3D printer


Closed Thread
Results 1 to 23 of 23

Thread: 3D printer

  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
    2,585


    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
    3,793


    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
    2,585


    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
    2,585


    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
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Take the time to read comments when you find an interesting printer. You would not believe the stuff you find.

    I remember one comment about a printer designed using these orange brackets:
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Full...1-a6d3fe165ff0

    The users complained that parts were missing, holes were oval and that the seller did not want to reimburse or replace the missing parts.

    The excuse used by the seller: no video of the unboxing, not our problem.

    I couldn't believe it. You actually have to film yourself when you unbox 3D printers, show each part as you remove them from the box, inspect them super-carefully in view of the camera. I just about fell on my butt when I read that. When you're missing some parts and at least one hole is NOT ROUND, I have never seen a seller pick at such stupid details.

    Just thought I would give you folk a heads up on the need to film yourself when you unpack the box.

    I have bought and built multiple computers from online stores and have NEVER had such a problem. This is my latest build, liquid-cooled i7-6700K.



    It wasn't complete, I just couldn't believe how quiet it runs. It's like having a babbling brook nearby, just love it.
    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
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    I have switched to 123D Design for several days now, waaaay easier once you get used to it.

    Testing transparent surfaces:




    Testing script quality (the opening for the text is only 12mm x 12mm):




    And it's free.
    Last edited by Demon; - 12th January 2017 at 01:28.
    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!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Hmm, forum wouldn't let me post a third pic, said I was already at four?



    Testing the emitting angle of an LED within a casing, just to see how low I could make the casing:

    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!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    As I was saying, 3D printers are evolving really quickly especially since these releases:

    The $149 MP Delta Mini 3D printer, Monoprice’s low-cost, entry-level printer, features Wi-Fi for easy, out-of-the-box printing. Also in the home user category, Monoprice updated its Select Mini printer to version 2.0, adding community-inspired upgrades to the unit.
    On the commercial side, Monoprice debuted the MP 3 Series Commercial 3D printer for $799. Ideal for industrial and rapid commercial prototyping, the printer has a full enclosure for printing, a 400 x 400mm build volume, and the latest in FDM technology. The company also entered the SLA resin market with the new MP Maker Prism Professional SLA Resin printer. This $3,500 printer offers professional quality printing at an impressive 0.03-micron layer resolution, making it perfect for prototyping, jewelry, and other projects that require a high level of printing accuracy.
    http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-te...ting-ces-2017/

    I figure a lot of the bargain brands are scrambling to get even lower, or offer more features.


    Wow, retail on the HE3D top model was $665 just recently:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HE3D...9-0cb24c35ea54


    it's now $499:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016...d-9d209edc2684

    Same special price though, $472 to $474, depending which ad you pick. :lol:

    HE3D is still the only budget triple nozzle 3D printer I see. With the release of that $150 budget machine, I expect the others to redesign the head supports on the single and dual machines real fast.
    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!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    I like the design of this model, I'm hoping they up their game and increase the platform size and offer triple nozzles.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016...00023.8.5Ftk6W

    It has dual motors for the Z axis and seems more robust overall. The demo pieces look precise and above-quality compared to other printers.

    Anet%20Precision%20Reprap%20Prusa%20i3%2
    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!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    HEADS UP on HE3D PRINTERS!

    Specs can claim anything.

    Positioning accuracy: Z axis 0.004 mm, X/Y axis 0.012 mm

    The demos are not encouraging at all.







    All I can say is BEURK!


    This printer is still available today ($499 retail / $474.05 special, Store: Hoyi sunway Co.,Ltd):
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/he3d...308.0.0.zYPpnR


    They now have 2016 and 2017 versions showing better quality demos ($539 retail / $485.10 special, Store:reprap):
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016...8.3.106.ExYjae


    BUT!!!

    If you dig deep enough ($665 retail / $465.50 special, Store:reprap):
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HE3D...8.3.176.D4iCb8

    The link address says HE3D-2016-Newest-prusa-EI3-triple-nozzle-large-print-size-3D-printer-kit

    The ad title says HE3D 2017 Newest prusa EI3 triple nozzle large print size 3D printer kit

    But the ad still has the same old crappy demos! So what text are we supposed to trust here? Old? 2016? 2017? Or the quality of the demos for that matter?

