The MakerBot Digitizer comes with lasers, a spinning table, and plenty of magic. This device takes any 8X8 physical object and turns that object into a 3D model. MakerBot demos the Digitizer in a video that features a plastic tiger toy, and then turns that toy into a 3D digital model.

Oh, The Potential!

MakerBot is attempting to sell the Digitizer to both consumers and businesses, but it's really aimed at designers. Imagine: you can scan an object using the Digitizer, and have that object appear in 3D. You don't have to start from scratch defining the object, it's right there in front of you, ready to manipulate.

MakerBot wants people to take this process one step further by printing out a 3D image on a MakerBot printer (the company current has two of those out - see below). But, even if you don't buy the printer, it's still really cool to know that you can scan a physical object and turn that object into a 3D image in minutes.

Fast and Ready

The really great thing about the Digitizer is that it doesn't take long to scan an object or to create that 3D image. This device is fast, and that means that you will have an image to work with in minutes. Plus, the design of the Digitizer looks every bit as futuristic as the concept sounds, and it's also entirely compact.

You might think that something so innovative will cost a bundle, but the Digitizer is actually quite affordable. At $1400, this device is well within reach for most businesses that can profit from it. You can also purchase the optional Digitizer MakerCare Program (support and service) for an additional $150. I recommend doing this in order to have some backup for the device, but that's up to you.

MakerBot's 3D Printers

MakerBot presently offers two 3D printers that would be a nice accompaniament to the Digitizer, if it's within your budget to purchase these printers. The Replicator 2 and Replicator 2X retail for $2199 and $2799, respectively. Both of these printers print 3D models, and are designed for the design world.

If you combine the Digitizer with one of MakerBot's 3D printers, you will have quite the complete design studio. Even if you don't work in the art or design world, having this setup would be a lot of fun. Currently, 3D printing is still somewhat new, but MakerBot is definitely at the forefront of that technology.

Where to Buy

If you're ready to jump into the design future, you can purchase both 3D printers and the Digitizer from the MakerBot site directly. Surprisingly, these two devices combined won't hurt your small business budget too much, but you will likely see a good return on your investment with these options.

For those in the design world, both the Digitizer and the 3D printers that MakerBot offers are amazingly unique and entirely innovative. MakerBot's Digitizer is sure to revolutionize the 3D design world. Want one? order yours before they are all gone!