Kodama Obsidian 3D Printer: A Kickstarter Phenomenon Redefining Affordable Additive Manufacturing

The world of additive manufacturing continues its rapid evolution, and at the forefront of democratizing this cutting-edge technology are innovative companies like Kodama. Their latest venture, the Obsidian 3D printer, has not just met but spectacularly surpassed all expectations on Kickstarter. With its campaign nearing a triumphant close – in less than 24 hours at the time of this writing – the Obsidian has cemented its place as a true success story, captivating both seasoned makers and newcomers to the 3D printing community.

The campaign launched with an ambitious yet seemingly modest initial target of $100,000. Astonishingly, this goal was not only achieved but dramatically exceeded in under three minutes, signaling an overwhelming demand for Kodama’s vision. This initial burst of enthusiasm quickly snowballed into an unprecedented fundraising effort, culminating in an impressive total of $1.48 million raised for the new machine. This incredible feat underscores the collective excitement surrounding an accessible, high-quality 3D printing solution.

Kickstarter has long been recognized as a pivotal platform for transforming innovative ideas into tangible realities, particularly in the technology sector. It serves as a vibrant marketplace where creative projects meet eager backers, facilitating the development and launch of groundbreaking products. It’s therefore no surprise that the platform frequently hosts campaigns for 3D printers that aim to make additive manufacturing more accessible and affordable for a wider audience. The drive to democratize this technology is a recurring theme on Kickstarter, allowing startups and established innovators alike to bypass traditional funding routes and connect directly with their future users.

We’ve witnessed numerous examples of successful 3D printing campaigns on Kickstarter that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the consumer market. Notable mentions include the Blackbelt 3D printer, which introduced continuous 3D printing, and Wiivv, a startup that broke records for the most funded 3D printed product ever on the platform with its custom-fit insoles. These stories highlight Kickstarter’s unique ability to foster innovation and bring advanced manufacturing capabilities into the hands of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Kodama’s Obsidian campaign is now proudly added to this distinguished list, exemplifying how a compelling vision combined with strategic pricing can achieve extraordinary crowdfunding results.

Kodama’s Proven Track Record in 3D Printing Innovation

Based in the heart of San Francisco, Kodama has established a formidable reputation for leveraging Kickstarter to bring their ambitious 3D printing projects to life. Their first major financing campaign for the Trinus 3D printer was a resounding success, raising over $1.6 million. This initial achievement demonstrated Kodama’s understanding of the market and their ability to deliver on promises, building a loyal community of early adopters and supporters. The Trinus campaign proved that there was a significant appetite for affordable yet reliable desktop 3D printers, setting the stage for even greater success with subsequent projects.

With the current Obsidian campaign drawing to a close, it is evident that Kodama has once again tapped into the pulse of the 3D printing community. This latest investment venture could very well be their most successful campaign to date, far surpassing the impressive figures of the Trinus. A significant contributing factor to this overwhelming success is undoubtedly their strategic pre-sale price: an astonishingly low $99 for the basic version of the Obsidian printer. This aggressive pricing strategy, combined with the quality and features Kodama promises, has positioned the Obsidian as an irresistible proposition for anyone looking to enter the world of 3D printing or expand their existing setup without breaking the bank.

The Obsidian’s Philosophy: Raising the Bar, Lowering the Price

Kodama’s philosophy, articulated as “Raising the bar and lowering the price,” is at the core of the Obsidian’s design and market strategy. The team has worked diligently to embody this motto, focusing on simplifying the user experience while simultaneously offering a feature-rich printer at an incredibly competitive price point. The Obsidian is available not only at its revolutionary $99 starting price but also in three distinct versions and two classic colors: sleek black and pristine white. This variety ensures that users can choose a model that best fits their specific needs and aesthetic preferences, making high-quality desktop 3D printing more accessible and personalized than ever before.

This commitment to affordability without compromising on functionality is a game-changer in the 3D printing landscape. By optimizing manufacturing processes and streamlining components, Kodama has managed to bring advanced features typically found in more expensive machines to a budget-friendly device. The emphasis on a simplified user experience means that even those new to 3D printing can quickly get started, transforming digital designs into physical objects with minimal fuss. This approach broadens the appeal of additive manufacturing, inviting a new wave of creators, hobbyists, and educators to explore its vast potential.

Robust Design and Versatile Capabilities of the Obsidian

At the heart of the Kodama Obsidian is a sturdy QuadRap metal frame, providing a stable foundation for precise and consistent prints. While the printer boasts a relatively compact build, it offers a respectable print volume of 120 x 120 x 120 mm. This size is ideal for printing small to medium-sized objects, making it perfect for prototypes, miniatures, educational projects, and various household items. The overall dimensions of the machine remain largely consistent across all versions, ensuring a uniform and space-efficient footprint on any desktop or workbench.

Precision and speed are crucial metrics for any 3D printer, and the Obsidian strikes an impressive balance. Its printing accuracy can be adjusted from a fine 50 microns for detailed work to a faster 350 microns for quicker prototypes, offering flexibility depending on the project’s requirements. With a maximum print speed of 70mm/s, users can expect efficient production times without sacrificing too much detail. Furthermore, the Obsidian’s extrusion temperature can reach up to 250° C, which is a key indicator of its material versatility. This high temperature capability allows it to handle a wide array of filaments beyond standard PLA.

