The Sputnik Innovative Technology Workshop startup is going to teach children how to use 3D printers so that they could print any toys they want. The company raised investment and developed and launched a trial batch of new 3D printers for this purpose. Kalibr Technopark is interested in purchasing 3D printers for its children’s section. Currently Sputnik is looking for investment to start mass production of its printers, according to startup founders who were interviewed at a conference on additive manufacturing at Kalibr Technopark.
3D printing is ABC for modern children
According to the Kontur.Focus contractor database, the Sputnik Innovative Technology Workshop belongs to Rufat Kriman, Alexei Ryazanov and Georgy Saatchyan. The primary owner, Rufat Kriman, is also CEO of MVS Group, a company that develops a traffic violation monitoring system on concessional terms for the Moscow Region. Sputnik CEO Alexei Ryazanov is a mathematician who previously worked for a large financial company. The third partner, Georgy Saatchyan, develops software for schools and other educational institutions. He used to be deputy CEO of Virtual Technology in Education. The project’s major investor, Rufat Kriman, invested several million rubles in the startup.
“We are producing 3D printers for children to learn how to print. My five-year-old daughter will live in a world where 3D printing will become common. It will be as easy as alphabet for our children,” Alexei Ryazanov said.
The Sputnik Junior
The new 3D printer, Sputnik Junior, is completely transparent, with LED backlighting, so the printing process can be observed from all sides. Its printing field is small, only 10x10x10 cm, which means the resulting toy can be no more than 10 cm in height and width. However, according to statistics, 80% of products manufactured by 3D printing fit into these parameters. A large doll can be printed in several parts and then assembled.
The machine manufactures threads from PLA biodegradable plastic made of corn, beets and other natural materials. This plastic has one drawback: it becomes soft at temperatures above + 60° C, but indoor temperature is unlikely to reach that limit. The printer is completely closed, so even the smallest particles of plastic dust remain inside. The Junior is Sputnik’s branded development, although it is also manufactured by a 3D printer – only an industrial one.
“Our 3D printer can be bought by any family. We will enclose a manual, perhaps a folding book or a comic book, to make it more interesting for a child. We want 3D printing to become more than geeks-only activity,” Ryazanov said.
Few 3D printer vendors teach their customers how to use them, and this scares away many potential users.
Stores will offer 3D printers from Sputnik at about RUR 25,000 ($380). The buyers will be able to use the ready-made printing models base posted on the company’s website free of charge. For now, the company has released ten printers and distributed them to friends and to schools to test, but the devices enjoy customer interest. The users have started suggesting new things that can be printed, not necessarily toys. They have printed a rack fastener, bolts, and other small household items.
Sputnik Innovative Technology Workshop is now looking for an investor to organize a full-fledged production. They need several million rubles this year; the production will be scaled across Russia later on. The company plans to begin production and offer the printers to schools as early as during this academic year. They can be used to print visual aids or objects on the pictures in textbooks.
“These printers are easy to use and can be used even by elementary school or even kindergarten children for development and creativity,” Saatchyan said.
By Natalya Kuznetsova