MakerBot goes bigger, with head-sized 3-D printer

LAS VEGAS — MakerBot, the New York-based maker of 3-D printers, is releasing its largest model yet: one that can print objects the size of someone’s head.

The MakerBot Replicator Z18 can print objects 12 by 12 by 18 inches large. That’s six times larger than MakerBot’s standard Replicator. The machine, which deposits melted plastic dot by tiny dot, will cost about $6,500.

MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis revealed the printer Monday at a news conference ahead of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Pettis also revealed an upgrade to the company’s standard replicator, and a smaller, consumer-focused Replicator Mini that will sell for $1,375. It prints objects that are up to the size of a cupcake.

MakerBot was sold last year to Stratasys Ltd. of Israel, a maker of professional 3-D printers.