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What 3d printer should build?

Former Member

     Hi everyone.  So after more than a year of contemplation, I'm finally going to dive into 3d printers head first.  I've read and watched some online builds, and the one thing that bothers me is the resolution of the fdm prints.  I'm hoping to create some smooth finished, as well as mechanical pieces.  On the other hand, the little research I've done on dlp printers tells me that while the resolution is great, the strength and size don't meet my needs.

 

 

      So here's my questions.  Cartesian or Delta?  As far as fdm goes which one of these two would give me the best resolution?  Also, in their respective categories which design would you use, keeping in mind the aesthetics of the prints is very important?  While we're on the subject, what determines the quality of the prints?  Is it hardware or software?  If it is hardware, can I build something close to the level of these high end printers?  If it is determined by software than which would you use, free or not?  Or does it all come down to calibration, in which case the loose nut behind the wheel becomes the weak point?

 

     I'm hoping to spend $500-$1000.  The print dimensions I'm hoping for are 200mm x 200mm x 800mm(I think this is a reasonable size).  Sorry for the lengthy post.  It's just that when you're new at something all one seems to have are questions.

 

    BTW, if you want to reply with a parts list of your dream build, please do so it well help me learn.  Thanks in advance.

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    The RepRap Prusa i3 seems to be the best choice for your budget. Give it a google, some companies offer kits.

  • 0

    Also, if somebody has given an answer you are happy with, please mark them as a correct answer and not assumed. Thanks image

  • 0

    Hello Juan,

    You are correct in that SLA(laser,dlp) based printer is going to give you higher resolution but with that higher resolution comes smaller build sizes.  As far as which design gives better resolution they will be the same with the right calibration.  Delta will allow slightly faster build speeds as you have more than one force pulling in any direction but that also comes with negatives.  The hardware is the main driving factor in print resolution but is also dependent on the software side(firmware and slicing).  If you have a bad design or sub par hardware the software isn't going to make up for it.  You should have no problem getting the print quality of for say a Makerbot if the time is spend calibrating and knowing the machine.  If smooth parts is a must, worse case is you print in ABS and give it an Acetone bath.  This will give the part a cast molded look. RepRap: Blog: Vapor Treating ABS RP parts.  I hope this gets you started.  Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

     

    Nate

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    Thanks for the great answers fellas.   Spent the last couple of the days reading up on the prusa i3 and I have a couple of questions.  If I were to build  it, I would redesign the zdrive to eliminate one of the motors.  I'm envisioning a single motor, two pulleys, and tensioning system similar to timing belt on a car.  The question is, can one of the zdrive motors handle the job on its own, or will I need to upgrade?  If so, what motor should I get? 

     

    I also found out that the ultimaker is open source and was wondering how its design, price to build,  and print quality measure up to the prusa.

     

    Btw,  Hawkeye sorry about the "assumed answer," thing.  I have no forum etiquette.  Once again , thanks for taking the time to help me out.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Juan,

    Having a single motor drive your z-axis would be fine if it were only moving the bed/platform but in the case of the I3 it would be moving the x-axis carriage and would struggle.  Now with the Ultimachine this would be fine as its designed around a single motor moving the bed and platform.  They are both great printers and will give you the same quality but if your looking for a single motor to drive the z-axis then the Ultimachine is your printer.

     

    Nate

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Nah, dont worry about it image

     

    I would take Nate's advice on the single motor - if you really want just one of them you are going to sacrifice a lot of the stability and potentially your print quality.

  • 0 in reply to hawkeyethehacker

    Agreed, some printers are designed for single z-axis steppers, while most rely on two steppers acting together for the necessary force to move the extruder's mass around. In almost all current delta configurations, you will note the use of a Bowden-style extruder to isolate the hotend on the end effector from the extruder motor's mass, which resides on the frame of the printer.

     

    Kirk