1 Topic by Tin Falcon (edited by Tin Falcon 2020-06-14 00:39:04)

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2014-08-01
  • Posts: 2,424

Topic: Maker space class printer

I was asked by the local maker space manager to put together a build and use class for 3d printers. 

Our basic goals not an expensive printer  I am thinking about $200 each. Easily built we are talking about 16 hours of total class time so do not want to spend it all on building. So pre assembled or mostly assembled would work. . Good for beginners. Something with a good track record. Open source. Upgradeable.

The one that comes to mind is the Ender 3 or possibly the Ender 3 pro.   These are melzi board printers.

Not the most popular choice these days.

The other possibility is the monoprice mini or the delta.

So thoughts Ideas suggestions or related experiences.
Obviously no some flung dung brands direct from china. No Annet A8 or the like that tend to start fires,

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

2 Reply by heartless

  • heartless
  • heartless
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Northcentral Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2015-04-08
  • Posts: 2,152

Re: Maker space class printer

folgertech

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

3 Reply by Tin Falcon (edited by Tin Falcon 2021-08-01 12:22:18)

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2014-08-01
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Maker space class printer

Thank you heartless for you input.

We ended up going with the ender 3 Pro model for various reasons. One of witch was availability. We had a deadline on money  to make the purchase and it had to spent by the end of the month (June). Since 3d printers have been about as available as hens teeth during the world wide shutdown this limited sources. Especially Folger Tech as i do not see any sign of them opening soon. The enders were not even available through the manufacturers USA warehouse.
Price fairly comparable to the FT printer .
Open source.   Highly upgradeable. Parts available through microcenter as well as other places.

Easy assembly. The bottom comes pre assembled the x and z axis require assembly they claim it can be assembled in something like 10 -20 minutes.  I figure an hour.

The pro model comes with a name brand power supply (Meanwell) a 40mm wide center rail and a removable magnetic bed.

Good community support Mike Lawsey and chuck Hellebuyck and i expect a few others have good how to upgrade and tip &tricks on you tube.



So now we have to come up with a lesson plan and get a class together.

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

4 Reply by heartless

  • heartless
  • heartless
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Northcentral Wisconsin
  • Registered: 2015-04-08
  • Posts: 2,152

Re: Maker space class printer

well, the start of any 3d printing (aside from the printer) is the 3d model.. so I would at least give an overview on the subject of 3d modeling. Does not have to go into great detail, but should give enough info to hopefully pique curiosity.

but yeah, you have some work cut out for you, lol

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

5 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2014-08-01
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Maker space class printer

Definitely !! this is not my first foray in to teaching 3d printing . I have done a couple of classes before. The previous ones were a little more general not focusing on a particular printer. But did include hands on 3d design and the students printing it.   In 16 hours i can not cover any part of 3d printing in depth. but i intend to teach enough  that the students can dig in if they have an issue and i hope to have some sort of follow up help as well. I want to see these things used. not turn into paper weight or end up as beverage cans .

This forum could be used as a help hub. Lots of bright brains here.
Rough syllabus
build
inspect
calibrate
test
basic parts nomenclature
function of each part
how to use a multimeter
basic troubleshooting
3D print workflow
software
sources for files
designing files
upgrade  options
and likely a couple i am not thinking of at the moment.
and the order may change

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

6 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2014-08-01
  • Posts: 2,424

Re: Maker space class printer

It has been a long time coming .After a year long pandemic delay we finally had a  3d printing build and use class.  pretty much ideal size 4 students . 8 hour class spread over two consecutive Saturdays.
I think it is safe to say we all learned a lot. and the students were given ample tools to keep learning.
Including a link to this forum . so we may see some ender 3 pro questions popping up in the near future.
tin

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura