Stratasys subsidiary MakerBot ships a 5th generation 3D printer-- the Replicator Mini Compact, a small (as the name suggests) consumer printer promising easy and affordable 3D printing.

First announced at CES 2014, the printer uses FDM technology and supports STL, OBJ, Thing and MakerBot object files. An on-board camera allows users to monitor 3D printing process (via soon released MakerBot Mobile app), while a Smart Extruder handles actual printing.

"The MakerBot Replicator Mini is one of the first 3D printers to shift from the office to the home," the company says. "We're excited to have the MakerBot Replicator 3D Printing Platform and our Fifth Generation 3D printing technology inspire creativity and innovation in adults and children alike."

Users can easily find printable objects on Thingverse.com or the MakerBot Digital Store, and a Print Shop tablet app allowing the creation of unique objects is in the works. It is also compatible with MakerBot's own Digitiser desktop 3D scanner.

Maximum build volume clocks at 10 x 10 x 12.5cm.

Come June 2014 the company will ship another next generation 3D printer-- the Replicator Z18, a commercial device designed for larger projects with "massive" build volume.

Go MakerBot Starts Shipping MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer