What’s the best quality 3D printer under $300? I’m looking for one to get started into 3D printing!
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Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUwpooRzKcYNDthCAhvz0aQ
My dad is building a 3D printer
Best quality and $300 don’t go together. We are working on improvements to the Printrbot Play (as well as our other models but will likely come in at $500-$550… Tons of new features to be the “best quality” in terms of rigidity, ease in replacing things, UI (touchscreen/wifi/optional browser UI, optional cloud software, etc… You can’t get a best experience w $300. You can get bare minimum hardware for $300 but even that is arguable.
Even though it’s a Kickstarter campaign, it appears that it’s one that will be viable, the Trinus printer appears to be quality for US$300.
Unfortunately, that’s been my experience for a few of the campaigns. On the positive side, I have a great laser cutter and a 3d printer from the same source (different campaigns, same Kickstarter) as well as a number of household items, so I don’t discount the value quite as much as some might.
Ok thanks every one! I’ll keep saving my money!
@Fred_U may i know what laser cutter are you using now? i am looking a laser cutter for cardboard cutting.
The emblaser is out of Kickstarter status and in production. I can cut 3mm birch plywood with 6-7 passes with the 4 watt laser module. It took me about 3 hours to properly focus the laser, but that was worth every minute. I get 0.05 mm or smaller cut width depending on the material. Beyond 3 mm thickness, there may be focus considerations.
Sounds really cool. How about laser, some laser working hours is very low and will cause high maintenance cost, how about this laser cutter.
There’s also the DICE 3d printer, posted via this group, that could be an option for a home-builder. Small build volume, but likely a very precise quality print.
http://well-engineered.net/index.php/en/projects/35-build-your-own-dice
@Haixiao_Sun
I don’t know how long this laser module will last. It’s a diode type laser, not CO2 gas laser, small module. No maintenance, either it works or does not.
Great, Fred. So based on your experience, do you think this laser cutter can cut through such materials as thin arcylic boards, which is the main area i am working on now. also for the DICE printer, Do you own one? Does it work great? I am really keen to try some really cheap but workable tools now.
I do own the emblaser and have only worked with 3 mm birch plywood. Some plywood types have adhesives which create problems with the cutting. Other emblaser users have tried acrylic and only certain colors will cut, up to 2 mm thick thus far.
I have on order some 3 mm samples of various colors to test in the future.
There is an emblaser forum, probably a better location for a discussion as well as great information from other users.
https://darklylabs.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/topics
Expect to pay around US$1000 for the A3 size laser with 4 watt module. It is top quality, easy to assemble due to high quality instructions and has worked consistently well for me. The customer support is quite good too. I had a problem with a defective stepper and it was replaced quickly, even though shipped from Australia!
I have a hobby mini-milling machine and the DICE printer looks like it would be a good project for the mill. Unfortunately, I have too many projects not yet started, and the DICE will be one of those for some time.
thank you Fred with so many details.
300 buys disappointment. Simple.
@Fred_U
The Dice is a very nice printer, but it is not cheap. It would cost about US$500 to US$600 to build one.
I had a look at Trinus, and the glossy marketing video and oversubscription are both red flags for me. For some reason engineering is usually inversely proportional to marketing. But I would add it to my “one to watch” list. They may have worked out the manufacturing better than Makibox, 11 parts makes it a lot easier all round.
Not really, when you learn through that time and sweat that everything from that $300 machine is useless. Then you’re not just out $300, you’re also out countless hours, days, or months in learning just how aweful the machine is.
Do you think building is better than buying a fully operational machine?