I expected that the solidoodle's build quality would be less than that of a $2k printer, but I suppose what you guys have done is rather amazing. Probably helps you have less overhead than them as well 
I expected that the solidoodle's build quality would be less than that of a $2k printer, but I suppose what you guys have done is rather amazing. Probably helps you have less overhead than them as well
1) Stepper Motor: I don't know what model stepper motor Maker Bot uses, but I would be willing to guess most similar sized Steppers are roughly equivalent.
2)Heat Sink and Fan: This should be about the same. Our fan is almost too powerful, and we have to use air deflectors to keep it from cooling the build surface.
3)Extruder outer assembly: This is the acrylic part of the device. Makerbot uses plastic for this part.
4)Washer: Maker Bot uses metal, we use wood
5)Hot End: Comparing between our hot end and Maker Bot's is a little difficult - the designs are rather different.
The solidoodle extruder seems decent enough, but for doing serious printing, I think a more solid construction is always nice. Maybe in the future they can offer something more durable for a little more money.
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It's funded now, but they are working on offering a modified Makerbot extruder for $50. The trick would be coming up with some kind of adapter mount. The Makerbot is designed to attach to the top of the carriage, while the Solidoodle extruder screws on to the front.
Other than that, it looks like it should fit. You might lose a little build space on Y, but not too much.
]]>The MakerBot Stepstruder appears to have a little more robust construction compared to the solidoodle extruder, I wonder if it would be possible to swap one in there for a longer life?
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