Remember the Funbox 3D printer? It’s now available for purchase.
First announced in July by Ugee, they’ve now put the tiny 3D printer on sale in several locations.
The company behind Ugee is Shenzhen Hanvon Ugee Technology Co., Ltd., a maker of pens and tablets, which is now entering the 3D printer market. Ugee is their main brand.
What’s the deal with this device? It is one of the very few 3D printers that is specifically designed for children. There have been a few in the distant past, but all have failed miserably.
The machine is, as you can tell from the image at the top, directly focused at children simply by its exterior industrial design. However, it is indeed a 3D printer:
- FFF technology
- 120 x 120 x 120 mm build volume
- PLA only
- Fully enclosed — for safety
- Visible printing activity through a large window
- “Anti Scald” features to avoid burns
- “Anti Pinch” features to avoid capturing small fingers
- Operation by an easy-to-use app with visual workflows
- Flexible, non-heated platform for peel-off prints
- HEPA + carbon filtration
- Toy safety standards ASTM F963-23 and ENV71
- UL GREENGUARD certification
Another interesting feature is “No tools, no confusing instructions, and no frustrating assembly.” Actually, those are things I would appreciate on ANY 3D printer.
However, the shipment actually does include pliers and a cleaning needle.
Ugee said the Funbox is safe enough to install in a child’s bedroom, but I would not recommend doing that. The printer should be in a separate, well-ventilated room.
In July, the company announced the price as US$269, but today I see the listed price as US$299, discounted from an apparent MSRP of US$329. Why the confusion in pricing? My suspicion is something bothering everyone these days: ever-changing tariffs.
The Funbox is shipped for free, however, and includes a 30-day return policy, lifetime support, and a 12-month warranty. That’s a lot better than some far more expensive 3D printers offer.
Will the Funbox succeed as the first widespread 3D printer for kids? Previous attempts failed, but the Funbox has the benefit of all the advances in 3D printer design since then.
Via Ugee
