Lulzbot Upgraded and Unboxed

I love aluminum extrusion. It’s rigid, easy to use, allows you to build anything from shelves to CNC machines. That’s why I’ve always had a “thing” for MendelMax 3D printers. To me they look amazing in a form follows function kind of way. Of course, building a MendelMax isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why purchasing a Lulzbot AO-101 is so appealing.

The AO-101 3D printer by Aleph Objects is based on the MendelMax design. It comes completely assembled, calibrated, and almost ready to print. We reviewed the earlier AO-100 model in our Ultimate 3D Printing Guide where it scored highly in setup, documentation, speed, and reliability. With new electronics (now RAMBo based), a revised aluminum heatbed, revisions to the pulleys and spooling system, and other improvements showcased in the video above, the AO-101 promises to improve on this already capable machine.

Another great aspect of the AO-101 is that it comes with pretty much anything you need to get up and running (except a computer.) Every AO-101 includes an SD card with drivers and software, 5 lbs of natural filament, a comprehensive tool kit to keep your machine in top running order, a printed manual, and even tape for the heated print bed. Another great perk is that the machine will ship 24-48 hours after you place your order in the Maker Shed or directly from Aleph. So if you order today, you can be printing this week!