10 Affordable 3D Printers You Can Get Right Now

When 3D printers was first introduced, it was a marvel everyone wanted a piece of. The problem was, not everyone could afford the hefty price tag it came with. 3D printing is new and still pretty expensive, but when you leave it to great minds to pull together power of crowdsourcing and passionate people, there are always alternative solutions.

We have put together here 10 affordable 3D printers that you can own for less than $1000. Some of them are on a preorder status (it’s a few weeks’ wait) while others need until next year to come into fruition, due to the high demand and precision it takes to build these intricate machines. The wait time might be worth it though to turn your 3D creations to reality.

Recommended Reading: 20 Amazing Creations You Can Make With 3D Printing

[Note that the manufacturers may have more than one 3D printer model to their name. Prices vary according to models.]

1. Peachy Printer

If you’ve seen how a 3D printer works, get ready for a whole new different approach with Peachy Printer. It creates things with a liquid light-sensitive resin that solidifies when introduced to light from a laser beam. As the liquid drips slowly while being cured and solidified by the laser, it’s turns into a solid object.

This new method is also inexpensive which explains why the Kickstarter project went over 13 times its initial goal.

Price: $100 â€" Visit website

2. MakiBox

The MakiBox is designed to be an affordable and dependable 3D printer. This printer would be good for someone who wants to try out 3D printing for the first time. There is one limitation to put up with though, it only has a printing dimension of 150mm wide x 110mm deep x 90mm tall aka it only prints small things.

It comes partially assembled but with very few parts and minor configuration, you could get it running in no time.

Price: $200 â€" $300 â€" Visit Website

3. Printrbot

If size is a problem then Printrbot is the solution. It has 4 different variants of 3D printers of different sizes and features. There are kits you can DIY which can help you save about $150. They’ve made their printers very customizable to your needs as you can buy add-on parts where necessary.

It works with both ABS and PLA filaments to print your 3D creations.

Price: $259 â€" $999 â€" Visit Website

4. Phoenix 3D Printer

The people behind the Phoenix 3D printer want to offer users a fully functional basic printer if you purchase their unique 3D printing software. One good thing about their software is that it allows you to ‘pause’ in the middle of a print if anything goes wrong. You can then ‘rewind’ the software to the correct point and continue from there, reducing wasteage of print material (which can be really expensive).

Price: $375 â€" $500 â€" Visit Website

5. Romscraj

Romscraj is a relatively new company based in Singapore which builds and sell 3D printers. At the point of this writing they have 2 printers of different scales for sale: one a portable printer, called Portabee Go, which is foldable for convenient transport or storage.

The other is a desktop printer (pictured below), made from aluminum and stainless steel.

Price: $375 â€" $500 â€" Visit Website

6. The Buccaneer

The Buccaneer is a fully assembled 3D printer that works out of the box. What’s great about this printer is that it’s Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to communicate with it via an iOS/Android app. The app allows you to browse for things to print based on category. You can customize the size and adjust its shape on the app before sending the blueprints to the printer.

The plastic material that it uses is food safe, so you can print bowls or plates with it.

Price: $399 â€" $999 â€" Visit Website

7. Solidoodle

This is another 3D printer you can use out of the box. Solidoodle offers a no-fuss printer at a reasonable price. There are currently 2 models that they offer: 2nd Generation at $499 and the 3rd Generation Solidoodle at $799. They only differ in size: 2nd Generation has a dimension of 6" x 6" x 6" while the 3rd Generation model has a 8" x 8" x 8" dimension, allowing you to print larger objects.

Price: $499 â€" $799 â€" Visit Website

8. RigidBot

RigidBot is another company that sells its 3D printer as a kit or fully assembled. The kit not only saves you some money but also allows you to customize your printer to your needs. This customizability lets hardcore users expand the printing space too since all they have to do is buy longer X, Y and Z axis metal rods that are available at most DIY stores.

Price: $499 â€" $959 â€" Visit Website

9. RoBo

The RoBo printer prides itself for being open sourced. This means that all the details of the RoBo can be found online. You can even build your own RoBo from 3D printed parts. Because of this, this relatively professional and precise 3D printer is sold at a reasonable price so long as you can wait for it. Backers of their Kickstarter project will only get theirs by April 2014.

Price: $599 â€" $699 â€" Visit Website

10. Deezmaker Bukito Mini

Deezmaker made the Bukito Mini very light and portable. It’s roughly 6 pounds. Although it is light and small with a 5" x 6" x 5" printing area, the printer has been shown to be very steady yet accurate. There’s a video of it printing an object without error even when moved around or flipped upside down. Deezmaker has other printers at higher prices, but their Bukito Mini makes it to our list at only $699.

