I need some help deciding on a large build volume printer. I am thinking of making a mega prusa i3 but im not sure thats the best choice. What do you guys think?
Minimum size requirements? Are you open to delta style?
A bit of self promotion here… the line I designed is called Cohesion3D, with the main feature that applies to you is that it can be scaled up easily as the bed is stationary and the frame moves in all 3 axes around it.
Here are some pics of a 24x48" I built for a client and am going to build a full 1000x1500mm for myself: https://www.dropbox.com/photos/shared_space/Cz1WXooQX6IdSq8
I’m happy to share the plans and files for printing, I’ve been doing it on a case by case basis because we haven’t launched yet but all are welcome.
@raykholo Interesting concept. I’ve had this idea for a little while and it looks like you beat me to the punch. So basically its like a UV curing 3D printing pen like CreoPop but in a FFF/FDM style printer? I’m really interested in seeing this print. Do you have a proof of concept video? I’d also take the plans/files if that’s cool.
@Adam_Steinmark - I see you’ve checked out my site, which is notoriously outdated by the way, just haven’t gotten to publishing the new one yet. Decided to stick with filament extrusion for the time being, designed a solid platform around that, and want to get syringe extrusion going to print with conductive ink inside plastic. But yes, creopop on a 3d printer frame would have been extremely accurate.
@raykholo That’s disappointing. I guess I’ll have to make it myself then. Have you seen the Voxel8 printer? They seem to do what you’re looking at but I’m guessing yours will be more open source like a RepRap version. Voxel8 also has funding from Autodesk as of now. I’d be interested in updates for your printer, is there any way I can follow the process?
Check out the gMax 1.5 from http://gcreate.com - I have the XT version and although I’ve had to do some mods (mainly replace extruder with an e3d v6) it’s worked great. I’ve had it since thanksgiving and it’s been good for hundreds of hours. Only problem is mine took 10 weeks to come in. Not sure if the lead time is less these days
@Jack_Danos Nice printer. I’m guessing it takes 3mm filament? How’s the quality for smaller prints? (Was considering buying a Lulzbot Taz 5 but this might be something to consider)
It uses 1.75 mm filament. I buy it from http://foxsmart.com and even though $18 per kilogram seems incredibly cheap I’ve never had an issue with it
gMax takes 1.75, I actually built one from scratch and used it for a bit, learning a huge amount in the process, before moving over to my non-moving bed design.
The quality for smaller prints is good. I have two printers (the other one is a rigidbot) and the gMax is all around better, although more expensive. My rigidbot is currently broken and I can’t get the replacement part I need so I can’t recommend it at this time. I’ve had lots of issues with the rigidbot but very few with the gMax
Wow thanks for all the responses!
@Adam_Steinmark yes i am open to deltas. what do you have in mind?
@Jack_Danos 1.75mm filament on a .5mm nozzle? Interesting but alright. Thanks for the filament tip too.
Thanks for the quick review, I’ll add it to my list to consider.
@Jack_Danos Is the gMax worth the additional cost over a Mega i3?
@nick_durrett Kossel would probably be best. Not sure what your minimum build volume is but you could buy the XL kit and expand if needed. Deltas are also generally faster and yield higher quality prints due to the minimal weight of the Bowden style extruder and the stationary build plate. Downsides would be retraction delay, difficulty to make compatible with multiple extruders, and lack of flexible filament compatibility.
If I knew your minimum build area I could suggest more than just open source machines to upgrade.
@nick_durrett I’ve never used or seen a Mega i3 so I really couldn’t say
@raykholo thats a very interesting design. I would appreciate a copy of the plans. It kind of reminds of a few cnc routers ive seen that work really well.
You could try out the Dollo 3D printer
@nick_durrett
CNC frames for the win. That’s what inspired the design. Message me on hangouts, and let me know what printing size you want.