I am new to 3D printing and I am looking to purchase a printer.I am developing a new product and I need to print off a component to ensure it works and the dimensions are correct .Is there a suitable printer that could produce durable parts for a small production run . The plastic part will connect 3 wheel pulley bearings together. But will not be visible once installed. Loads will not be excessive . I am presently looking at the
New Flashforge creator pro 3D Printer with upgraded design.
or do I need to go for something like
Dremel 3D45 DIGILAB 3D Printer
Or is it the case that 3D printing is not suitable for commercial use.
If this is the case I will be tempted to go for the creator
Any advise would be gratefully received
Thanks in advance
Frank Nolan
Why buy a printer for a few pieces? it might be easier to give the files to a library or 3D print service. If you have no experience in 3d printing there will be a learning curve!
Creality make a great series of printers. I’ve just ordered a CR-10S and it should be arriving very soon. Also consider the Prusia Mk 3. Both of these are great value and highly rated.
If it is for production I would shoot fot premium printer with high degree if firmware automation! As you like to produce parts with predictable quolity without tinkering and troubleshooting. I would go fo BCN3d Sigma if dual extrusion is required if not high quality core xy with auto bed leveling.
There are of course plenty of 3D printers in production use, they are big and very expensive, but you can get to use one by simply uploading your files to a bureau service like Shapeways. If your plan is however to experiment, to try lots of designs, to explore exotic materials, and you don’t have a massive budget then something like the Prusa mk3 is the closest you will get to a “just works” robust reliable professional printer at consumer grade prices
Hi @Frank_Nolan firstly, I’d agree with @Rich_Brown that it’d be a good idea to get a few pieces printed by a service first so you can see if 3D printing is even a suitable method for producing these parts. Any half decent printer is going to cost you $500 and the likes of the FF Pro around $700, and that’s quite a lot of 3rd party 3D printing - possibly even the cost of your entire run. If you buy a printer and it doesn’t work out, you’ll have lost a bunch of cash in the resale.
I don’t really agree that the FF Pro is a “poor substitute” for the Prusa i3. I have both machines and my FF Pro is more than capable of producing prints to the same quality as the Prusa - and has the added advantage of being enclosed.
Neither am I convinced you need to spend a lot of money on something like the BCN Sigma. If your parts are simple, and don’t require “exotic” materials, then there are many sub-$1000 printers that’ll probably produce parts that are fine for your needs.
However, I’ll say again that in my opinion your best option is to first get a few parts printed by a service, and test them.
I’m an FDM printer user, but if extreme dimensional accuracy was the primary concern, I’d consider looking at SLA printers. Plastic contracts a little as it cools which could throw off dimensions a wee bit.
@Michael_Traun
Thanks Michael for your reply. Yes the Prusia MK3 looks excellent but has a lead order time into July. To print parts that are strong and temperature resistant ii appears they have to contain a composite of nylon .The open chassis
worries me a bit . That is why I am looking hard at the Dremil 450. What do you think
@Alex_Skoruppa
The product is to be used out doors .I would be afraid the parts might be compromised in high heat. Or is there a filament that can over come this ?@Rich_Brown Hi Rich Thank you for your reply
I was hoping if the parts work that the 3 d printer would go into production to supply the parts .or is it the case that 3D printing is just not there yet ?
@Rich_Brown @Pop_Gheorghe
Hi Pop
Thanks for your advise. Just so I 'm not misinterpreting you . The Likes of the creator pro would be good enough to produce functional parts to proof my product. Which could then be used to get the parts manufactured . Or is it a case that with the correct filament the printer could be used to create the final production part .
Apologies in advance for sounding dumb on this issue
Cheers Frank
@Frank_Nolan One of my first projects for my CR-10S is going to be building an enclosure. That said, I’m a hobbiest on a budget. If you’re doing this as a commercial thing (and therefore the expense is tax deductible) the Dremil is a fine option.
It’s not so much if your chosen printer can be used for production, any suitably well calibrated printer should produce equivalent parts. It is more a question of if the printing method (FDM) can produce a part that suits your needs. A lot will depend on the shapes and orientation of the print as well as the chosen material.
Send me the vidio… i need to know how it work