getting a 3d printer...  

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I've seen your tank!

Similarly, I've got plenty of board game components/ideas that make just as good test prints as Benchy, Marvin, and the like, and that's the main reason I got the printer. IF I ever need to know how well it'll bridge, or print spires, etc., it'll be because I'll need some component where that's required, and it'll be its own test.

Been through that already with some maker coins--some worked, some didn't (need smaller nozzle), and I've learned a lot along the way.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I researched 3D printers and chose PRUSA over a RaiseRD Pro. It will be my first printer. I selected it because it appears to be one of the best ones to learn on. I bought it assembled because I did not feel like build one.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I resisted. I tried. Then I finally needed compare my results to others I was seeing online. However, by and large, I print much more manly useless little plastic tanks.

Yes... that may be a risk with a 3D printer... Although I'm not sure... I mean, of course there is a big difference but you don't print on paper just because you can. And I would say you only 3D print test objects when something you want to print does not come as expected. On the other hand, I can see the appeal of experimenting and trying different designs and constructions and then yes... it may result in many test objects.

IF I ever need to know how well it'll bridge, or print spires, etc., it'll be because I'll need some component where that's required, and it'll be its own test.

Seems like a good approach!

I researched 3D printers and chose PRUSA over a RaiseRD Pro. It will be my first printer. I selected it because it appears to be one of the best ones to learn on. I bought it assembled because I did not feel like build one.

The Raise 3D range looks nice, but it is in a different price range. For me, the choice was either low end (cheap 3D printer), with the Prusa near the top of what I want to spend for a first time printer. But as I want one to print, not as a device to tinker with, I'm willing to concede I have to spend that much to have piece of mind (and then add some for tools and supplies).

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I researched 3D printers and chose PRUSA over a RaiseRD Pro. It will be my first printer. I selected it because it appears to be one of the best ones to learn on. I bought it assembled because I did not feel like build one.

The Raise 3D range looks nice, but it is in a different price range. For me, the choice was either low end (cheap 3D printer), with the Prusa near the top of what I want to spend for a first time printer. But as I want one to print, not as a device to tinker with, I'm willing to concede I have to spend that much to have piece of mind (and then add some for tools and supplies).
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I would day a PRUSA or PRUSA clone would be best for you. I looked at Creality and Anycubit and many others before I decided on PRUSA.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

But as I want one to print, not as a device to tinker with, I'm willing to concede I have to spend that much to have piece of mind (and then add some for tools and supplies).

Reality Check: Show me a maker, and I'll show you a tinkerer. 😀

It'll print, but if you want that level of "plug & play" (with no tinkering necessary--ever) you may have to go to a much higher price point. I had to face the same reality when making this choice, but I knew it (or most of it, anyway... 😳 ) and went in with my eyes open.

One of my foibles is that I have champagne taste, but a beer budget! 😳 😀

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Reality Check: Show me a maker, and I'll show you a tinkerer. 😀

It'll print, but if you want that level of "plug & play" (with no tinkering necessary--ever) you may have to go to a much higher price point. I had to face the same reality when making this choice, but I knew it (or most of it, anyway... 😳 ) and went in with my eyes open.

I don't mind tinkering (am already a tinkerer), don't get me wrong, and know that it will be necessary. But I'm expecting that less tinkering will be required than with a cheap clone to make it print something at last half-deceent. I intend to get the kit, as I want to learn more about it, but from what I read it is a fairly straightforward process.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

[...] I don't mind tinkering (am already a tinkerer), don't get me wrong, and know that it will be necessary. But I'm expecting that less tinkering will be required than with a cheap clone to make it print something at last half-deceent. I intend to get the kit, as I want to learn more about it, but from what I read it is a fairly straightforward process.I recommend that anyone comparing printers spend some time on the various Reddit 3D printing groups and 3D Hubs discussion pages. In watching the problems 1st time users of various printers encountered, I see a lot more Prusa users getting "good but not perfect" results compared to a lot of the cheaper printers getting disasters. First experiences are important, and many of us don't want to spend a lot of time getting a cheap printer going, so I'm very glad I went with the Prusa. I don't mind tinkering, but I do object to being a paying beta tester!

Re: getting a 3d printer...

[...] First experiences are important, and many of us don't want to spend a lot of time getting a cheap printer going, so I'm very glad I went with the Prusa. I don't mind tinkering, but I do object to being a paying beta tester!

Yes, my point exactly (very well put).
Does not mean it cannot be fun to work on a cheap printer, but it is a different way of spending ones time. 🙂

Re: getting a 3d printer...

[...] Yes, my point exactly (very well put).
Does not mean it cannot be fun to work on a cheap printer, but it is a different way of spending ones time. 🙂
Thanks. To add to the 3DPS madness, I've caught myself looking at picking up a cheap Crealty Ender 3 just out of curiosity. I don't need one, and it wouldn't be able to do anything my Mk3 can't. I really don't have that much to print. Yet I'm already thinking about adding a 2nd printer. Now that I know a bit about what I'm doing, the urge to "rough it" is strong. Had I gone with the cheaper printer 1st, I don't think I'd feel that way. Bad initial experiences tend to dull my interest.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I don't mind tinkering (am already a tinkerer), don't get me wrong, and know that it will be necessary. But I'm expecting that less tinkering will be required than with a cheap clone to make it print something at last half-deceent. I intend to get the kit, as I want to learn more about it, but from what I read it is a fairly straightforward process.

Being my first printer as well, I have no frame of reference regarding relative tinkerage.

If I/WE could build this thing, anyone can. 😆

In addition to the assembly manual, we had the online version (of same) handy on a laptop/PC. The online version has better (enlargeable) pics, and all the notes/input from other kit-builders. VERY helpful. I can highly recommend doing it that way. 😉

I read the average build time was 3.5-10 hours, depending on one's experience/proficiency. Therefore, we guestimated it would take us 20 (doubling the maximum), and we weren't too far off--it took us 24 hours (spread over a few days) but I still have an hour or so of tinkering to go, replacing some bad parts... I also had to put in another 2 hours re-aligning the extruder gears, and "modifying" the little flippy-floppy door thingy (that's the technical name for it, right?) I had to leave one of the nylon/teflon washers out to get the gears to align properly.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Thanks. To add to the 3DPS madness, I've caught myself looking at picking up a cheap Crealty Ender 3 just out of curiosity. I don't need one, and it wouldn't be able to do anything my Mk3 can't. I really don't have that much to print. Yet I'm already thinking about adding a 2nd printer. Now that I know a bit about what I'm doing, the urge to "rough it" is strong. Had I gone with the cheaper printer 1st, I don't think I'd feel that way. Bad initial experiences tend to dull my interest.

Yes, I know what you mean. On one hand, it seems a nice challenge to "rough it", but I also feel it is better to have something that works first. That looks already a challenge enough, and I think that without the print experience, building a cheap kit and roughing it is too big a leap and, like you, may make me lose interest. At the moment, I also feel I also will not have that much to print, but I want to get started anyway. (the cad software tutorials you linked are a great help).

I still have to wait till after New Year to buy it an then I'll be back in my main country (can't even call it "home country" :-)). I want to minimize the stuff I have to ship back, but also I really lack space in my temporary place here. But it gives me time to do learn the 3D modelling and read up on things. Many threads in this forum are a great resource and it is so nice to read that people's problems or issues get solved by suggestions of other users.

In addition to the assembly manual, we had the online version (of same) handy on a laptop/PC. The online version has better (enlargeable) pics, and all the notes/input from other kit-builders. VERY helpful. I can highly recommend doing it that way. 😉

Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Hi Jorge

Do yourself a favour and considder likely layer height and nozzle diameter when designing models

If you try to print a thin wall
It will be omitted by the slicer if its thinner than the nozzle

Similarly detail can be corrupted if your intended arefacts dont line up with layer sepaaration.

The slicer will try its best. But often the results are not satisfactory

Regards Joan

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Indeed. I recently ran into that over at Tinkercad, with text that was apparently too thin (though it sure didn't look that way on the work plane. 😮 ) Lost a lot of detail as well.

