3D printer


Closed Thread
Results 1 to 23 of 23

Thread: 3D printer

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Ptolemaida
    Posts
    50

    Default 3D printer

    Hello, i would like to ask if there is anyone familliar with 3D printers.

    I want to buy one. I have found this cheap model 3Drag 3D printer
    I would like to buy a printer with printing height accuracy 0,1mm or under this.
    Any sugestions or help from someone more experienced would be appreciated
    One man's magic is ANOTHER man's engineering.
    Supernatural is a null word

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,588


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Hi folks,

    I've taken the plunge a few weeks ago and I've been shopping for a 3D printer with a large platform to make small cases and custom components. Has anyone else started yet?

    I've been looking for a dual-extruder so I could print 2-colour parts. So far the most interesting printer I've found is this one from 3d printer supermarket:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Colo...2-7a0d811bf60a

    I'm waiting on replies from the supplier for prices with 2 additionnal rolls. It comes with white PLA, but I also want black and transparent (ideal to make backlit buttons).

    Robert
    My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.

    Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Greece
    Posts
    3,796


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Hi Robert.

    Have not yet, but want to. I don't like the little steps that the final object has on most of the printers I 've seen. You have to polish the surface to make it level and feel nice.

    I guess is the price one has to pay for the technology.

    The machine you linked looks pretty impressive!

    Looking forward to your printings!

    Ioannis

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Grid EN19MV
    Posts
    157


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    I've had this one for a few months now - very happy with it. The resolution is .2mm though (actually .1984mm) and I think you are looking at pretty heavy cash for ACCURATE .1mm resolution. Lots claim it, its hard to do.

    I have modified mine to have a heated bed and have come up with some cool things to get parts that are straight.

    I use OpenSCAD for design (its free) - but its another programming language to learn. It took a while, but I'm getting better at it.

    Andy
    "I have noticed that even those who assert that everything is predestined and that
    we can change nothing about it still look both ways before they cross the street"


    -Stephen Hawking

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,588


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    I tried a few 3D software. Worked with Blender but it's rated professional. I'll forget how to use it if I don't draw for weeks or months

    Picked up MeshMixer and haven't looked back. Rated intermediate, love how it works.

    Tested Cura to do the slicing, looks like I'll be using that one.

    Designing a Korry switch with dual LEDs for flight sim.





    Need to finish up the button.

    I wanted to see if I could draw to spec before buying a printer.
    My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.

    Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,588


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Hi folks,

    Still shopping and comparing products. There's a mini-revolution going on right now; pricing are changing weekly.

    My requirements are:

    - triple nozzles, to print a backlit cap for a switch. My design is simple, clear interior, black shell and thin white layer for the text. I'll need to experiment just how thin white must be and stuff like that.

    - a large print surface because I want to be able to print custom keypads for flight sims.

    - a solid frame that will last years.

    - quality print, no fuzzy surface.


    HE3D.
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/he3d...f-d0b4a9d6bdc0

    Triple nozzles, large print surface, low quality prints. I would expect that quality from a $100 printer, not $475 USD.


    CreatBot.
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DX-0...f-d0b4a9d6bdc0

    Triple nozzles, large print surface, waaay too expensive at $2,633 USD.


    I've contacted a few manufacturers in China and waiting for them to all respond.


    movement designs:
    I've noticed 3 main designs so far:

    bearing wheels:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1UnoJL...Xq6xXFXXX8.jpg

    I would expect the wheels to wear with use, thus affecting print quality.


    Triple axis:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1wGBwO...a7e22c98d99b6f

    I have read several negative comments on quality and clogging. I would not trust a pivoting head on a budget printer to remain perfectly flat across the outer edges of a print.


    Screws and bearings:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1P.wrN...eedc714820fca5

    I would trust these to be more reliable of the three. Some have two for the Z axis, some only have one. I would expect the vertical beam to flex somewhat on the single design.

    Be careful with bearings, some use ball bearings, some use bushings (these do not last long).


    Frame designs:

    Boxed:
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DX-0...f-d0b4a9d6bdc0

    Most likely the most sturdy design. Read the descriptions carefully, some are made of melamine = super cheap.


    Aluminium rail:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB18TuBN...a8d1bd9bd8f006

    Most common. There are several designs of corners brackets though, and I believe that is where the importance lies. Some brackets are more sturdy than other, thus affecting the true of the frame, and your print quality.


    Combination aluminium and synthetic plates:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB15dYbK...Xq6xXFXXXR.jpg

    Might be very sturdy, could only tell by actually stress testing the frames.


    Conclusion so far:

    I would love to see a design that uses flat sides for rigidity, dual screws for Z axis, as well as screws for X and Y axis instead of belts. Belts stretch and wear, They do not last long.

    I know screws and motors add weight, but that's why you would use a quality motor on the Z axis and not the cheapest NEMA 17 available.

    Single unit extruder head, meaning it incorporates the motor that feeds in the material. Most designs rely on the motor being installed on the side frame and a tube feeding the material into the head. More parts = more breaks, wear, looseness, harder to clear jams.

    Last issue, I would not use an all-in-one triple nozzle. I would not trust the separation between colours to be precise.
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1oy6.N...aee54ad15dd631
    Also, there is a tie-wrap holding the unit in place (near the bottom). They are careful not to show the tie-wrap on the other pictures, another reason why I would not trust the manufacturer of the triple-axis design.
    My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.

    Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,588


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Quote Originally Posted by sundo90 View Post
    Awesome machines! I would like to buy a one. Can anyone recommend me sth?
    Did you bother to read post #20?
    My Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a giant paperweight that can't even be used as a boat anchor, cause I'd be fined for polluting our waterways with electronic devices.

    Not as dumb as yesterday, but stupider than tomorrow!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    411


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    All these are really impressive. Very good work. Congrats!!!

Similar Threads

  1. Thermal Printer
    By sara736 in forum Off Topic
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: - 1st November 2014, 11:46
  2. Replies: 20
    Last Post: - 25th May 2012, 16:37
  3. Thermal printer
    By jonas2 in forum mel PIC BASIC Pro
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: - 6th April 2009, 17:35
  4. PIC to Printer
    By mychangl in forum mel PIC BASIC Pro
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: - 17th June 2008, 01:22

Members who have read this thread : 3

You do not have permission to view the list of names.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts