Historical Documentation Notice
This page documents the history of Bits From Bytes Ltd, a pioneering British 3D printer manufacturer that operated from 2007 to 2012. This archive preserves the company’s legacy and contributions to the democratization of desktop 3D printing technology.
Important Notice: Bits From Bytes Ltd ceased independent operations following its acquisition by 3D Systems Corporation in 2012. This archive is maintained for historical and educational purposes, documenting the early desktop 3D printing revolution. We are not affiliated with the original company or its successors.
The Birth of Desktop 3D Printing (2007)
Bits From Bytes emerged in 2007 as one of the world’s first companies dedicated to bringing 3D printing technology to individuals, schools, and small businesses. Founded in the United Kingdom during a period when industrial 3D printers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, the company pioneered affordable desktop manufacturing solutions.
Vision and Mission
The company’s founding vision centered on “democratizing 3D printing” – making additive manufacturing accessible beyond industrial facilities and research laboratories. This philosophy drove every product decision, from kit-based assembly approaches that reduced costs to comprehensive documentation that empowered users to master the technology.
Core Principles:
- Affordable access to 3D printing for education and small business
- Open-source foundations based on RepRap project principles
- Comprehensive user support and community building
- Continuous improvement through user feedback
The timing proved prescient. As maker culture gained momentum and CAD software became more accessible, Bits From Bytes positioned itself at the intersection of these trends, offering hardware that could transform digital designs into physical objects.
Product Evolution and Innovation
RapMan: The Pioneer (2008)
The RapMan 3D printer launched in 2008 as Bits From Bytes’ flagship product, derived from the open-source RepRap Darwin design. Available as a complete kit requiring user assembly, the RapMan embodied the company’s educational philosophy – building the printer taught users how it functioned.
RapMan Specifications:
- Build volume: 300mm × 300mm × 300mm
- Layer resolution: 0.125mm to 0.5mm
- Materials: ABS and PLA thermoplastics
- Assembly time: 2-3 days for first-time builders
- Kit price: Approximately £750 (significantly below commercial alternatives)
The assembly process, while time-intensive, created a generation of users who understood their printers intimately. This knowledge proved invaluable when troubleshooting became necessary, distinguishing RapMan users from those who simply purchased pre-assembled machines.
Educational institutions particularly embraced the RapMan. Its kit format transformed 3D printer acquisition into a learning experience, teaching mechanical assembly, electronics integration, and manufacturing principles simultaneously. Schools could justify the purchase as both a tool and a comprehensive engineering education platform.
RapMan Evolution: 3.1 and 3.2 Series
Following the original RapMan’s success, Bits From Bytes released refined versions addressing user feedback and improving reliability.
RapMan 3.1 Improvements:
- Reinforced frame design for improved stability
- Upgraded electronics for more precise control
- Enhanced documentation and assembly guides
- Improved extruder design for consistent extrusion
- Better build platform leveling system
RapMan 3.2 Innovations:
- Dual extruder capability for multi-material printing
- Heated build platform option for improved ABS adhesion
- USB connectivity alongside SD card operation
- Updated firmware with additional features
- Professional packaging for commercial environments
The evolution from RapMan 1.0 to 3.2 demonstrated Bits From Bytes’ commitment to continuous improvement while maintaining affordability and accessibility as core values.
BfB 3000: Professional Desktop Manufacturing (2009)
Responding to professional users requiring higher reliability and easier operation, Bits From Bytes introduced the BfB 3000 in 2009. This pre-assembled printer targeted businesses and advanced users willing to pay premium pricing for convenience.
BfB 3000 Features:
- Pre-assembled and calibrated
- Enclosed build chamber for better temperature control
- Professional appearance suitable for office environments
- Dual extruder configuration standard
- Heated build platform for ABS printing
- Touchscreen interface for standalone operation
- Build volume: 275mm × 210mm × 210mm
The BfB 3000 represented a strategic pivot toward users who valued time savings over the educational assembly experience. Price points increased significantly compared to RapMan kits, but remained far below industrial alternatives, occupying a crucial middle ground in the emerging market.
3DTouch: Consumer-Focused Innovation (2011)
The 3DTouch 3D printer, launched in 2011, represented Bits From Bytes’ most refined consumer product. Designed for maximum accessibility, it featured:
3DTouch Characteristics:
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Color LCD for easy navigation
- USB and SD card connectivity
- Compact footprint for desktop placement
- Quiet operation suitable for office/classroom
- Single, dual, or triple extruder configurations
- Simplified material loading system
- Build volume: 203mm × 274mm × 274mm
The 3DTouch emphasized user experience above all else. Its touchscreen interface eliminated the need for constant computer connection, while the compact design made it feasible for environments where space was limited. Color options and modern industrial design positioned it as a consumer product rather than laboratory equipment.
