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# Modular Mexican 3D Printers
The MakerMex MM1 Modular 3D Printer Can Easily Be Upgraded

By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-09-12 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-3d-printer
References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/makermex-modular-mm1-3d-printer/33781/) & [makermex](http://www.makermex.com/)

The MakerMex MM1 is a modular 3D printer, produced by Mexican 3D printer manufacturing company MakerMex, that is designed to be easily upgradable as and when required. The 3D printer is also capable of producing objects made of different materials.

The makers of this wonderfully unique modular 3D printer claim they are inspired by influences as diverse as the automotive industry or [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikeahack-collection), in the sense that their products are highly customizable and can be upgraded and manipulated over time as technology advances.

This 3D printer also prints with multiple extrusion options, making it possible -- in MakerMex owner Sam Weatherly's words -- to "print with chocolate one minute and PLA plastic the next."

MakerMex is currently seeking $50,000 on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-3d-printers) to fund their modular 3D printer.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.3/10
- Popularity: 78% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Modular 3D Printers:** The development of modular 3D printing technology provides opportunities for flexible customization and upgradability in the manufacturing industry.
- **Multi-material 3D Printing:** The ability to print with different materials on the same printer creates opportunities for diverse product manufacturing and experimentation.
- **Crowdfunding for Manufacturing Startups:** The use of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter provides an opportunity for manufacturing startups to access funds and test out new product ideas.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Manufacturing:** The modular and multi-material capabilities of 3D printers offer a disruptive innovation opportunity for customization and flexibility in traditional manufacturing sectors.
- **Food Production:** The printing of food with 3D printers, as demonstrated by MakerMex's ability to print with chocolate, presents opportunities for innovation in the culinary industry.
- **Crowdfunding:** The ability for manufacturing startups to use crowdfunding platforms as a funding source presents opportunities for greater access to capital and innovation in the world of startup financing.

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