifter $0.46
- led, resistors, capacitor: $1.20

That's $4.26, shipping $1.35. Let's say you don't want to point-to-point it, etch a copper clad that you either have or buy 5 pcs of 4x8" double sided (enough for ~150 sdramps) on ebay @ $8 with free shipping (for most people will last a life time).

Make this in quantity in China, I'd be surprised if it would cost as much as $2 assembled with headers, but let's just say $3 shipped to your door. Now I might be misunderstanding what reprap and open source hardware is about, but I don't think selling this using those logos for $25 and above is cool.

Support is a good point. I assume they'll have to count on community support.

The key for makibox to succeed is decent print quality and volume. I don't think their margins need to be razor thin. Depending on the model, they can still make 30-40%. Which probably won't buy them the corporate jet, but maybe their motivation, other than earning a normal size paycheck, is to bring an affordable 3d printer to the market.]]> lajos General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 13:05:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220229#msg-220229 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220229#msg-220229 -------------------------------------------------------
> If nothing else, they will light the fire under
> all the #jumponthe3dprintinggravytrain
> #letsgetrich #fromrippingpeopleoff group. You can
> hardly get the electronics and hotend in the US
> for $200 (not more than $20 to manufacture). $35
> sdramps board ($4 to make). $5 heater resistor
> ($.7 at digikey). $3000 replicator (at most $500
> including labor).

None of those parts can be sourced in single (or even small quantities) for the price posted. Except for perhaps the heater but then how much to ship it to you? Typical cost of manufactured goods are three to five times the raw parts costs. There are many costs in doing business and most here aren't familiar with what it takes even on a small scale. Being across the river from Guangdong Makibox is in a good position for a supply chain and to be able to scale manufacturing but far away from the core markets of North American and Europe. The price is reduced by limiting the functionality and value engineering the device so it's more cost effective to produce. Assuming they ship soon I think the next hurdle will be in support. Scaling the support is likely to be as perilous as getting the product to market for them was/is. The margins are likely razor thin at that price and probably doesn't leave any room for resellers so that avenue of support is out. It will be interesting to see as the demand rises if they will be able to maintain the price point while being able to support the machines and maintain product for the demand. Were they available I'd get one just to check it out but I'm not willing to front them a few hundred bucks and wait for months to get the product.]]> vegasloki General Fri, 21 Jun 2013 05:04:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220152#msg-220152 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220152#msg-220152 jonbuford General Thu, 20 Jun 2013 19:15:35 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220105#msg-220105 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220105#msg-220105 -------------------------------------------------------
>But Rigidbot uses belts....not a fan of belts,
> might need more adjustments, may need some anti
> backlash gears as an upgrade...time will tell. I
> really was torn. Now I have to wait 6 months.

Belts are much better than screws. They have less mass, so less momentum and faster acceleration.

GT2 belts don't have backlash - it is screws that have backlash.]]> rsilvers General Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:25:45 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220033#msg-220033 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,220033#msg-220033 -------------------------------------------------------
> Have you already paid for a MakiBox?

Yes, I have - I feel that they can deliver. When? I don't know but I guess I'll find out :)]]> skyhigh General Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:08:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218934#msg-218934 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218934#msg-218934 -------------------------------------------------------
> [inventapart.com]
>
> go to the very bottom and there's a green buy now
> button ~500 unassembled with shipping in hte US
How does that differ, or makes it better, from say a Prusa I2 that parts, with shipping, is about 500 dollars?

edit: I see it is more rigid but what about the electronics etc...? So many questions to compare the two beyond the obvious of the sturdier rigidbot.

Thanks.]]> Dark Alchemist General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:00:31 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218862#msg-218862 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218862#msg-218862 inventapart.com]

go to the very bottom and there's a green buy now button ~500 unassembled with shipping in hte US]]> isonoob General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:34:11 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218847#msg-218847 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218847#msg-218847 -------------------------------------------------------
> Soooo close! I think Makibox will deliver. I poked
> around looking at the design and I am impressed.
> Not an unnecessary part to be seen. No compromise
> on what has to be in it. All drive rods, no floppy
> belts, no backlash problems, light weight
> carriages so less inertia to fight that could
> produce shake. I'd get one myself if I didn't have
> a Rigidbot on the way in December. Perhaps I will
> get one.....not sure. Don't forget shipping (to
> Canada) adds $89 to the $200 base cost. That's why
> I went with Rigidbot, It was only $166 more for me
> to get a Rigidbot with a 10x10x10 inch build area
> as opposed to roughly 6x4x3 inches on the Makibox.
> But Rigidbot uses belts....not a fan of belts,
> might need more adjustments, may need some anti
> backlash gears as an upgrade...time will tell. I
> really was torn. Now I have to wait 6 months.
> Makibox owners will be getting thiers in as little
> as four weeks depending on what shipping option
> they have chosen. In a month and a half there will
> be over a thousand Makibox in the wild.