Educational institutions found the 3DTouch particularly valuable. Its ease of operation allowed students to focus on design and application rather than technical troubleshooting, democratizing access to 3D printing within classrooms.
Software Ecosystem: Axon
Recognizing that hardware alone couldn’t ensure user success, Bits From Bytes developed Axon software to simplify the path from 3D model to finished print.
Axon 1.0: Skeinforge Simplified
The original Axon software wrapped the powerful but complex Skeinforge slicing engine in a user-friendly interface. Key features included:
- One-click STL file import
- Pre-configured material profiles for ABS and PLA
- Automatic support structure generation
- Visual G-code preview
- Build time and material usage estimates
Axon 2.0: Enhanced Capabilities (2011)
Axon 2.0 brought significant improvements:
- Faster slicing algorithms
- Multi-material print support for dual extruders
- Custom material profile creation
- Advanced settings for expert users
- Improved visualization tools
- Windows integration
Axon 3.0: Controversial Simplification (2012)
Axon 3.0 attempted to further simplify the printing process but received mixed user reception. The software removed many advanced controls in favor of automated decision-making, frustrating experienced users who valued fine-tuning capabilities. This highlighted the ongoing tension between accessibility and control that characterized desktop 3D printing’s evolution.
Materials and Consumables
Bits From Bytes established a comprehensive materials catalog supporting their hardware ecosystem:
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
The primary material for BfB printers, ABS offered:
- Excellent strength and durability
- Heat resistance up to 100°C
- Post-processing capability (sanding, drilling, painting)
- Wide color selection
- Industrial applications
Challenges included warping on large prints and requiring adequate ventilation due to styrene odor during printing.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
As an alternative to ABS, PLA provided:
- Biodegradability from corn-based source material
- Lower printing temperatures
- Minimal warping
- Pleasant (or neutral) odor during printing
- Translucent and solid color options
PLA’s environmental credentials appealed to educational institutions and environmentally conscious users, though its lower temperature resistance limited certain applications.
Material Innovation
Bits From Bytes experimented with additional materials including:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- uPVC (unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride)
These experimental materials received limited support but demonstrated the company’s commitment to expanding desktop 3D printing capabilities.
Community Building and Support
Wiki Knowledge Base
Bits From Bytes maintained an extensive wiki documenting every aspect of their products:
- Detailed assembly instructions with photographs
- Troubleshooting guides for common issues
- Material property charts and recommendations
- Software configuration tutorials
- User-contributed tips and modifications
This wiki became an invaluable resource, with users contributing solutions and improvements that benefited the entire community.
User Forums
Active forums facilitated peer-to-peer support:
- Technical troubleshooting assistance
- Print quality optimization discussions
- Material experimentation results sharing
- Hardware modification documentation
- Software configuration exchanges
The forums fostered a collaborative spirit where experienced users mentored newcomers, reducing the company’s support burden while building community loyalty.
Educational Resources
Recognizing education as a core market, Bits From Bytes developed:
- Curriculum materials for technology courses
- Project ideas suitable for various skill levels
- Safety guidelines for classroom environments
- Maintenance schedules and procedures
- Integration guides for CAD software
These resources transformed 3D printers from mysterious devices into manageable educational tools.
Market Position and Competition
The Desktop 3D Printing Landscape (2007-2012)
Bits From Bytes entered a nascent market alongside pioneering competitors:
MakerBot Industries (Founded 2009): Focused on fully open-source approach with Thing-O-Matic and Replicator lines, strong emphasis on community
Ultimaker (Founded 2011): Dutch competitor emphasizing print quality and reliability, positioned as premium option
Stratasys (via Dimension): Established industrial player beginning to address desktop market with high-priced professional options
RepRap Community: Open-source movement providing foundation for commercial derivatives
Differentiation Strategy
Bits From Bytes distinguished itself through:
- UK/European focus: Strong presence in British and European educational markets
- Balanced approach: Neither fully open-source nor fully proprietary
- Educational emphasis: Comprehensive support materials for classroom use
- Kit options: Lower price points via self-assembly models
- Professional alternatives: BfB 3000 for users requiring turnkey solutions
This multi-tier approach addressed diverse user segments but required maintaining multiple product lines with distinct support requirements.
