<p>LAS VEGAS - MakerBot is one of the market leaders - if not the market leader - in 3-D printing. So we were dying to see what they had in store for CES 2014 (the company's fifth CES, by the way). We expected some innovative improvements on their current lineup of 3-D printer technology, and we were far from disappointed. Instead of re-inventing how to print the wheel, like Formlabs and Mcor, MakerBot is sticking with what works and making it accessible to everyone. On the hardware side, MakerBot is introducing three versions of their latest in the Replicator line: the entry-level Replicator Mini, the Prosumer Replicator, and the industrial-sized Replicator Z18.</p><p>The MakerBot Mini is designed to be the "point-and-shoot" of the 3-D printer world. The words "One-touch printing" and "easy to use" were bandied about liberally during this part of the press conference. But don't let the focus on simplification fool you. This machine still packs the same basic components as its bigger brothers, including the heart of the 3-D printer: the extruder.</p><p>MakerBot put their latest Smart Extruder into the Mini to ensure that even those dipping their toes into the 3-D printing pool will not be disappointed by the quality of their prints. Unlike its not-so-smart counterparts, the Smart Extruder can tell when you're running out of plastic filament, and can be easily removed and replaced if necessary. The Mini will be released this spring, with a competitive price tag at $1,375.</p><p>The next step up is the MakerBot Replicator, which has all the same features as its little brother, plus a bigger build chamber (8 x 10 x 6 inches) and a few other additions. Most notably, a 3.5-inch full-color LCD display, and a stylish dial that lets you operate it without a computer. Simply plug in your USB stick and print any object stored inside.</p><p><a href="http://www.lohud.com/usatoday/article/4362621">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.techspot.com/news/55245-makerbot-showcases-replicator-mini-and-z18-at-ces-coming-this-spring.html">MakerBot showcases Replicator Mini and Z18 at CES, coming this spring</a> (TechSpot)</p><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/6/5281882/makerbot-replicator-mini-announced-ces-2014">MakerBot unveils the Replicator Mini and Z18, its biggest and smallest 3D ...</a> (The Verge)</p><p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/06/tech/innovation/makerbot-3-d-printers/">MakerBot shows off a trio of new 3-D printers</a> (CNN)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d344dbhGbNO_nFMZWWbdai1se_nyM&authuser=0&ned=us">141 additional articles.</a></p>