Prusa Mini Clone from China  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

I don't have the Mini but I am following this project with interest.

When I decided to get my own 3d printer last winter, yes, I was tempted to save $$$$$ by going with a clone instead of an original Prusa.  I wanted a printer as a means to an end, as in a tool to produce objects, and not as a hobby in and of itself.  I saw those clones on Ebay and elsewhere and they were tempting, but in reading reviews, it was obvious that 'you get what you pay for' was holding true for those who bought the original Prusa machines and those who bought the clones.

No 3d printer is really truly 'first time every time' for a perfect print, but the one I bought is 'first time most of the time' and when a print fails, there's a reason and a fix.  I did not mind paying for the convenience and the reliability.

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

@slowjam

I waould wait to the review is done.  Poo-Pooing in now is being a naysayer when you haven't even say in the room with one.  I refuse to say anything negative until I start building it.  That being said, I have.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

First inside box:

The First Inside box's contents were well reapped in foam:

It contained the extrusions:

This is like Chistmas.  I get to open gifts

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Posted by: @charles-h13

Inside the top box reveals smaller boxes.  The contents are well-protected.  No Prusa Quality, but better than most.  

Not perfect indeed. In my case the cap fell off the tube and rods did make their way through the cardboard.

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

@goszu

I did not have that issue.  Mine were taped.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

The tube was taped at both ends and the parts were well protected.  Looks they have learned from prior shipping.  

Contents of tube:

That tube will be useful as a rocket in the future - two gifts in one.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Ok, enough closed boxes:

Motors:

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

The parts box:  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Bed and Steel Sheet:

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

US Cord:

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Electronics Box:

First thing I noticed: The display was open - the tape is there but it is open.  I can tell every box was opened but I purchased an open box was returned to save money so it is expected.  The display is fine.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Bed Frame:

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Ok, I will start the build and post some tonight.  

So far, the parts appear to be satisfactory.  I have tested the movement of the bearings and compared them to Prusa, Misumi, and LDO bearing.  Heck, I even acquired a local premium product from a mechanical engineering firm.  The bearings move freely and the rods are smooth.  Are they perfect, I do not know.  I think the test of time may show a different review.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

To answer a PM question, The part are printed in Urban Grey PC with 40% infill.  They are heavy.  I started assembly last night and post some photos tonight.  One issue I did have with PC, I broke one rod through the rear plate. It will be fine I think.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

I am about a third of the way complete.  I missed a few photos because they did not turn out.  I will post them tonight.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Posted by: @brgh

@goszu

Fysetc has made their own extruder body for the m10 coupling included. That’s why they point to their GitHub for printed parts. 

I do agree with the bearings, mine was not of good quality either. 

But aftermarket support I have to disagree completely 🙂

My MINDA broke after a few days and they sent another one directly which arrived after a week. 

I also hav had problems with cooling and extruder issues  and they have help with g-codes for testing and suggested multiple solutions for fixing it. So I am very happy with the support from them also, just as I am with Prusa support. 

Looks like I'm not the most lucky one 🙂 Missing rods and no contact with the seller.

But at least the 10mm bearings are really good.

I have new rods cut to size, so now I'm only waiting for the 8mm PTFE fitting to finish my build.

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

@brgh

What do you mean that the bearings are not good?  How so?

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

The first step was to add the gear to the motor.  

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Nect, attach motor to rear frame.  \\

RE: Prusa Mini Clone from China

Next gather extrusion / frames to make Y Axis.