1 Topic by TheLeon

  • TheLeon
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Topic: Total novice

I am doing the research and shopping for a 3D printer.  Top of my list is a "B&B 3d Printer with 2 Extruders" for $1200.  It looks very much like the FlashForge 3D printer.

Does anybody know any details about how this prints?  I'm interested in knowing how long it takes to print an item such as a 9 cm (~3.5 in) chess king. 

Could I batch materials?  Example printing a whole series of chess pawns (8 in white and 8 in black).

I would want to pain some items in a metallic finish like what you see on the tops of trophies. [Gold for 1st place, Silver for 2nd place ....] What would be the best type of paint to apply?
I hear that there is gold and silver PLA but I doubt that it would be as nice as what is currently available. People can be fussy about appearances.

Cost of operation.  There is the obvious filament cost but what about electricity?  How much of a power hog is it?

My 2nd choice (maybe later if I'm not turned off by this experience) is the Cubeify for $4000 + shipping.

2 Reply by Gomisan

  • Gomisan
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Re: Total novice

I think if you're expecting results like the cast figures on trophies you are in for disappointment. You may want to go to a maker fair or somewhere that you can see the objects created and get an idea of capabilities in real life.

I cant comment on 2 extruder models, and I haven't heard of this B&B printer you mention, but I have seen people have some success with printing batches of items, with automatic devices to remove the objects and non-stop overnight printing.

Gomisan's Website

3 Reply by 2n2r5

  • 2n2r5
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Re: Total novice

I think the form1 is more what you are looking for. It has SLS quality at a "consumer friendly" price of 3,299.00 + 150 for each bottle of resin. It would be ideal for figurines that will get scrutinized for the details.

SD3 w/ mods:
Glass bed with QU-BD heat pad upgrade, threadless ballscrew w/ 8mm smooth rod, spectra line belt replacement, lawsy MK5 extruder, Lawsy replacement carriage, E3D hotend, Ramps 1.4 w/ reprap discount controller, DRV8825 drivers, 12v 30A PS, Acrylic case, Overkill Y-idlers, Filament alarm, Extruder fan + more.

2n2r5's Website

4 Reply by TheLeon (edited by TheLeon 2013-09-14 01:30:27)

  • TheLeon
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Re: Total novice

Gomisan wrote:

I think if you're expecting results like the cast figures on trophies you are in for disappointment. You may want to go to a maker fair or somewhere that you can see the objects created and get an idea of capabilities in real life.

I cant comment on 2 extruder models, and I haven't heard of this B&B printer you mention, but I have seen people have some success with printing batches of items, with automatic devices to remove the objects and non-stop overnight printing.


Okay do they ever have such a fair in Houston, TX?  I see a myriad pictures of fantastic items but no way to get my hands on a printed one. 

Something that I read is that these printed items may not be strong along a transverse plane. This could affect trophy tops and chess pieces.  Does this sound correct?

5 Reply by Gomisan

  • Gomisan
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Re: Total novice

yes there is an inherant weakness in the plane that they are printed, though conversley they can be very strong in the other directions.

Some 3D printer companies offer for sale a sample printed object so that you can check one out before buying. It may be worth asking SD if they do, or using one of the sites that offers 3D printer 'sharing' to find someone with the model you are considering and get a test print made.

http://www.3dhubs.com

http://www.makexyz.com/

Gomisan's Website