1 Topic by fora.nakit

  • fora.nakit
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Topic: Recomendations for small business printer

I'm thinking about starting my own small business as a gift shop and  inside my shop I would like to include 3D printing service for small items.
I'm just getting into 3D printing world, so would like to ask you what printers would you recommend me ?

Store would be in Croatia, so I would prefer printers from EU ( because of shipping, customs, taxes etc. ). A lot of people thinks that 3D print is smooth, so I would like to get printer that makes quality, smooth prints, because that's what customers will expect. Since it would be in commercial use, price of filling does matter, and my total budget would be around €2000.

Any ideas ?

2 Reply by Tin Falcon (edited by Tin Falcon 2014-12-14 15:24:43)

  • Tin Falcon
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Re: Recomendations for small business printer

IHHO the ultimaker 2 would be the first place to look.  I have seen them run. very quiet machine smooth running. will do pla or abs right out of the box.  €1895 so you have some room for material  about  € 34 a roll. faster than some machines.


Look at some of the objects at the youmagine web page and you will get an idea of material cost and print times for various objects.
Also depending on how much or your business is 3d printing you may need. Several printers to keep profits up and cost down.
Hope this helps you in your research and decision making.

A lot of people thinks that 3D print is smooth, so I would like to get printer that makes quality, smooth prints, because that's what customers will expect

You may just have  to educate the public. FDM prints will have texture. If they really want or need smooth then you will have to charge extra for post processing .
Do your homework.  you may need to coat the part with epoxy when finished or if using ABS dip in acetone or vapor smooth.
FDM printing will produce layer ridges. the finer the layers the finer the ridges but more layers more print time.

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

3 Reply by Tomek (edited by Tomek 2014-12-14 17:52:30)

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Re: Recomendations for small business printer

I would second the ultimaker 2, if it can be afforded.

If you are scaling up, a different manufactorer might have a cheaper printer you could afford 2 of, and then print maybe 2 times as fast, but there will be more upstart time invested in perfecting lesser printers. I definitively admire the ultimaker 2 company.

You may also explore if Croatia has any companies selling well-designed reprap style printers. I know I saw one or two people in Poland (different country, but one I am more familiar with) that have some good designs that would be great if they were nearby.  But ultimaker also has a good european presence, so maybe I am overthinking.

4 Reply by fora.nakit

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Re: Recomendations for small business printer

Tin Falcon wrote:

Also depending on how much or your business is 3d printing you may need. Several printers to keep profits up and cost down.

I don't have a clue how much business will I have in the beginning ( at least first few months). 3D printing is still considered a Sci-Fi technology in my place, especially with middle age people who earn the most, and people don't even think about that. That's why I would make some simple items on my own for start, so that people can see what can be done with 3D print, to make that technology closer to them.
When I open my store, there may be a big line for orders, or no orders whatsoever. That's why I want to stay within €2 000 budget. If I see that people are interested, I can always buy more printers.

5 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
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Re: Recomendations for small business printer

When I open my store, there may be a big line for orders, or no orders whatsoever. That's why I want to stay within €2 000 budget. If I see that people are interested, I can always buy more printers.

Makes sense that you do not want to fill the store with printers unless the demand is there. and a good printer you can load a batch that fills the bed and let it print overnight and do on demand short runs during the day.
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