The Tobeca is designed to use PLA plastic. It prints with a resolution of .1mm within its 200x200x220 mm build envelope. The printer is supported by nearly every operating system and comes with a heated print bed. It also has one other unique feature – its own carrying case.
In fact, the Tobeca is built into a ruggedly designed, plastic coated, birch plywood case. The case measures 440x414x175mm when closed and weighs about 10kg, making it just heavy enough for a workout, but not too heavy that it can’t be schlepped from job to job.
While putting a precisely calibrated device through the gauntlet of everyday travel might seem like a bad idea, Tobeca’s designers are confident that their portable, foldable 3D printer can stand up to any test it faces. In fact, the company is so confident in their work that they’ve armed their 3D printer with a 1-year warranty.
Although the Tobeca seems like it’s a fun proof of concept, I can’t really see it gaining widespread adoption. That being said, having portable 3D printing could do wonders for remote parts of the globe. If stocked with enough filament, the printer could be an excellent resource for those who can’t make it to market on a regular basis.
If you’re interested in a Tobeca, the machines are on sale now for €899.
Images Courtesy of RepRap Diffusion