Your desktop printer is just that – something made for your desktop. The latest 3D printers follow the same model; in fact, the ones small enough to fit on a desktop are actually an anomaly. But what if you could take your printer with you? That’s where the Tobeca, a portable 3D printer, comes into play.
Image credit RepRap Diffusion
3D Printing on the Go
A regular 3D printer has a lot of parts, and usually comes in a difficult-to-transport design. The Tobeca solves this by folding down to fit in a rectangular carrying case. At around 17 X 16 X 6 inches when folded, closed, and packed, the Tobeca is roughly the size of a large laptop, making it easy to take with you wherever you need to go.
Of course, the Tobeca still needs to be connected to a computer. The device is compatible with all operating systems, so you can easily plug it into your PC or laptop. No, you probably won’t be printing out in an open field, but you can move your printer back and forth from the office to the lab to your house.
The Tobeca can print items up to 200 X 200 X 200 millimeters in size. No, you won’t be printing any giant sculptures in the near future, but it’s large enough to make everyday items or small models.
Why is a Portable Printer Useful?
For the average consumer, a portable 3D printer doesn’t make a lot of sense. When are you ever going to need to print something when you’re not at home or at your office? However, the Tobeca shows promise for anyone who works in product development. If you can take your printer with you, you can fire off a prototype of the design you just made, regardless of where you are. Late-night project meetings, tweak suggestions from a client, or even just spur-of-the-moment design ideas no longer have to wait for you to get home.
Since the Tobeca only prints small objects, it probably isn’t going to be the most functional of printers. However, the fact that it can stay portable while remaining durable will probably help it find a niche market.