1

Topic: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

This week, MakerBot announced it would lay off its entire manufacturing force, outsourcing the manufacturing of all MakerBot printers to China. A few weeks ago, Stratasys, MakerBot’s parent company, released their 2015 financial reports, noting MakerBot sales revenues have fallen precipitously. The MakerBot brand is now worth far less than the $400 Million Stratasys spent to acquire it. MakerBot is a dead company walking, and it is very doubtful MakerBot will ever be held in the same regard as the heady days of 2010.

http://hackaday.com/2016/04/28/the-makerbot-obituary/

2 (edited by n2ri 2016-05-01 20:22:16)

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

yep theres an old Youtube video that tells most their failings along with some other 3D printer makers fates. I still think my SD2 I paid $750 for new was a better deal than one of Makerbots $3,000 versions and much less wasted money for an open source upgradable 3D printer for a beginer at the time. now $300-$500 is max for such printers or better new. same as any other piece of office equipment. how many people brag about their $5,000 leased copy machines with $200 per roll thermal paper etc. ;^P

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

3 (edited by n2ri 2016-05-01 20:29:50)

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

if the tool can do the job required without high cost or maint to use then its fine, no matter what replaces it when its obsolete. I also look for good manufacturer warranty and lifetime support when available. thats why I mostly only have tools of trade made in America even if maker has been gone for decades. the tools can be like new and still perform the tasks needed to speed/ease my work.

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

4

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

n2ri wrote:

I also look for good manufacturer warranty...

I don't want a good warranty, I want a product that doesn't break, so it doesn't need a warranty :-).

5

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

Claghorn wrote:
n2ri wrote:

I also look for good manufacturer warranty...

I don't want a good warranty, I want a product that doesn't break, so it doesn't need a warranty :-).

Agreed.. If it is made right you should not need a warranty.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

6 (edited by n2ri 2016-05-02 22:41:08)

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

well if its made that good they have warranty due to they know its not likeloy to break. plus a life time replacement one is very nice most even cover loss. I have a toolbox full of such tools plus some knives etc. when you earn a living with your tools top quality and longevity is a must. this only applies to whats furnished/included with purchase for free. any extended Warranty crap is a waste of money I never but them for anything, its just extra profits for them some renew each year like service contracts. I have sold and helped modify all types of these in my lifes career. even for commercial buildings and always make them delete the part about auto renewals and cost increases & reword anything that gives them free reigns to break stuff just to addon repairs and parts during seasonal maint which can multiply annual cost many times plus give techs incentive to do so since they get commissions. some contracts also state its a 1 incident payout for limited repairs (like when buying a home with that 1 year warranty on the home for major issues).

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

7

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

If only every company was like Zippo.

It works or we fix it free.™

That's the warranty for the classic zippo lighter. It doesn't cover the outer finish but otherwise if your zippo stops working, send it to them and they'll fix it or send you a new one.

Oh, and on topic, Makerbot is not a company I would want to buy from but I continue to post stuff on thingiverse. Weird.

8

Re: MakerBot lays off entire manufacturing force

Ah, Zippo. I remember lots of good times laughing at him and Harpo, Chico and... wait a minute. Is this some kinda joke?

Robox printer, HICTOP (Prusa i3 variant) Model 3DP17 printer, ELEK 2.5W laser engraver, AutoDesk 123D Design, Windows 10