Dr. Michael Armani and David Jones, co-founders of M3D LLC, were driven by a bold idea: to democratize 3D printing. Armani, with a Ph.D. in bioengineering, and Jones, a computer science graduate, envisioned a device so simple and affordable that anyone could use it.
In 2014, their idea took shape in the form of the Micro 3D Printer, a compact, plug-and-play machine that promised high-quality printing at a fraction of the cost.
The Rise of a Kickstarter Legend
The Micro 3D Printer debuted on Kickstarter in April 2014, aiming to raise $50,000. It blew past that target in just 11 minutes, eventually bringing in over $3.4 million from nearly 12,000 backers.
At the time, it was one of the largest crowdfunding campaigns for a consumer tech product.
Marketed as “the first truly consumer 3D printer,” the Micro’s $199 price tag, sleek cubic design, and beginner-friendly software helped it capture the imagination of hobbyists, educators, and tech enthusiasts.
Inside the Hype: Why Micro 3D Stood Out in 2014
The Micro wasn’t just compact, it was colorful, minimalist, and promised ease. Many competing printers were large, intimidating, or required advanced calibration. In contrast, M3D promised simplicity out of the box: load filament, press print, and go.
The buzz around the campaign was electric. Publications like Wired and TechCrunch covered its rapid rise. YouTubers and makers were eager to try it. For a brief moment, it looked like M3D had cracked the consumer 3D printer code.
Overpromising and Under-Delivering
The same hype that drove M3D’s initial success also built high expectations—expectations it struggled to meet. Many backers received their printers late. Those who did get units reported several issues:
- Inconsistent print quality
- Software crashes
- Filament jams
- Difficulty maintaining calibration
Even more controversially, M3D began selling the printer on Amazon and retail outlets before all Kickstarter backers received their units, sparking backlash from the very community that funded them.
Attempts to Regain Trust: Micro+ and M3D Pro
In an effort to recover, M3D released updated models: the Micro+ and the M3D Pro. These addressed key flaws like better filament handling and more advanced firmware. However, the damage to their reputation had already been done.
Customer service complaints continued, and reviews were mixed. The new products lacked the viral momentum of the original campaign, and sales never reached the same scale.
Public Backlash and Financial Decline
By 2017, many early adopters had grown disillusioned. Forums and product review sites filled with mixed feedback, ranging from mild disappointment to strong criticism. While M3D never formally declared bankruptcy, the company’s visibility in the market declined significantly.
Their website gradually shifted from a retail hub to a support portal—offering drivers, firmware, and manuals, but no longer selling new devices.
Current Situation in 2025
As of 2025, M3D LLC appears to be largely inactive. The company has scaled down operations dramatically, with its official website, now functioning only as a support archive for legacy users.
No new product launches have occurred since the M3D Pro, and their social media channels have been dormant for years.
While the printers may still function, the company no longer provides active customer support or updates. Many users have moved on to alternative brands in the now-crowded 3D printing space.
A Legacy of Warnings
The Micro 3D Printer story serves as a case study in hardware startup challenges. It highlights how crowdfunding success does not always translate into long-term business viability. Key takeaways include:
- Set realistic timelines
- Ensure product readiness before scaling
- Never prioritize retail over loyal backers
- Invest in after-sales support and updates
Despite its downfall, the Micro 3D was an important moment in consumer tech history—it inspired a wave of affordable desktop 3D printers and proved the market’s appetite for accessible innovation.
FAQ
Q: Who founded M3D and what are their backgrounds?
A: Dr. Michael Armani, who holds a Ph.D. in bioengineering, and David Jones, a computer scientist. Both are University of Maryland graduates.
Q: Why was the Micro 3D Printer so successful on Kickstarter?
A: Its compact design, affordability, and user-friendly interface made it highly appealing to a wide consumer base.
Q: What issues did users face with the printer?
A: Users commonly reported problems such as inconsistent print quality, software bugs, filament jams, and calibration difficulties.
Q: What is the current status of M3D?
A: As of 2025, M3D is largely inactive. The company no longer sells new printers and maintains only a basic support site.
Q: What can future startups learn from M3D?
A: Always manage expectations, ensure your product is ready before scaling, and never compromise on early backer trust.
TL;DR
M3D’s Micro 3D Printer raised $3.4M on Kickstarter but failed to scale due to product flaws, delays, and customer backlash. As of 2025, the company is inactive.