Price: $699 â€" Visit Website

A look into: WordPress Date Query

We can display posts published on specific dates with the date parameters in WP_Query. The functionality, however, is basic. We can query posts by day, year, and month, but we were not able to query posts within a certain timeframe. Having been a victim once, I used a hack.

However (thanks to Alex Millis who contributed the code), in version 3.7, released recently, WordPress included Advanced Date Query which allows us to display more complex date-based post queries natively with WP_Query. With this, we can display posts that are published before or after certain hours. Let’s have a look at it.

Advanced Date Query

Version 3.7 introduced a new parameter called date_query. How do you use it?

Say, you are working on a news site, and want to highlight the news (or posts) from the previous week. By using date_query, we can write like so:

  $last_week_news = new WP_Query( array(
  	'date_query' => array(
  		array(
  			'after' => '1 week ago',
  			),
  		),
  		'posts_per_page' => 5,
  	));
  $query = new WP_Query( $last_week_news );
  

We can also display posts in a very specific timeframe. Below is an example of how we display posts between 15 December 2012 and 15 January 2013. This helps feature end of the year to the turn of the new year stories.

  $new_year_stories = new WP_Query( array(
  	'date_query' => array(
  		array(
  			'after'	=> 'December 15th, 2012',
  			'before' => 'January 15th, 2013',
  		),
  	),
  	'posts_per_page' => 5,
  ));
  $query = new WP_Query( $new_year_stories );
  

And, as mentioned, we can also display posts that were published in certain hours.

If your news website need to feature morning newsbits, you can write the code with date_query this way.

  $morning_news = array(
  	'date_query' => array(
  		array(
  			'hour'      => 6,
  			'compare'   => '>=',
  		),
  		array(
  			'hour'      => 9,
  			'compare'   => '<=',
  		),
  	),
  	'posts_per_page' => 10,
  );
  $query = new WP_Query( $morning_news );
  

It’s simpler, straightforward, and the code is more readable.

Final Thought

With the addition of advanced date query, WP_Query has become even more extensive. If keeping track of dates is important on your site e.g. if you are an event organizer or host multiple conferences or conventions, this new feature will definitely be very helpful.

For further reference, you can head over to the WordPress Codex page for Date Parameters.

15 Business Card Designs That Will Leave An Impression

If you are asked to recall your favorite business card, I bet you don’t have an answer for it. No worries, me neither because who notices the generic look for business cards? Fact of the matter is, for many people, their business card is also a promotional tool for them, particularly when they are not attached to any organization â€" and some of them are really great attention-grabbers.

(Image Source: Beasty Design)

While most of us will fall back on a business card template or the minimalistic style, after going through all the considerations required of the card that will sell your services for you, sometimes it’s good to just let down your hair and have fun with it.

In this post we will show you 15 business cards that are anything but regular or normal. These cards will make you want to play with them.

Read Also: Case Study: Designing Business Card that Rocks!

Bentply. Richard’s Bentply business card lets you play a paper folding game while learning about the brand, talking about efficiency! (Image Source: Richard C Evans)

Cardapult V2. If you want your business card stand out from the rest, congrats, this Cardapult card is available for purchase. (Image Source: Cardnetics)

Easel. Want your client to keep your business card on their work desk? Give them a reason to. (Image Source: Egil Paulsen)

Frizitka. Let your fashion sense run wild with Frizitka, a hairdresser company. They are definitely having fun with their business cards. (Image Source: Igor Perkusic)

iPhone. Someone’s an iPhone and Facebook fan. One does not simply laugh at this card without touching on it. (Image Source: Beasty Design)

Junpiter Futbol. Sports companies, here’s an idea to steal for your business card. Bravo! (Image Source: Bravo Company)

Krakatua Greeting Card. I doubt people will forget these 3D business cards once they played with it. (Image Source: yienkeat)

Web Design Harlow. I will not be surprised to hear this web design company getting more business. (Image Source: We Are Sweet)

Mais Pilates. While this is certainly an entertaining toy, it also perfectly explains the core benefits of doing Pilates: to develop better posture and flexibility. (Image Source: Marketdata)

Mogibo. Now your potential client is not only going to remember your brand, but also your face for a great time to come. (Image Source: Mogibo)

Gabe Ferreira. Why make a business card when you can just print the brand out? (Image Source: Gabe Ferreira)

Ninja BTL. The only problem with this business card is the receiver will throw it around, for fun! (Image Source: Ninja BTL)

Sparkle Labs. Sparkle Labs just used its electronic kit product to build business cards. Pretty expensive, but it is going to be the most impressive one you would ever receive. Light ‘em up. (Image Source: Sparkle Labs)

