For years, most desktop 3D printers have looked more or less the same. Some are black. Some are gray. A few are bright orange. They look like boxes. Some are open-frame machines. Some are enclosed. But most were built with function in mind. The focus has always been on what the machine could do. They are tools for hobbyists, makers, and tinkerers.
Now, a recent announcement from desktop 3D printer manufacturer ELEGOO feels quite important. The company has partnered with emoji®, the brand behind the most well-known yellow faces found on phones, websites, and social media, and even a movie, to launch a special-edition version of its Centauri Carbon 2 Combo printer.
The printer features a silver-and-white design with emoji branding throughout, a customized user interface, custom startup animations, and official emoji-themed 3D models that users can print right out of the box. The special edition is priced at $489 in the United States and is available through ELEGOO’s website in markets including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
emoji Founder and CEO Marco Hüsges said, “Together, we’re bringing digital self-expression into the physical world in a fun, creative, and completely new way. This partnership highlights how 3D printing is evolving beyond traditional maker spaces and becoming part of everyday lifestyle technology — inspiring people to create, personalize, and express themselves like never before. With the ELEGOO × emoji® Centauri Carbon 2 Combo, creativity becomes something you can truly see, hold, and share with the world.”
While on the surface, this is definitely a fun marketing collaboration, it also raises an interesting question: Are 3D printers getting the same kind of branded treatment as sneakers, gaming consoles, headphones, and collectible toys? Maybe desktop 3D printing is finally becoming more of a consumer product than ever before.
And I’ll admit it, I’m probably part of the problem. I love a good collaboration. If somebody announced a Harry Potter-themed 3D printer tomorrow, or a Star Wars edition complete with lightsaber startup sounds and a Millennium Falcon-themed case, I’d be pre-ordering it. And that may be exactly why companies are starting to experiment with this kind of branding.
For much of the industry’s history, desktop manufacturers have been laser-focused on the technical specifications. Companies compete on print speed, materials, build volume, and so many other markers. Of course, those users are still the backbone of the desktop 3D printing market. But the market is getting bigger.
Over the past few years, desktop 3D printers have become easier to use, faster, and much more reliable. Features that once required users to have extensive technical knowledge are much more automated today. Many modern printers work right out of the box. As a result, the customer base is expanding beyond traditional users.
Families are buying pri
For years, most desktop 3D printers have looked more or less the same. Some are black. Some are gray. A few are bright orange. They look like boxes. Some are open-frame machines. Some are enclosed. But most were built with function in mind. The focus has always been on what the machine could do. They are tools for hobbyists, makers, and tinkerers.
Now, a recent announcement from desktop 3D printer manufacturer ELEGOO feels quite important. The company has partnered with emoji®, the brand behind the most well-known yellow faces found on phones, websites, and social media, and even a movie, to launch a special-edition version of its Centauri Carbon 2 Combo printer.
The printer features a silver-and-white design with emoji branding throughout, a customized user interface, custom startup animations, and official emoji-themed 3D models that users can print right out of the box. The special edition is priced at $489 in the United States and is available through ELEGOO’s website in markets including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
emoji Founder and CEO Marco Hüsges said, “Together, we’re bringing digital self-expression into the physical world in a fun, creative, and completely new way. This partnership highlights how 3D printing is evolving beyond traditional maker spaces and becoming part of everyday lifestyle technology — inspiring people to create, personalize, and express themselves like never before. With the ELEGOO × emoji® Centauri Carbon 2 Combo, creativity becomes something you can truly see, hold, and share with the world.”
While on the surface, this is definitely a fun marketing collaboration, it also raises an interesting question: Are 3D printers getting the same kind of branded treatment as sneakers, gaming consoles, headphones, and collectible toys? Maybe desktop 3D printing is finally becoming more of a consumer product than ever before.
And I’ll admit it, I’m probably part of the problem. I love a good collaboration. If somebody announced a Harry Potter-themed 3D printer tomorrow, or a Star Wars edition complete with lightsaber startup sounds and a Millennium Falcon-themed case, I’d be pre-ordering it. And that may be exactly why companies are starting to experiment with this kind of branding.
For much of the industry’s history, desktop manufacturers have been laser-focused on the technical specifications. Companies compete on print speed, materials, build volume, and so many other markers. Of course, those users are still the backbone of the desktop 3D printing market. But the market is getting bigger.
Over the past few years, desktop 3D printers have become easier to use, faster, and much more reliable. Features that once required users to have extensive technical knowledge are much more automated today. Many modern printers work right out of the box. As a result, the customer base is expanding beyond traditional users.
Families are buying pri