New FT-5 Cube style printer. (Page 1 of 4)

I was at microcenter the other day and picked up a couple ramps boards and a couple arduino board thinking may be a scratch build. with the exception of the dual extruders  this looks of similar , but improved design of the SD workbench.
I could easily weld a steel frame but the simplicity and flexibility of the 2020 is nice.

At this point I think I will wait and save some clams  and learn to make my I3 print better although I am very happy with the latest prints. Not planning on jumping on this but I see this as my next printer.
In some ways I think I would like a 200 x 300 bed better  but  should be easy enough to downsize if i really wanted to.
I am learning that it is not necessarily about the best printer but finding the best settings for the printer you have.
tin

I'm interested to see how they are powering a 300x300 heated bed on 12V...I have a 250x250 (10") on my Ord Build and that heater draws 20A at startup; 14-16 during run...RAMPS based controllers usually handle max 11A.

For that reason I use a SSR and separate wiring directly to the HB...

Well if I were to buy another printer this would be it. Of course that is today who knows what tomorrow will bring. I do expect this to be the next one.  It is a little bigger than my  Ideal but if i really wanted to I could scale it down some.

I am thinking it should have upgraded drivers and a .6-.8 mm nozzle. 

This is a lesson I keep relearning . This was advice I was given by a friend when I purchased the SD4  . And a lesson I was reminded of last weekend  by my lack of quality of  the prints at the time and one of the vendors at the Printed Solid makers festival.

The concept that one can push a button and make things with a 3d printer is a fallacy. You need to be a designer  have an artists eye and the mind of a detective, and the heart of a technician.
Tin

Yes good question maybe a relay. seems like the bigger machines would do better with a 24 v system. Cut the amps in half.
They may be running a relay so the heat bed cn be direct wired to the PS.

Not sure the MKS is  a real upgrade.  One board instead of two , But if one accidently fries the com port  you are out like $30 instead of $10 DAMHIKT.

And imho you need the better drivers . they handle heat better.

straightening a pin on an end stop . forgetting to disconnect the usb cable!!  mental gas!!!
Tin I should have been more care I do know better cost me a $10 arduino board.

Yes a very new product. . The last i looked the manual was considered a draft copy.
This unit is just being released into the wild.
there is a member here that is waiting on the kit to build. And I have a friend from wilmington DE building one.

I expect it to be a typical FT kit a good value  a usable buildable kit . But a few minor bugs and possibly a couple minor pieces of hardware missing and maybe a few extra pieces included .
I encourage anyone interested download the build manual and give it a good looking over. Seems pretty well written.
I expect this will be my next 3d printer. JUst need to feel like i am ready to spend the time and money.
Tin

Anyone have a 3D CAD drawing of the FT-5? Ideally in STEP format or such? I have one on order and am curious to look at how upgrade parts from Thingiverse will or won't integrate.

Dont know  I would talk to FT but may have prototypes it possibly without those files .
There is some stuff on the google drive., like the files for laser cut parts.

what kind of parts are you looking at upgrading?

Exactly!

If you use the screen and knob then you can print from SDcard. I would not print any other way now. I do all my designing and slicing on my much faster machine on the other side of the room now. Slice it, copy it to SDcard, then take it to the printer and let it go. Don't have to worry about setting it up in octoprint or anything.