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3D Printing
3D Printing Forum What 3d printer should build?
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  • State Suggested Answer
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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.

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  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 11 years ago

    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.

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  • hawkeyethehacker
    0 hawkeyethehacker over 11 years ago 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.

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  • hawkeyethehacker
    0 hawkeyethehacker over 11 years ago 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.

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  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 11 years ago 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

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