Printrbot
Affordable, open-source Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, sold as both kits and assembled machines, designed for simplicity and accessibility.
- CEO / Founder
- Brook Drumm
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Defunct
- Total Funding
- $830.83K
- Latest Round
- Crowdfunding
- Key Investors
- Kickstarter Backers
Technology & Products
Key Products
Printrbot Simple (Metal and Wood versions), Printrbot Plus, Printrbot Play, Printrbot Go, Printrbot Crawlbot (a CNC router)
Technological Advantage
The key advantage was a low price point, achieved through minimalist design (e.g., using wood or folded sheet metal frames), lean manufacturing, and custom-designed, cost-effective electronics (Printrboard) and hotends (Ubis). Their business model, launched via Kickstarter, leveraged community support and direct-to-consumer sales, minimizing overhead.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Making 3D printing accessible to a mass audience by providing low-cost, simple, and easy-to-use 3D printers.
How They Differentiate
Printrbot differentiated by aggressively targeting the sub-$1000 (and often sub-$500) market segment. While competitors like MakerBot and Ultimaker moved towards more professional, higher-priced machines, Printrbot maintained its commitment to the entry-level and hobbyist market.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Hobbyists, makers, students, and educational institutions.
Industry Verticals
Consumer, Education
Competitors
MakerBot Industries; Ultimaker; Prusa Research
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2011: Founded by Brook Drumm and successfully funded on Kickstarter., 2012: Began shipping the first Printrbot kits., 2014: Released the Printrbot Simple, one of the most popular and affordable 3D printers of its time., 2018: Ceased operations, citing low sales and market pressures.
Notable Customers
The global maker and hobbyist community; Various educational institutions and schools