I did eventually ask if one should design for layer height, or adjust layer height to fit the design. The answer I got was to design for the design, and that the slicer would figure it out. (Hey, what do I know? I've got one of those, "Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost!" bumper stickers on my car... 😀 )

Re: getting a 3d printer...

indeed, design for the design, but that still gives you scope to be aware that different layer heights may give different results...

design, slice, inspect layers in a gcode viewer (slic3r lets you look at the layers)
look for unexpected artefacts.
look for layers starting in mid air... you probably need support
look for bridges if they are long, you may need support check the 'Dont support Bridges' check box you may need to clear it...
look for missing layers .... It's ever so easy to get a tiny angular displacement between your build plate and your model, this will result in adhesion issues, because there will be next to no first layer...
look for dull gray lines where there should be walls... (your wall is narrower than your nozzle)

remember you don't have to use automatic supports, you can build selective support into your models at the design stage...

have a play, a lot of own goals can be seen before you try to print... saving time and filament

for information,
this is the first layer of a recent demo...

and this is the same model with a 1degree tilt in one axis

the tilted card would never print well...

hope these ideas help you. regards Joan

Re: getting a 3d printer...

They really help... A bit too early for thinking about such details, but the time will come when I will need it. I'm now just getting the hang of Fusion 360... So first need to be more comfortable with that one, then learn slicing programs, and then this issue will come for sure.

Thanks!

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Hi Jorg,

it's still worth slicing a few of your models, just to see what happens

be aware that if you decide to reduce the scale of a part, this may cause elements that used to be sliced, to stop being sliced

this happened to me, with raised text, i changed the model scale a touch, and the thin parts of the text dissapeared!

Doh!

Joan

Re: getting a 3d printer...

....
It's ever so easy to get a tiny angular displacement between your build plate and your model, this will result in adhesion issues, because there will be next to no first layer...

I see that in the example, but not sure how it would happen. Anything I've modeled is flat on the workplane, so loads flat in Slic3r...

hope these ideas help you. regards Joan

They do... when I understand them. 😳

Re: getting a 3d printer...

Thanks again...
I would love to select an "answer" for this thread, but have no idea which post to choose... There is just so many valuable information, from the printer itself, filaments, tools, supplies, positioning and now even slicing... Amazing...

Everything but the kitchen sink (but I have one, so no questions needed for that). 🙂

Main open question for me is the noise, as that will influence where/how I will position it, but I will have to learn that when I get the printer. Everybody experiences noise differently, what is disturbing for one person may not be for the other.

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I have had my cellphone on the table, next to the printer and the person I was talking to, couldn't hear the printer, we were talking on loud speaker

I couldn't do that with the Mk2

Joan

Re: getting a 3d printer...

I couldn't do that with the Mk2

I've found on some review a reading of 39 dB, which is quite low. The review did not contain much information other than that number (so no info on the distance at which it was measured, if it was an average level, max level, main level barring peaks, ... ), so the number seems a bit pointless but compared to others it is not too bad a number to start from.

This thread ( https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/general-discussion-announcements-and-releases-f61/mk3-louder-than-expected-t23617.html#p101352 ) has a video of a printer printing with the aim of assessing the noise. The noise is more constant than I had anticipated, so that is good. I will take the suggestions of making sure the printer sits stable, is not resonating with the counter it sits on.

For reference, my projector at the time was billed as one of the more silent ones at 28 dB, but it is quite audible to me (it hangs right above the seating position). It is not such a disturbing noise as it is just a constant fan noise. Both me and my girlfriend are quite noise-sensitive, so noise in general is an issue for us. Well.... It is not really an issue for prints during the day, when you tend to do be busy anyway, but it may be in the evening.

Then again, given my planned usage which are mainly small objects, I'm sure I can avoid printing at night and I probably can schedule not to print in the evenings and still manage to do what I want. So I doubt it is something that cannot be overcome through positioning and planning prints - me overthinking things again... 🙂 . It just remains my only open question, but one that cannot be answered and one that will not deter me from getting a printer. 🙂