You guys know the drill:

3D Printing
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1

You guys know the drill:

Geeetech Prusa I3 A Pro (http://www.geeetech.com/geeetech-prusa-i3-a-pro-3d-printer-diy-kit-p-997.html)

VS

Wanhao Duplicator I3 v2.1 (http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame)

I was always a fan of the Geeetech Prusa I3 A Pro up until I found the Wanhao Duplicator I3 v2.1 yesterday - Which it’s main points (in my opinion, to me) over the Geeetech are it’s free shipping instead of $95 from China, made of steel instead of aluminum, looks sturdier on the bottom for some reason, American customer service (If that doesn’t sound horrible, not that I need it anyway), and a powder coated finish. Otherwise they are pretty much the same. My only worry is the control board being non-standard - Easy swap at some point perhaps? It is only a prusa at it’s core anyway…

Do you guys also think theres room in the control box (on either unit) for a Raspberry pi or the like?

2

The geeetech uses 6mm aluminum. No contest, given the choice of the two, the geetech has a better frame.

3

@Stephanie_A I see your point there - As long as it isn’t plastic right? Which one would you purchase overall then, and why?

4

I use a ZoneStar Stainless steel, It has a solid frame, I even sat on it and I weigh 215lbs, nothing bent, nothing broke. Plus its cheaper :slight_smile: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/full-Metal-Reprap-Prusa-i3-3d-Printer-DIY-kit-Stainless-Steel-Easy-Installation-2-Roll-Filament/32586716087.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.2.X2XuBN&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_0,searchweb201602_4_10037_10017_10021_507_10022_10032_10020_10009_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_9&btsid=5673b89d-3d17-4c39-bc1f-f3ccf24fbfd2

5

If it’s not a full box, that sheet metal is going to twist and resonate.

6

I have \been using the Wanhao Di3 for about a year now. NO issues with twisting or resonance. There are a few mods that improve performance over the stock setup that cost virtually nothing to do, and most of the mods have been already incorporated into the Version 2 of the Wanhao. Do a search on google for “Jetguy Di3 mods”. It will give you a ton of unbiased info from one of the industries leading 3D printing gurus.