Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi has made a significant move into the world of 3D printing with its latest offering, the Mijia 3D printer.
This innovative device combines printing and curing capabilities, making it a unique and cost-effective option in the 3D printing industry.
Priced at just 1699 yuan ($237) during the crowdfunding phase, the Mijia printer is set to hit the Chinese market on August 10,
potentially disrupting the landscape of low-cost 3D printing.
A Dual-Function Wonder: The Mijia 3D Printer
The Mijia 3D Printer stands out from its competitors due to its dual-function design,
which allows for both printing and curing within the same device. Its custom LCD screen enables parts to be printed and then cured using the same light engine, streamlining the process.
Moreover, the printer offers an automatic resin loading and recovery feature, a rarity even among high-end DLP machines.
With a compact build volume of 118 x 65 x 160 mm (4.65 x 2.56 x 6.30 in),
the Mijia is also designed to be user-friendly with an accompanying Mijia app,
allowing for remote control and monitoring of the printing process.
The inclusion of automatically generated printing parameters tailored to the CAD file design,
and a built-in library of printable models further enhances the printer’s appeal to consumers.
Disruption in the 3D Printing Market
Over the past decade, the 3D printing market has witnessed numerous disruptions, primarily triggered by the open-source revolution. Companies like Formlabs made vat photopolymerization more affordable, bringing prices below $5,000. Chinese firms further disrupted the market by offering 3D printers for under $500 and even $200. Recently, the polymer extrusion segment faced a massive shakeup with the introduction of Bambu Lab printers, known for their impressive speed and reliability. As a major smartphone manufacturer, Xiaomi’s entry into the 3D printing realm with the Mijia printer could signify a new era of disruption, particularly in the DLP printer space.
Xiaomi’s Bold Step into the World of 3D Printing
Xiaomi’s foray into 3D printing with the Mijia 3D Printer showcases the company’s determination to explore and conquer new tech territories.
With its reputation as one of the largest smartphone manufacturers globally
, Xiaomi has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the 3D printing market.
Whether the Mijia will successfully deliver on its promises of speed, user-friendliness, and reliability remains to be seen,
but the device’s unique features and competitive price point make it a compelling option for consumers. As the Mijia hits the shelves in China on August 10,
it could pave the way for a new era of affordable and accessible 3D printing technology, reshaping the industry and inspiring further innovation.
