British product development company CEL today introduces Robox, an affordable 'plug and print' 3D printer.

Robox features dual-nozzle printing and bed-levelling technology.

It has one 0.3mm nozzle for printing a highly detailed surface, and the other 0.8mm for fast-filling. This feature is claimed to be able to print considerably faster than other printers with only a single nozzle system. The company has also added a HeadLock system to the Robox's print head which means in the future it can perform some new functions such as stylus cutting, paste deposition or 3D scanning with different tools.

The bed probing mechanism can automatically detect and correct the build platform to ensure it is always parallel and the first layer adheres evenly from the start.

Additionally, the closed feedback loop, dual-pinch-wheel extrusion system, could make sure that the printing material is fed to the printer head evenly. The filament is fed to the head by two indexed contra-rotating feed wheels which are powered by a worm & wheel gearbox. The company says this arrangement could eliminate the possibility of slippage or 'stripping' of your filament. The filament extruder incorporates a closed-loop feedback system which monitors the motion of filament as it enters the extruder. The software can pause the print if any error is found, allowing the user or firmware to rectify the problem without ruining the entire print. Then the user can restart the print and it will continue from where it left off.

The "SmartReels" recognizes every reel of official Robox material which has a chip storing all the info about the reel. It tells the printer how much filament remains, warns the user that there may not be enough to complete a job.

There's also an enclosed build chamber for stabilising the printing environment. A replaceable print bed is constructed from PEI laminate material, which requires no tape, glues or special preparation. You also easily switch to alternative beds e.g. a stylus cutting mat, milling fixture system or turntable for the 3D scanning head.

Rather than bundle Robox with the usual selection of Open Source software, CEL has developed AutoMaker software tailored for its firmware and hardware. AutoMaker guides you through the steps of preparing a model for printing from choosing your model, placing it on the print bed(move, rotate, scale) and quality setting to click print.

Here is a Features Comparison prepared by CEL:

Robox is looking to raise £100,000 of Kickstarter funding to generate interest and support the final development of the product. Robox will launch in the UK and US in early 2014 at a RRP of £849/$1,364. Though early supporters will be able to pre-order one for £700/$1,126.

Brooklyn-based company Solidoodle today launches their new Solidoodle 4, a nice looking, fully assembled 3D printer.

Solidoodle 4 features powder coated steel enclosure with a plastic front door and a lid at top for quick access. It helps also prevent uneven cooling, shrinking and cracking.

The build envelope is 8 x 8 x 8 inches (203 × 203 ×203 mm) which is the same as Solidoodle 3. The Solidoodle 4 is designed to be easier to use than the previous version. The filament spool holder can be easily snapped on the back, and electronics are mounted inside. Same as S3, the resolution of the printer is up to 0.1mm.

3Dagogo is a Californian-based startup aiming to create a marketplace of 3D designs that are not only unique and creative, but more importantly tested and proven to be printable.

"An informal survey we conducted revealed that up to 70 percent of free 3D designs on the internet are severely flawed and would result in a failed print and wasted filament," said Drew Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of 3Dagogo.

The 3Dagogo platform allows designers to set their own prices, offer business and commercial license options and get paid for their art. One of the requirements for a design to be featured on the 3Dagogo website includes a photograph of the final printed product.

"Every design is guaranteed to print", said the company. "We want to set designers with 3D printing experience apart from those without."

The 3Dagogo website features a search interface that allows users to search based on their printer's parameters. Parameters including print bed size, number of extruders, support material and material type helps make the 3D printing process simple for the non-tech consumer.

3Dagogo is running a contest to search for 3D printing designers with exceptional creativity and proven design skills. The contest runs from Oct 1, 2013 to Dec 31, 2013, and features a monthly battle of wits to create designs based on multiple themes that will be revealed at the start of every month. Three prizes will be awarded every month, and a grand prize of a Makerbot Digitizer (desktop 3D scanner) will be awarded for the best design over the entire competition. Monthly prizes to be won include plastic filament, 3Dagogo "I'm a winner" t-shirts, and having the design featured in promotions.