Dremel spreads its wings in 3D

Dremel, a company known for its high-speed rotary tools, has spread its wings into the emerging field of 3D printing, and is displaying its efforts at an Austin, Texas SXSW Interactive festival.

Just months after launching the company’s first 3D printer, the Mount Prospect, Illinois-based company says it is bringing the art of making to the masses during this year’s festival. The 82-year-old company will mark its first SXSW presence with hands-on activities designed to elevate the importance of STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) and unite Makers of all generations.

“We want to connect with our users on a more personal level, and there’s no better place than in Austin during SXSW,” said John Kavanagh, president of Dremel. “Makers, artists, hobbyists – they are doing amazing things every day, all across the country. Dremel is connecting them in new ways this year; we’re doing our part to keep that passion to create and build alive.”

SXSW is one of several events Dremel added to its show schedule since announcing the Dremel 3D Idea Builder last September at MakerCon in New York City. Unveiled at the New York World Maker Faire, the 3D printer continued to earn recognition at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Since then, Dremel has encouraged users to upload photos and share their own creations via the Dremel online 3D gallery.

The Dremel 3D Idea Builder is available on homedepot.com and amazon.com, as well as select The Home Depot stores throughout the U.S. It sells for about $1,000.