Acquisition by 3D Systems (2012)
In 2012, 3D Systems Corporation acquired Bits From Bytes as part of a broader strategy to dominate the emerging desktop 3D printing market. The acquisition coincided with 3D Systems’ purchase of several other companies including:
- The Sugar Lab (food printing)
- Bespoke Innovations (prosthetics)
- Gentle Giant Studios (scanning services)
Impact of Acquisition
The transition proved challenging for the Bits From Bytes community:
Immediate Changes:
- Website integration into 3D Systems infrastructure
- Forum participation by company representatives decreased
- Software development slowed significantly
- Material availability became inconsistent
- Customer support response times increased
Long-term Consequences:
- Gradual phase-out of original Bits From Bytes brands
- Integration into 3D Systems’ Cube line
- Loss of community-focused identity
- Decline in open-source collaboration
- User migration to alternative platforms
Many longtime users reported frustration with the transition, citing reduced support quality and loss of the collaborative culture that characterized Bits From Bytes’ independent operation.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Contributions to Desktop 3D Printing
Bits From Bytes’ legacy extends beyond its operational years:
Democratization Pioneer: Among the first to prove desktop 3D printing viability for non-industrial users
Educational Impact: Thousands of students learned engineering principles through RapMan assembly and operation
Community Model: Demonstrated the value of user communities for technical product support
Price Point Breakthrough: Established sub-$2000 pricing as achievable for functional desktop printers
Material Development: Advanced understanding of ABS and PLA behavior in desktop environments
Influence on Industry Evolution
The company’s approach influenced subsequent developments:
- Kit-based models remain popular among makers and hobbyists
- Educational focus drove curriculum development for 3D printing courses
- Community support models became industry standard
- Price expectations shifted permanently toward affordable desktop options
Preserved Knowledge and Documentation
This historical archive maintains access to:
- Complete product specifications and capabilities
- Software documentation for Axon versions
- Material property data and print profiles
- Troubleshooting guides for common issues
- Assembly instructions for historical reference
- Community contributions and modifications
These resources serve users maintaining vintage Bits From Bytes hardware and historians studying the desktop 3D printing revolution’s early years.
The Broader Context: Early Desktop 3D Printing Era
Technology State (2007-2012)
The period of Bits From Bytes’ operation represented 3D printing’s transition from industrial exclusivity to desktop accessibility:
2007: Desktop 3D printers nearly non-existent, industrial machines cost $100,000+
2009: Multiple startups competing, prices dropping below $2,000
2011: Mainstream media attention increasing, Kickstarter funding emerging
2012: Consolidation beginning, major acquisitions reshaping landscape
Bits From Bytes operated during the most innovative and experimental phase, when conventions were still being established and innovation came from small teams rather than corporate research departments.
Cultural Impact
Beyond technical achievements, Bits From Bytes participated in cultural shifts:
- Maker Movement: Empowered individuals to manufacture physical objects
- Educational Reform: Introduced hands-on manufacturing to curricula
- Entrepreneurship: Enabled small-scale product development and prototyping
- Sustainability: Demonstrated potential for local, on-demand manufacturing
Conclusion: A Historical Perspective
Bits From Bytes represented a pivotal chapter in 3D printing’s evolution from industrial tool to consumer technology. Operating during a brief but crucial window (2007-2012), the company helped establish desktop 3D printing as viable for education, small business, and hobbyist applications.
While the Bits From Bytes brand no longer exists independently, its influence persists through:
- Thousands of printers still operational worldwide
- Educational programs developed using their equipment
- Community members who advanced to industry leadership positions
- Technical knowledge contributed to the collective understanding
- Cultural shift toward accessible manufacturing technology
The story of Bits From Bytes serves as a case study in innovation, community building, and the challenges of maintaining independence in rapidly consolidating markets. For historians, educators, and technology enthusiasts, this period represents a formative moment when passionate small teams proved that sophisticated technology could be democratized through clever engineering, comprehensive documentation, and genuine commitment to user empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bits From Bytes still in business?
No, Bits From Bytes ceased independent operations following its acquisition by 3D Systems in 2012. The original brand and product lines were gradually discontinued.
Can I still get parts for my RapMan or 3DTouch?
Original parts are difficult to source, but the RepRap ecosystem provides many compatible components. Online communities maintain parts lists and supplier recommendations.
Does Axon software still work?
Axon 2.x remains functional on Windows systems with Python 2.7. However, modern slicers like Cura or PrusaSlicer offer more features and active development.
What was the price range for Bits From Bytes printers?
RapMan kits started around £750, while pre-assembled BfB 3000 models reached £2,500-3,500. 3DTouch printers were positioned in the mid-range at approximately £1,500-2,000.
How did Bits From Bytes compare to MakerBot?
Both pioneered desktop 3D printing but with different approaches. Bits From Bytes emphasized educational markets and offered kit options, while MakerBot focused more on fully open-source designs and maker culture.
Where can I find historical Bits From Bytes documentation?
This archive preserves key documentation. Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine also contains snapshots of original wiki pages and forums.
What happened to the Bits From Bytes community after the acquisition?
Many users migrated to other platforms and communities. Some continued using their equipment with alternative software and sourced parts from RepRap suppliers.
Are vintage Bits From Bytes printers collectible?
As early desktop 3D printers, they hold historical significance. Functional units with documentation are of particular interest to technology collectors and museums.
Historical Documentation: This page archives information about Bits From Bytes Ltd (2007-2012), a pioneering UK 3D printer manufacturer. Content is maintained for historical, educational, and research purposes.