What is everyone’s take on Build size. 3D Printers are increasing in size a lot lately. Do you guys believe this is necessary?
I just got a RigidBot (about 250 x 250 x 250mm). I think that’s about the limit for me.
It will create greater possibilities in terms of what we can print. Think parts for the automobile industry, aerospace etc…
Depends on what you are printing.
I think 4" cubed is a little too small for anything other than nic-nacs, unless you are specifically trying to make jewelry or other small parts. But then you need a finer level of detail I think.
Around 8-12 inches is probably a decent enough size, able to print most projects, though some might need to be broken down into smaller pieces (halo masks?).
But more than that I think is just getting a little too specialized in use. Like renting a semi to move a couch.
is not that everyone print the maximum cube. It depends on the design of the piece to be printed
A single-wall box, 250mm on a side!
Challenge… accepted! (When I get my printer running.)
There is a maximum size that single extruder FDM printers can hit. In part because when the extruded material cools down too much you cannot easily fuse on the next layer. That said one can do multiple extruders on independent axes which would alleviate that problem, but it introduces a whole new set of slicing and toolpath problems.
size is good IF it comes coupled > speed (effective an reliable).
@Gareth_Owen this has long been on my list of things to do…well, a cylinder since I have a delta.
I’m personally most comfortable with printers with no larger build sizes than 10"X10"X10". Anything smaller than that limits what you can print quite a bit.
@Eddie_Krassenstein True. I’m amazed with Lewihe. It’s just the right size
There are many advantages to the larger build size with heated bed. One can build more copies of the same thing at one time. One can build more pieces that snap together for a larger model at one time. It’s not something one has to use all the time, but it’s there when one needs it. I’m sure I will use more that 254CMx254CMx254CM on occasion. So my 12’x16"x10" build volume will come in handy for a few pieces - if they do succeed.
Rojer, can you recommend software that can “cut” an STL file into pieces that snap together for printing on a Replicator 2X printer? My brother has been asking me for a year to print a spoiler for his car but I’m lazy to come up with a reliable “snap-together” approach. Is there any software that intelligently does that? Thanks
I have seen that there is software for such automation but I haven’t done any purchases of those yet. So far I have not gotten up to a design that will require it but I have a project that I probably will need one if them. I just figured I’d wait until I need it.
Sorry that I am of no real help at this time.