First Cube 3D Printer Still Printing After Eight Years

3D Systems launched its Cube 3D printer on 10th April 2012, more than eight years ago. This 3D printer was based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and was our entry into the consumer 3D printing space. Back then I was leading the team in 3D Systems India which developed and deployed Cubify, our 3D printing social platform on which the Cube 3D printer was to be sold along with other 3D content. When we went live I wanted to test whether the Cube was set up properly on our e-commerce system. So I placed an order for it using my personal credit card. But instead of cancelling the order and issuing a refund I let the order go through and get processed. I wanted to be the first person to buy the Cube and also be one of the first people to get it.

Fast forward eight years and my Cube is still running just fine.

It’s important to understand that this is not the second or third generation Cube. This is the first generation Cube and that too the first batch of printers that 3D Systems produced and sold. FDM 3D printers are known to break down often, specially the low end ones. But this little fellow has been chugging along for all these years.

Sadly, a few years ago 3D Systems decided to withdraw from the consumer 3D printing market. We discontinued the Cube and other consumer products. With heavy hearts my team and I took Cubify offline. But we understood and supported the decison. It was the right thing to do for the company at that time.

Although Cubify no longer exists, I still have my Cube. I have access to much nicer and powerful 3D printers. But printing something on my Cube has been and will always be something very special to me.