You have almost certainly heard of Amazon. The American online retailer currently makes more than 12 million products available for purchase at lower prices. On this platform, you can find video games, clothing, household appliances, and of course 3D printing solutions – until now! That’s because Amazon is planning to make non-company 3D printers disappear from the platform very soon. Amazon has announced plans to ban all 3D printers by 2023. A slap in the face for major 3D printing companies offering their technologies on the popular online portal. Considering that Amazon receives more than 2 billion website visits per month, it’s easy to see why so many 3D printing companies sell their printers there.
Thankfully, Amazon did not keep its customers in the dark for long regarding their decision to ban 3D printers on the website. In fact, apparently the company is working internally to launch production and soon the sale of its own 3D printer line, including software, expected to be on the market starting in 2024. This is a large step from the conglomerate, as it dares to take in an industry that has proven to enjoy increasing popularity and acceptance.
Amazon: A New Top 3D Printer Manufacturer in the Future?
Though of course the plan to ban 3D printers from Amazon is shocking, the first questions that spring to mind are probably: What can we expect from Amazon’s 3D printer? What innovative and ingenious features will this technology come with? Fortunately, Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon and successor to the famous Jeff Bezos, cleared some doubts in a recent press release, making it clear that the plan is to take Amazon to the next level. In order to realize Amazon’s vision, the company has decided to put itself forward in the 3D printing sector. Internally, the board is already convinced that Amazon will have made a name for itself in the additive manufacturing market in just a few years. Already it seems that the board of the U.S. company expects the company to become one of the big players among 3D printing manufacturers in the future.
In usual and unsurprising Amazon fashion, the first concrete plans are already in place from the R&D team to ensure that the company’s entry into the 3D printing industry is guaranteed. David Stafford, as head of the R&D department at Amazon Lab126, is playing a key role in the design and manufacture of the Amazon 3D printer. They plan to offer an affordable 3D printer based on FDM technology that is not only aimed at individuals, but also businesses; priced at under $100, this 3D printer will be found in Amazon Basics’ own product line and reinforces the idea of making 3D printing accessible to everyone.
Features and characteristics of the 3D printer
To ensure that the entry into the field of 3D printing with the future FDM printer is also a complete success for the US company, the printer will have important and practical features: for example, the device, which is to be supplied with a closed power supply unit, is to have an build volume of 1200 x 600 x 450 mm and will be able to offer its users many interesting . The incredible thing is that it does not plan to just stick to using FDM as a printing technology, but they will be launching an all-in-one FDM/SLA combined machine! As unrealistic as this may sound, Amazon has said that they are very confident in their idea. If it is done successfully, it will also give Amazon even more of an edge as often those looking for cheap printers must choose between SLA and FDM for their needs. With this machine, they could get everything at an incredibly affordable price, even if they are very tight-lipped about the specific details of how the printer will work. What is also known is that with a total weight of 19.4 kg, the printing speed is expected to be 320 mm per second, though whether that is just for FDM or for both is still unknown.
It is still unclear which software the Amazon printer will be compatible with. However, Stafford gave some small insights, setting his team and himself up for great expectations from the public. They want to use this type of software that will combine user-friendliness, efficiency and cost savings in one cheap package. Great words, which will hopefully be followed by great deeds. However, what exactly this project means for the banning of the current 3D printers and the companies behind them, is still not clear. But we will be watching the news closely and inform you of any new developments. If you want to learn more about the new Amazon technology, you can find more information from the US company HERE. Happy April Fools! 
