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"  LAS VEGAS\u2014MakerBot has already entrenched itself as one of the biggest names in the 3D printing industry\u2014if not the biggest\u2014and today the company continued to prove that that reputation has been hard-earned. At a press conference in the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas, it took the wraps off its MakerBot Replicator 3D Printing Platform, which consists of a smaller Replicator Mini (the unit has the dimensions of the original MakerBot Cupcake), a more sizable Z18, and a prosumer Replicator, along with desktop and mobile apps. Here&amp;#039;s a rundown of what you need to know for each. Replicator Mini The Replicator Mini aims to appeal to the masses with its one-touch 3D printing features and the capacity to print from your mobile device. CEO Bre Pettis called it the &amp;quot;point-and-shoot&amp;quot; model of Makerbot&amp;#039;s lineup of products. It has Wi-Fi and a camera built in so that you can watch the objects you&amp;#039;re printing take shape as the process is underway, and the camera even lets you beam photos of whatever&amp;#039;s inside the Mini to your social networks. Also in line with the unit&amp;#039;s &amp;quot;for-the-mainstream&amp;quot; ethos is the convenient extruder incorporated into the model, which is magnetic and can easily be switched out. If the Makerbot Replicator Mini piques your interest, expect to drop $1,375 when it becomes available in the spring. Replicator Z18 The Replicator Z18 is Makerbot&amp;#039;s biggest model yet, and it can produce 12 x 12 x 18-inch models with its sealed-off build chamber that has the ability to provide additional stability to objects as they&amp;#039;re being printed. At the press event, Pettis showed the audience a Z18-made Stormtrooper helmet that he actually managed to get over his head. The Z18 also ships in the spring and costs $6,500. Prosumer Makerbot Replicator The prosumer Replicator is essentially a souped-up version of the original Replicator machine. It features the same easily-detachable magnetic extruder, Wi-Fi capabilities, and embedded camera. It also boasts faster building times, an 11% larger build volume (of 8x10x6 inches), and a 100-micron layer resolution. Apart from Wi-Fi connectivity, the new Makerbot Replicator can be linked to using USB or Ethernet. It&amp;#039;s available today for $2,900 with shipping expected to start in a few weeks. MakerWave and MakerBot Mobile Makerbot&amp;#039;s press conference didn&amp;#039;t just feature hardware this year. The 3D printing company came out with desktop and mobile apps, called MakerWave and MakerBot Mobile, respectively. Both programs are intended to teach aspiring designers the tips and tricks of 3D printing. In fact, the company has its own in-house studio of designers that&amp;#039;s generated a store full of 3D-printed designs. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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