One of the Obsidian’s standout features is its heated print bed, available in certain models. A heated bed is indispensable for printing with engineering-grade materials like ABS and Nylon, as it helps prevent warping and ensures excellent adhesion of the first layer. When combined with the optional protective cap or enclosure, the Obsidian’s material compatibility expands significantly. Users will be able to confidently print with a diverse range of filaments, including PLA, ABS, Nylon, PETG, PC, and many more. This broad material support opens up a world of possibilities for creators, enabling them to produce functional parts with specific mechanical properties, aesthetic models, and durable prototypes.

Elevated Experience with Obsidian Plus and Deluxe Models

While the basic Obsidian model delivers exceptional value, the Obsidian Plus and Obsidian Deluxe versions truly elevate the user experience through enhanced accessibility, advanced features, and convenient extensions. These premium models are designed for users who desire more control, connectivity, and reliability in their 3D printing endeavors. The additional features found in the Plus and Deluxe variants are thoughtfully integrated to streamline workflows and provide a more intuitive interaction with the printer.

Key features that distinguish these models include an integrated LCD screen, which provides direct access to printer settings, print status, and file selection without needing a tethered computer. A dedicated slot for an SD card further enhances convenience, allowing users to load print files directly onto the printer for standalone operation. For remote monitoring and control, a built-in camera allows users to observe their prints in real-time, offering peace of mind and the ability to intervene if issues arise. Complementing these hardware additions is the Kodama iOS and Android mobile app, providing seamless remote management capabilities from a smartphone or tablet. This comprehensive connectivity suite brings modern convenience to desktop 3D printing, making it easier than ever to manage projects on the go.

For those seeking the ultimate printing versatility, the Obsidian Deluxe model takes it a step further by including an essential feature: a heated print bed. As mentioned earlier, a heated bed is critical for successfully printing with advanced materials that are prone to warping, such as ABS and Nylon. The ability to maintain a consistent, elevated temperature during printing significantly improves print quality and reliability, especially for larger objects or those with intricate geometries. The combination of these advanced features in the Plus and Deluxe models positions the Obsidian as a highly capable and user-friendly solution for a wide range of 3D printing applications, from casual hobbyists to more demanding creators.

Expert Endorsements and Key User Insights

To validate the Obsidian’s capabilities and user experience, Kodama provided beta versions of the Obsidian Plus and Deluxe to prominent influencers in the 3D printing community. Devin from the popular YouTube channel “Make Anything” and Joel Telling, widely known as the “3D Printing Nerd,” had the opportunity to put these machines through their paces. Their reviews and insights are invaluable, offering real-world perspectives on the printer’s performance and usability.

Both YouTubers expressed significant satisfaction with several of the printer’s key features. They particularly praised the ability to resume printing after an unexpected shutdown or power loss, a crucial feature that prevents wasted material and time on long prints. This functionality underscores Kodama’s commitment to reliability and a user-friendly experience, especially for those who might not have constant supervision over their prints. Such a feature is often a hallmark of more expensive professional-grade printers, making its inclusion in an affordable desktop unit particularly noteworthy.

However, the influencers also provided a valuable cautionary note: they emphasized the importance of proper calibration for the Obsidian. Like many FDM 3D printers, achieving optimal print quality requires careful initial setup and occasional adjustments to settings such as bed leveling, extrusion rates, and temperature profiles. This insight is not a drawback but rather a realistic expectation for any enthusiast-level 3D printer. It highlights the importance of understanding the fundamentals of 3D printing to unlock the Obsidian’s full potential and consistently produce high-quality results. Their honest feedback helps set realistic expectations for new users, ensuring a smoother journey into the world of 3D printing with the Obsidian.

Anticipated Deliveries and Community Engagement

Following the overwhelming success of the Kickstarter campaign, Kodama has provided an estimated timeline for their first deliveries, with initial shipments anticipated by December 2017. This swift delivery schedule, especially for a crowdfunding project of this scale, speaks volumes about Kodama’s logistical planning and commitment to their backers. Enthusiastic supporters are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Obsidian 3D printers, ready to unleash their creativity with this highly anticipated device. The timely fulfillment of orders is crucial for maintaining trust and building long-term relationships within the 3D printing community, and Kodama appears well-positioned to meet these expectations.

The Kodama Obsidian 3D printer represents a significant leap forward in making additive manufacturing more accessible and affordable. Its blend of robust design, versatile capabilities, advanced features, and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for a broad spectrum of users, from educational institutions to hobbyists and small businesses. As the campaign concludes, the excitement surrounding the Obsidian continues to build, promising a vibrant future for this innovative desktop 3D printer and for Kodama as a leader in the industry.

A video presentation of the Obsidian 3D Printer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnyyNPAnb9E

If you’re still considering being part of this groundbreaking journey, you can find their Kickstarter campaign here to explore the various pledges and secure your own Obsidian 3D printer before the campaign officially closes.

Will you be taking advantage of Kodama’s latest 3D printer campaign? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in a comment below or share your excitement and questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, to receive all the latest news and innovations in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!