I looked at the Rigidbot and the site I was looking at only allowed 100 dollars to hold it for you but no where on that site did I see a final price.]]> Dark Alchemist General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:53:28 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218819#msg-218819 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218819#msg-218819 Peterthinks General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:20:49 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218645#msg-218645 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218645#msg-218645 jonbuford General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:12:19 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218643#msg-218643 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218643#msg-218643 isonoob General Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:01:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218583#msg-218583 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218583#msg-218583
I also has supported the Rigidbot, the prirate 3d printer and a dlp base printer from China -[www.indiegogo.com]- currently running. I didn;t expect much on this last so let see.

I will also build my own delta printer from my own design. I am looking to collaborate with others. I base in Sydney, Australia.

In the near future I will set up a blog to share so stay tune. :)]]> phon xay General Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:16:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218504#msg-218504 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218504#msg-218504
We have the production tooling almost complete. You can see the first test shot assembly at MakiBox PP00 Video

For the post asking about a geometric shape: We've got plenty of other posts with test prints up on the MakiBox site.

Since we are a) in Hong Kong and b)have injection molded parts our output will scale as needed, so we will be able to get through our original orders in July and expect by September to be able to start bringing in the lead time steadily.

We will be releasing the full design files for the Beta design that is CNC/Printable in the next couple of weeks. You also might want to check out the 5D Print host and firmware which is starting to shape up nicely. The firmware is based on a mix of Sprinter and Marlin, but has been cleaned up and turned into C code so that we don't have all the dependencies on the Arduino development environment. The host software is written in Go, and is cross compiled into native apps and will be able to run on something as small as a Raspberry Pi and can be remotely controlled with anything with a browser.

Anyhow, it has been interesting to watch this conversation. We are looking forward to the production start and also releasing the design files.
]]> jonbuford General Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:09:43 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218243#msg-218243 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218243#msg-218243
I'm only speculating, but MakiBox really bit off more than they could chew by not setting, and still have yet to set, a limit on the number of orders that can be purchased through their site. Anyone ordering NOW to receive their kit by a promised date will not be receiving their kit until way down the road when you've finally given up on them and moved on. If you haven't placed an order yet, don't. Wait until people start receiving kits and see the community responds as a whole to gauge the general idea of who placed an order when and if the more recent orders are being fulfilled yet or not.]]> isonoob General Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:04:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218226#msg-218226 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218226#msg-218226
For $200, it looks good to me, going in with my eyes open and managed expectations of the quality of the prints. Jon & the team seem like they are trying to do their best and I think I can trust them. I'll report back with my actual results later when I've got one!]]> skyhigh General Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:02:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218131#msg-218131 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218131#msg-218131
It seems they have honest intentions. Delivering a couple thousand printers is no small feat, they underestimated, just like 99% of the projects on kickstarter.

I looked at the prints, they do not look bad. Especially from a $200 printer. In fact they look better than the printed parts from large US companies.

Just like the raspberry pi, they set out to make an affordable printer. Did the rpi live up to the promises? Not even close. Riddled with design issues (hardly functional USB port), slow to the point where it's pretty much useless running X and by the time you get it running it will cost almost the same as an intel atom desktop board. But they sold over 10 million units. And yes, the makibox will have issues, too. But not everyone has $1000+ to buy a 3d printer. Can you imagine even a million 3d printers out there?

If nothing else, they will light the fire under all the #jumponthe3dprintinggravytrain #letsgetrich #fromrippingpeopleoff group. You can hardly get the electronics and hotend in the US for $200 (not more than $20 to manufacture). $35 sdramps board ($4 to make). $5 heater resistor ($.7 at digikey). $3000 replicator (at most $500 including labor).]]> lajos General Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:23:22 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218130#msg-218130 Re: MakiBox $200 Complete 3D Printer ::o https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,173483,218130#msg-218130


And other prints:


]]> rsilvers General Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:15:32 -0400