edelkrone launches budget-friendly DIY 3D printed filmmaking tools
edelkrone, a Germany-based provider of portable filmmaking tools and solutions, is plunging into the world of 3D printing with the launch of a new “co-manufacturing approach” and series of 3D printable products. The 3D printable filmmaking solutions—which currently include two products—are being marketed under the name ORTAK.
As edelkrone explains it, the co-manufacturing approach will enable customers to purchase critical parts of the filmmaking equipment as well as STL files for the bulkier components. In the end, the cost of 3D printing most of the product at home is expected to be significantly cheaper than a wholly made product. 3D printing the products will also offers customers a new level of customization, as they can choose their preferred color palette.
“ORTAK is a new co-manufacturing approach that allows anyone to own fully-functional, high-tech products at greatly reduced prices,” the company writes on its website. “With ORTAK method, products are manufactured by you and edelkrone together. edelkrone will manufacture the critical parts, such as CNC machined aluminum joints (or possibly electronic components in the future) to minimize cost, while making sure the end product works flawlessly. While we ship the critical parts, you will 3D print the rest of the product and have the ability to customize the design, form, and color to your needs.”
To date, edelkrone has launched two 3D printable products: Skater 3D, a compact tabletop dolly designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and FlexTILT Head 3D, a tripod head with panning and tilting capabilities. Skater 3D enables users to capture smooth curved or linear product shots and is compatible with all tripod heads, magic arms and the FlexTILT Head 3D. The FlexTILT Head 3D, for its part, is a printable version of the company’s bestselling tripod head and enables users to pan and tilt their cameras with ease. The 3D printed product integrates edelkrone’s constant friction technology, meaning that there are no buttons or knobs to deal with.
For filmmakers with a penchant for 3D printing (or makers with an interest in filmmaking!) it truly does seem like a steal. You can buy the critical components for each product for just €29 and print the bulkier plastic structure at home. The pre-produced and assembled products offered by edelkrone, by contrast, cost upwards of €100.
Both products also come with a comprehensive assembly guide and suggested print settings. edelkrone has even tested and verified its printable products using a range of popular desktop 3D printers, including Ultimaker, Prusa i3 MK3S and Zaxe.