Penny Shooter. "Shoot pennies with my business card!" I doubt if saying this will bring me any business but hey, nobody hates a penny shooter. (Image Source: Cardnetics)

Tiny Pants. You don’t need to read the business card to know what this company is delivering. Maximum marketing effectiveness. (Image Source: Bravo Company)

Bitstrips & How To Remove It From Your Feed [Quicktip]

Have you been Bitstripped? Bitstrips is the latest fad that is on (or is coming to, hide!) your Facebook feed. If you have friends who like to report every little thing they do e.g. "I’ve cleaned my room (finally), phew", with Bitstrips, they can now deliver this "message" via a comic strip.

Using caricatures of themselves, a Bitstrips user will pull together a comic strip panel â€" usually a single â€" depicting them in wacky and funny moments (see "not human until I’ve had my coffee example" above) or just doing everyday stuff. It is a simple idea but one that is going viral. Yet if you’re not amused by Bitstrips, skip ahead to be rid of this.

Recommended Reading: Facebook Hashtags: How It Works And How To Use It Right

What’s Bitstrips?

If you are curious about what Bitstrips is or how it works, we’re saving you the trouble.

At the app page you allow permission for it to use your Facebook profile data (all apps do this, don’t be surprised). Once inside, it’s time to start buiding your avatar. The builder is pretty precise, allowing you to mold the way you look, from what your hairstyle is like, down to the size of your pupils and eye shape.

Then, it is off to create a comic. While you may have little control of the "scene", "situation" or background, you can change parts of your avatar (as in rotating body parts, the facial expression, add dialogue etc), pair up with a friend, and create greeting cards to celebrate the holidays.

Bitstrips will then share your adventures on your behalf to your Facebook profile. And that’s it.

So far, the app that is available on Facebook, iPad, iPhone and Android has at least 10 million monthly users. The Android app has already been downloaded 5 million times and at the time of this writing, Bitstrips is the top free downloaded app on the App Store.

However, not everyone is a fan, so if you are in this group, here’s how you can remove Bitstrips from your feed.

Removing Bitstrips

You can choose to hide it from your feed by clicking on the arrow down button to the right of the image. Choose "Hide all from Bitstrips" to ensure that no other Bitstrips comic will ever grace your feed again.

Alternatively you can block the app right from the page. Go to the app page. If you see this chaotic view, you’re at the right place.

Now look for the word Block at the lower right corner of the page and click it. A prompt will appear asking if you want to block the app, click on Continue.

Congratulations, you have entirely removed Bitstrips from all of your Facebook. Now you won’t see anything posted with Bitstrips.

Don’t worry, this is not permanent. To unblock Bitstrips, click on the Gear Icon (Settings Icon) at the end of the Facebook search bar and click on Account Settings.

Then click on Blocking on the left navigation panel and scroll down to find Block Apps. Look for Bitstrips then click on Unblock next to it, and Bitstrips is back.

14 Most Common Types of Facebook Profile Pictures

Have you ever put much thought into your Facebook profile or do you just slap on the best thing that is happening in your life right now? Other than your name, a Facebook profile picture is the only other thing users could see when browsing through Facebook profiles.

Well, we’re seeing some patterns as to the kinds of profile pictures that you can find on Facebook. Some people share what they do for a living, their hobbies, what they are passionate about and much more. You also have the the cartoon fans, the ones with overflowing parental instincts, and the jokers.

It is not uncommon to find a lot of Facebook users trying to find their interest, passion and identity, and you can even chart this via their Facebook profile pictures. Here are 14 kinds of profile pictures we commonly see on Facebook. Which category does your profile picture fall into?

Recommended Reading: 10 Common Types Of Facebook Updates

1. The Inseparable Lovers

A majority of Facebook users would probably at one point or another share their own versions of these 3 stages of life as their profile pictures. Those who are still in a new and fresh relationship will be in cinematic love mode, constantly quoting love notes from the romantic movie currently showing at the cinemas.

Profile pictures may change according to the latest dinner date. These will graduate to…

(Source)

2. The Wedding Gown Look

This will probably happen more with the ladies because if there is a day they look gorgeous, that would be in their wedding gown on their wedding day. Alternatives are close-up shots of the wedding rings or what is etched on the ring or the rock that is on it. It will be classy, and timeless and the happiest day of their lives until…

(Source)

3. The Newborn

As much as you hate it, baby photos will clutter your Facebook feed, whether you like it or not. Some start from the ultrasound scans, then move on to the newborn (fresh from the oven), then their baby steps (literally) and fevers (which sometimes help) and the achievements these kids continue to unlock.

