Filabot
Filabot Wee
Filabot have launched their latest model, the Filabot Wee.
Filabot have been a busy bunch, not only have they recently released their Filabot filament made on their Core system they have now released another Filabot model, the Filabot Wee.
Whereas the Filabot Core used old milk jugs and other recyclable plastic to make filament the Wee uses plastic pellets and turns them into filament of either 1.75mm or 3mm diameter. This open-source model is similar to the award-winning Filastruder.
Pellets are generally a third cheaper than filament so this model will come in handy for heavy 3D printers who are looking for cheaper alternatives to buying shed-loads of pre-spooled filament. The un-welded Wee model costs $620 (€466 / £400) for the pre-welded model it costs and extra 30 bucks, $649 (€490 / £420).
Though this model is available now, the company have stopped taking orders on their Filabot Core System, which received $32,000 of funding on Kickstarter in January 2012. It is unclear whether the pledgers on Kickstarter have received their models yet. Originally they were told a shipping timescale as early as April 2012, but the Fialbot team’s latest update video - a year later in May 2013 - suggested the orders had yet to be fulfilled.
The Filabot team moved quickly to quell rumours that this spelt the end for the Filabot Core System on their Facebook page:
Mary-Margaret Murphy is the Core system no longer available?
Filabot The Filabot Core is not yet available, it is only the Wee. The Core WILL be available later this year. Right now, the Filabot Wee is available for purchase to the general public
It looks to us that the Filabot Core’s astonishing claims to make 3D printing a completely green operation were a little too ambitious. Timescales and manufacturing costs can be prohibitive to many new hardware manufacturers so the delay is understandable. This scaled back model would traditionally be welcomed with open arms but with little explanation on the Core system delays, people are certainly within their rights to treat this with less enthusiasm.
