Prusa I3
Hi guys just got a quick question, im not sure if this is the right place to post it though.
im going to be getting my first 3d Printer soon hopefully but its going to be a Geeetech I3 Pro B for the moment ive looked at a lot of 3d printer kits and like the idea of building it up my self, my question is this....
i know what ever printer i do get i will be able to print the parts off for a printer from this website but would i be able to order the mechanical (motors, rods etc) and the electrical parts (heatbed, control boards etc).
any help greatly appreciated
thanks
stuart
Re: Prusa I3
STL files for all printed parts are available on Prusas GitHub.
And yes, in theory you can order all the non-printed parts individually from Prusa.. some are only visible in the shop after you request access to the spare parts section.. others are not listed at alland you need to ask support for them). Availability is a bit "spotty", too, so getting everything in a single order might be tricky.
But: I highly doubt you are going to be saving much money doing so. Just a quick glance through the Prusa shop adding up prices is taking me pretty close to the kit purchase price already and i know i missed alot of stuff doing so just now.
What would save money is to do as Thomas Sanladerer did in his video series about "Dolly the Pruse MK2 Clone" - see here: https://toms3d.org/2017/02/23/building-cheapest-possible-prusa-i3-mk2/ but instead of trying to shoot for the lowest possible price like Tom did, go and swap in original Prusa parts where it makes sense or is required to maintain compatibility with Prusas original - if that's what you trying to achieve.
Most parts you can buy elsewhere. It's the heated bed, the extruder pulley and the PINDA probe that's afaik only available from Prusa.
Re: Prusa I3
If you have lots of time (about 10hrs a week) to tinker on the project ( you don't have a full time job) you can save some money, watch the videos from this guy:
This guy has pretty much converted a cheap clone to the MK2 minus the special MK2 bed.
Otherwise go with the Prusa MK2.
If there is one thing that makes the MK2 better that all other printers, it is the firmware that implements the mesh leveling so the bed can be bent +/- 50 microns in any area.
In summary, if you want to learn about 3D printers or just don't have the cash, then the MK2 may not be an option for you.
If you want to start making things then save your money and buy the MK2.