element14 Community
element14 Community
    Register Log In
  • Site
  • Search
  • Log In Register
  • About Us
  • Community Hub
    Community Hub
    • What's New on element14
    • Feedback and Support
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Personal Blogs
    • Members Area
    • Achievement Levels
  • Learn
    Learn
    • Ask an Expert
    • eBooks
    • element14 presents
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Spotlight
    • STEM Academy
    • Webinars, Training and Events
    • Learning Groups
  • Technologies
    Technologies
    • 3D Printing
    • FPGA
    • Industrial Automation
    • Internet of Things
    • Power & Energy
    • Sensors
    • Technology Groups
  • Challenges & Projects
    Challenges & Projects
    • Design Challenges
    • element14 presents Projects
    • Project14
    • Arduino Projects
    • Raspberry Pi Projects
    • Project Groups
  • Products
    Products
    • Arduino
    • Avnet Boards Community
    • Dev Tools
    • Manufacturers
    • Multicomp Pro
    • Product Groups
    • Raspberry Pi
    • RoadTests & Reviews
  • Store
    Store
    • Visit Your Store
    • Choose another store...
      • Europe
      •  Austria (German)
      •  Belgium (Dutch, French)
      •  Bulgaria (Bulgarian)
      •  Czech Republic (Czech)
      •  Denmark (Danish)
      •  Estonia (Estonian)
      •  Finland (Finnish)
      •  France (French)
      •  Germany (German)
      •  Hungary (Hungarian)
      •  Ireland
      •  Israel
      •  Italy (Italian)
      •  Latvia (Latvian)
      •  
      •  Lithuania (Lithuanian)
      •  Netherlands (Dutch)
      •  Norway (Norwegian)
      •  Poland (Polish)
      •  Portugal (Portuguese)
      •  Romania (Romanian)
      •  Russia (Russian)
      •  Slovakia (Slovak)
      •  Slovenia (Slovenian)
      •  Spain (Spanish)
      •  Sweden (Swedish)
      •  Switzerland(German, French)
      •  Turkey (Turkish)
      •  United Kingdom
      • Asia Pacific
      •  Australia
      •  China
      •  Hong Kong
      •  India
      •  Korea (Korean)
      •  Malaysia
      •  New Zealand
      •  Philippines
      •  Singapore
      •  Taiwan
      •  Thailand (Thai)
      • Americas
      •  Brazil (Portuguese)
      •  Canada
      •  Mexico (Spanish)
      •  United States
      Can't find the country/region you're looking for? Visit our export site or find a local distributor.
  • Translate
  • Profile
  • Settings
3D Printing
  • Technologies
  • More
3D Printing
3D Printing Forum What 3d printer should build?
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • Documents
  • Events
  • Polls
  • Files
  • Members
  • Mentions
  • Sub-Groups
  • Tags
  • More
  • Cancel
  • New
Join 3D Printing to participate - click to join for free!
Actions
  • Share
  • More
  • Cancel
Forum Thread Details
  • State Suggested Answer
  • Replies 7 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 331 subscribers
  • Views 626 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

What 3d printer should build?

Former Member
Former Member over 11 years ago

     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.

  • Sign in to reply
  • Cancel
Parents
  • Nate1616
    0 Nate1616 over 11 years ago

    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

    • Cancel
    • Vote Up 0 Vote Down
    • Sign in to reply
    • Verify Answer
    • Cancel
Reply
  • Nate1616
    0 Nate1616 over 11 years ago

    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

    • Cancel
    • Vote Up 0 Vote Down
    • Sign in to reply
    • Verify Answer
    • Cancel
Children
No Data
element14 Community

element14 is the first online community specifically for engineers. Connect with your peers and get expert answers to your questions.

  • Members
  • Learn
  • Technologies
  • Challenges & Projects
  • Products
  • Store
  • About Us
  • Feedback & Support
  • FAQs
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal and Copyright Notices
  • Sitemap
  • Cookies

An Avnet Company © 2025 Premier Farnell Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Premier Farnell Ltd, registered in England and Wales (no 00876412), registered office: Farnell House, Forge Lane, Leeds LS12 2NE.

ICP 备案号 10220084.

Follow element14

  • X
  • Facebook
  • linkedin
  • YouTube