    So, buyer beware.
    Last edited by Demon; - 15th May 2017 at 17:04.
    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!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    More rambling about technologies:

    SLA has been around for a while but is slowly becoming affordable. We're still talking a few grand for a machine.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereolithography


    Meanwhile, 3D printers using fused material have taken a huge leap forward with machines in the hundreds of dollars.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing


    And now here comes metal:
    https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/...esktop-102393/

    This is going to be a game changer. Not today for us normal folk, but I remember a few decades ago 3D printing was an art reserved for a select few.


    Cheap 3D scanners are also available for $130:
    https://www.3dprintersonlinestore.co...diy-3d-scanner
    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!

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    This is an interesting design. Too bad only a single nozzle and only 220mm x 220mm.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016...00014.6.rrkWuL




    Adding acrylic panels to 3 sides and bottom would turn this into a tank.

    The only weakness I can think of is the platform. It's built like a diving board, bound to flex and ruin prints if you force it accidentally.

    Layer thickness: 0.05mm
    XY-axis positiong accuracy: 0.012mm
    Z-axis positioning accuracy: 0.004mm


    The surface of the whistle looks pretty good (assuming it is small and not a HUGE whistle):

    Last edited by Demon; - 12th January 2017 at 03:02.
    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!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Some printers may seem very interesting at first glance.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Geee...08.3.27.1Nt8l6

    And then you compare the specs with other printers:

    Layer resolution: 0.1-0.3mm
    Positioning Precision: 0.1-0.3mm

    That makes me doubt the demos when I compare them to other printers. The orange elephant seems very good for such a weak spec.





    The more I research, the more confused I become.
    Last edited by Demon; - 12th January 2017 at 03:04.
    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!

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    And then there's printers like these which seem just too awesome to be true:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Auto...00014.4.KfkFO8

    Click on FEEDBACK.

    Then click on the number to the right of the stars, starting with 1.
    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!

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    I just have to show this thing:

    3D printer +CNC engraving lathe milling +laser engraving function kit
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pure...762114337.html


    Not sure about doing any CNC work on an open-frame type machine. CNC throws dirt and debris everywhere. Those belts, motors, circuits, power supply, eeesh.

    And then the guys doing laser work with their face right up to the printer without using any glasses?

    That CNC precision doesn't look too fancy. Not sure I'd want to do my boards on that. And then there's the toxic dust from the PCB board.

    We have a government agency in Quebec, loosely translated as Workplace Health and Safety Agency, they'd have a heart-attack just looking at this ad.
    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!

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Holy poopen stuff!

    5 nozzles, only CAD $3,718.00.



    Print area size: 284 W x 301 L x 191 H mm (11.18” W x 11.88” L 7.55” H)
    Build volume: Up to print area size, depending on multi- nozzle configuration
    Layer height: Min 25 microns (0.0009”), Max 1000 microns(0.039”)
    Print resolution: X: 5 microns (0.0002”)
    Y: 5 microns (0.0002”)
    Z: 0.25 microns (0.00001”)

    Filament Diameter: 1.75mm (0.069”)
    Nozzle Diameter: Available 0.35, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 mm (0.014”, 0.020”, 0.028”, 0.039”)
    Print Materials: PLA, ABS, Soft PLA, HIPS, PVA, PET, PETT, Taulman, Laywoo, Laybrick, ESD, Conductive, POM, Carbon Fiber, Wood, Brick, Nylon, Polycarbonate, carbon nanotube, and future high temperature materials that are in development

    Wow, all the printers on AliExpress now look like ice-cream machines.



    http://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/rova3...d-printer.html
    Last edited by Demon; - 12th January 2017 at 04:21.
    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!

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    This looks promising as an upgrade:




    Prusa is supposedly open-source (if I remember right), so in theory this should fit onto one of the made-in-china models. The Prusa original printers are triple the price.
    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!

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    If you can afford it, the original Prusa is the way to go ($699 in kit / $899 assembled). And then buy the dual ($199) or quad ($249) update above if you need more colours .

    Prusa i3 MK2's X, Y and Z auto Calibration

    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!

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Greece
    Posts
    3,793


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    Default Re: 3D printer

    Wow, alot of work you have done!

    Indeed the evolution of the 3D printers is great!

    Thanks for the info you posted.
    Ioannis

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Posts
    2,585


    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!

  23. #23
    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