The only thing you can do in retaliation if to have a kid of your own… then share those photos. And the vicious cycle continues.

(Source)

4. The Activist

The idea of social responsibility catches on fast due to social media and how fast awareness about diseases, conditions, injustice etc is spread these days. The activist is united by a common flag, logo, ribbon or symbol that expresses their support for a cause, for a greater good.

Read Also: 60 Creative Public Awareness Ads That Makes You Think

5. The I Am A Fan

So okay, not everyone is okay with the way they look and would prefer an alternative image or look. This group of users prefer using pictures of a character from a game, an anime, a movie or series, or an animated film; other times it is a celebrity, artist, singer or fashion designer.

6. The Always Emo

Sometimes it’s a sunset, other times it’s a window pane with raindrops right after a drizzle. It could be a photo they just snapped with their camera phone, or a random Google image.

If you have a friend who does this, chances are nobody knows what is really going on in their lives.

(Source)

7. The Hopeful Model

While the wedding gown look is something a new bride would love to flaunt, this profile picture is different. The hopeful model will look his or her best in every possible picture.

Sometimes it is to feature a new cosmetic product bought, a new dress or fancy t-shirt.You’d think that they have a professional studio set up in their home just to take these shots.

8. The World Traveller

This is the one who is always on a mountain, a jungle trail, a deck in the middle of the ocean or in an airport, backpack in tow. You can find the world traveller in front of a famous landmark or tasting new food on the other side of the world. At the very least, it will be a window shot from the plane.

9. The Hobbyist

We all have other loves in our lives and they aren’t always human. We have pet lovers, car lovers, the ones with specific interests in music, art, engineering, a deep love for computers, gadgets, photography (more on that later) etc. You will find the object of their affection as their profile picture. It’s what defines them.

(Source)

10. The Joker

Planking, Owling, Pottering, Batmaning, Vadering etc the internet really comes up with the weirdest things, and you can expect the joker in your friend’s list to adopt this, on top of their regular jokes and stunts. If there is a new profile picture to look forward to, it would be the joker’s. Expect photobombs!

Read Also: Creative Forced-Perspective Photos For Your Inspiration

(Source)

11. The Hardcore Party-Goer

This is self-explanatory, this wild person loves to party. And the whole world will know of their exploits â€" sometimes because they were drunk and posting pictures about their lives is second nature to them.

Their profile picture most likely involves them holding a pint of beer and having a good time. If these guys have "Joker" friends, expect lots of laughs the next day.

12. The Group Shot

Sometimes the company you keep is part of your personality, particularly when everyone in the group do everything and take tons of snapshots of it.

The user who cherish their gang of buddies would almost certainly feature them on their profile picture, particularly while doing something cool, like the beach super punch!

Read Also: 5 Clever Ideas For Great Group Photos

13. The Fitness Junkie

Healthy being one of the most important things you should take care of in your life has taken an extreme turn these days. Expect to see in the fitness junkie user’s profile, pictures of him or her flexing muscles, a six-pack, running (in a marathon or on a treadmill) and posting their latest weight count or ‘mileage’.

Find more here.

14. The DSLR Holder

"Have DSLR, will post photo of DSLR". Despite knowing photography takes a lot of practice and time to master, nothing stops the new DSLR owner from using the self+DSLR combo photo as their profile pictures.

You may find some with the camera covering half of the photographer’s face, in black and white, and almost always taken in automatic mode. Others, well, take it to extremes.

Read Also: 20+ Cheatsheets & Infographics For Photographers

(Source)

The list is far from exhaustive, particularly when there are millions (if not a billion) Facebook accounts in the world. Know of more types of Facebook profile pictures that should be on the list? Name them in the comments.

The Rise of Google [Infographic]

Did you know that Google raked in $50 billion in 2012? It has come a long way its early days, back when it was known as BackRub. Despite using a lot of Google’s products like Google the search engine, Android OS, Gmail, Youtube and Waze, and being fascinated by its many mergers and adventurous acquisitions, we know little of the tech giant.

Well, surveycrest.com has produced an infographic dedicated to charting the rise of google 15 years it has been around. Here you will find Google’s algorithm evolution, its brand value (in the billions), how it fairs against the other tech brands in the Top 10 list, etc.

Recommended Reading: How Google Glass Works [Infographic]

Just goes to show that whether you love Google for its full range of apps, products and services or hate them for monopolizing your online world so much, Google is here to stay.

(Credit to Kelvin Stiles for the tip.)

Author: Hongkiat.com

This post is published by a Hongkiat.com staff (editors, interns, sometimes Hongkiat Lim himself) or a guest contributor.