2024-11-16T01:50:25-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/81600603/the-mebotics-microfactory-could-be-the-next-step-in-3-d-printing-technology Justine Testado 2013-09-11T15:06:00-04:00 >2013-09-16T23:59:42-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/qm/qmdpe9ojph4lpxkb.png?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p> Like any other technological device currently out there, newer 3-D printing machines aim to out-do the competition and take things to the next level. Enter <a href="http://www.mebotics.com/microfactory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mebotics LLC</a>, a group of four friends who spent the past year building the Microfactory. Becoming known as "the world's first Machine Shop in a Box", the Microfactory combines additive and subtractive manufacturing into the same machine.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/km/kmdl1rtdf3dtj49n.jpg" title=""></p> <p> Aside from 3-D printing up to four colors and with multiple materials, the Microfactory can do other tasks like cut wood and precisely mill and etch parts into shapes--even something as intricate as a circuitboard. Its noise-reducing housing and WiFi connectivity also makes it possible for the machine to be operated anywhere, anytime.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/0r/0rq3c5txwzk4s8fj.jpg" title=""></p> <p> Other features include a shop-vac hose enabling the machine to "clean up after itself" as it operates, a full on-board computer, and industry standard built-in software. And to no surprise, the hybrid-manufacturing machine ain't cheap, with preorder pric...</p>