MakerBot flaunts new 3D printers at CES 2014 (pictures)

LAS VEGAS -- At CES 2014, MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis talks about the history of MakerBot and all of the things that people have built with its 3D printers.

Pettis talks about earlier MakerBot models.

Pettis says there are more than 44,000 MakerBots in the world.

Beyond just tiny figurines, Pettis talks about real-world applications for 3D printed objects, like a kid's prosthetic or a model of a scope to replace the Hubble telescope.

MakerBot's Greenwich, Conn., store.

MakerBot is partnering with SoftKinectic, a 3D sensor company.

MakerBot's newest 3D printer is the Replicator Mini. It costs $1,375.

It has an enclosed print chamber with the same build volume as original MakerBot Cupcake printer, says Pettis.

Inside the Replicator Mini is the "Smart Extruder," a magnetic snap-on repository for filament.

The new MakerBot Replicator is meant to replace the earlier Replicator 2 model. No, it's not called the Replicator 3 -- it's just the Replicator. It has a 100-micron print resolution and is optimized for PLA. It's on sale now for $2,899.

The new Replicator has a knob to let you navigate the LED screen.

The third and final new printer, the MakerBot Z18, is for huge stuff. It's 12x12x18 inches tall, or 2,592 cubic inches. It goes on sale this spring, for $6,499.

MakerBot is also giving us new apps. First, the MakerBot Desktop App, which includes MakerWare printing software and Thingiverse directly integrated. It's compatible with all models except the Cupcake.

MakerBot's new mobile app, for iOS (Android coming soon!) does print monitoring and sends you alerts from Thingiverse and your printer.

MakerBot's Printshop tablet app helps you design your own signs, bracelets, and other 3D goodies without any design or CAD software knowledge.

The MakerBot Digital Store is a place where you can purchase original designer-created digital content that you can print on your machine. Items include figurines of trucks and pets. Read more about MakerBot at CES 2014.