Solidoodle
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | 3D printing |
| Founded | September 2011 |
| Founder | Sam Cervantes |
| Defunct | March 28, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | 3D printers (Solidoodle 1, 2, 3, 4, Workbench, Workbench Apprentice, Press) |
Number of employees | 70 (2016) |
Solidoodle was a Brooklyn, New York–based company specializing in 3D printers. Established in September 2011 by engineer and founder Sam Cervantes, Solidoodle concentrated on delivering budget-friendly 3D printing solutions tailored for both consumers and professionals. Their devices transformed digital designs into tangible plastic components, addressing the expanding demand for accessible additive manufacturing technologies.
The company quickly gained momentum, reaching $4 million in revenue soon after its debut. Solidoodle’s strategy emphasized affordable, easy-to-use products that attracted hobbyists and small enterprises alike. Despite holding an edge through competitive pricing and simplicity, the company ceased operations on March 28, 2016.
Products
Contrary to the common RepRap approach that encourages self-assembly, Solidoodle’s printers were always shipped fully assembled. Distinctive features included robust metal frames, factory assembly, and low price points. Each of the four Solidoodle models came encased in protective steel housing, arrived ready to use out of the box, and were offered at prices below $1000.
Their printers accommodated widely used FFF materials such as ABS and PLA.
Solidoodle 1
Introduced at Maker Faire 2011, the Solidoodle 1 offered a compact build volume of 4×4×4 inches within a steel enclosure. It utilized a geared drive system unique from subsequent versions. After the launch of Solidoodle 2 in 2012, the original model was discontinued; early upgrade initiatives further diminished its presence, making it a rare find among 3D printing collectors.
Solidoodle 2
The Solidoodle 2 made its debut at New York Tech Day where it secured first place. This iteration featured an expanded build space of 6×6×6 inches and optional enhancements including a heated bed (Pro version) and an enclosed casing (Expert version), broadening its appeal to both hobbyists and professional users.
Solidoodle 3
Released on Black Friday 2012, the Solidoodle 3 increased its build capacity to 8×8×8 inches and introduced improvements to the heated bed system. Over its initial year on the market, Solidoodle incorporated gradual upgrades influenced by user feedback, refining elements like the carriage assembly, build platform, power supply unit, and motherboard to boost durability and performance.
Solidoodle 4
Launched November 22, 2013, this model improved upon the Solidoodle 3 by adding an outer protective shell along with enhanced cooling through multiple fans, strengthening its position in the affordable 3D printing segment.
Solidoodle Workbench
Announced for pre-order on August 5, 2014 at $799, the Workbench was designed for professional users. It featured a dual extruder system, automatic bed leveling, and a sizable build volume of 12 × 12 × 12 inches, supporting more advanced business applications.
Solidoodle Workbench Apprentice
Also revealed on August 5, 2014 with a price tag of $1,299, the Apprentice model provided dual extrusion capabilities and auto-leveling within a build area measuring 6 × 6 × 8 inches. It targeted mid-tier customers seeking enhanced precision and flexibility.
Solidoodle Press
Priced at $399 and available for pre-order starting August 5, 2014, the Solidoodle Press offered an enclosed build space of 8 × 8 × 8 inches. This product represented a notable shift as it was Solidoodle’s first unit manufactured outside their Brooklyn facility—in China—indicating strategic adjustments toward global production and cost efficiency.
Accessories
Solidoodle offers a selection of replacement parts and accessories for its printers through online sales. The company does not provide do-it-yourself kits, choosing instead to concentrate on supplying components directly related to its main product lineup.
Modding community
The accessible pricing of Solidoodle printers encouraged a vibrant modding community dedicated to enhancing printer capabilities to compete with more expensive alternatives. Utilizing the robust steel gantry framework, frequent modifications include upgrading the hot-end, refining carriages, implementing Bowden extruders, replacing build plates, and installing ball screws. One widely adopted upgrade involves adding cooling fans at the extrusion point, which enhances printing precision by promoting uniform cooling and minimizing warping, particularly in intricate designs such as bowls. This user-driven customization plays a key role in extending Solidoodle’s competitive edge by broadening the functionality beyond its original specifications.
Service
Solidoodle offered complimentary technical assistance and provided online educational resources to aid users in mastering 3D printing techniques.
Shutdown
On March 28, 2016, Solidoodle terminated its business operations and dismissed all 70 staff members.