What 3D printer to choose for small business?

look at Solidoodles new models much lower cost than makerbot and same or better quality

Hey goik, have you actually seen a 3d printed model with an fdm/fff printer?
Even at 100 microns, I don't think they are that great for stuff like iphone cases and not something that can be finished properly with sandpaper, acetone, etc. because its hard to do that on a symmetric model.

For stuff like small statues, vases, other decorative objects I guess after finishing it will look good enough for people to buy. But make sure for vases that its water-tight.

phone car/bycicle mounts, other accessories for phones, GoPro etc I guess the unfinished look won't matter for the customer.

Printing things for hobbyists and thinkerers (like quadcopter parts, GoPro accessories, Arduino cases, etc.) and replacement parts for old things you can't find replacement parts for anymore is I think the best way to earn some money from FFF 3d printers.

Maybe you should also learn how to make sand or silicone molds if you're planning to sell more than one of the same item.

For all the above you'll need to know 3d modelling, or get a 3d modeller to work with you.

With SLA printers I think the quality is not an issue as some of those can print at 25 microns, but those have limitations too. Don't remember what though except limited materials you can print with and higher prices.

This is just from my experience. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on something here.

Also you might wanna get a extruder/winder to make your own filament. If you're planning to use a printer for business, you'll spend about $300-500 once and then something like $7 for 1 kg of the plastic pellets for making your own filament instead of $30 for buying the same 1 kg of filament from others.

Good luck.

Serin, I'm surprised to hear you say that after all the reports about the so-called smart extruder?

it really depends what your aiming for - quality vs volume of prints - im starting up my  own 3d printing business myself and here is my 2 p's worth.

1) really think about what you want to offer. are the parts functional or aesthetic? how are you going to model the requirements? how are you going to price them?

2) yes the makerbot comes prebuilt and looks solid but you have think capital goods cost vs versatility vs rate of change.

maker bots are closed source and with the next extruders good luck trying to mod. Say 2 months down the line a new filament comes out that revolutionizes  stuff. a makerbot will not keep pace . something like a ultimaker or SD workbench might when combined with the community

3) redundancy of machines and ease of repair. If your running a 3d printing service your worst enemy is downtime on machines. you want you macines working all day every day even if that means they are cranking out say decoratice scenery for warhammer people etc.

if you have say a fleet of 5 machines and one breaks. if it is something like say a rep rap or a robo 3d or a SD chances are you can print the replacement part and be back to capacity in a few days.

in summary if your a occasional maker a makerbot is fine. if your looking to scale i think the overhead costs for a MB are just too much

yes I have seen, not impressive for a printer over 5 times the price of an SD2. also they only use PLA now. I prefer ABS and ABS also finishes nicer with like Acetone etc. Solidoodle's if tuned right produce much better than 100 microns details. also most of the quality of a model depends on the STL file and slicer ability. so the printer ability relies on the operators proficiency and is only like 1/4th of the determining factor for end result of printed model.

that in itself is a lesson learned well worth buying a printer early and experimenting to find whats needed to excel.

I also have seen the results of makerbots scanner they brag about. havnt seen any scans from it yet as good as some from a free I-Phone app.

its like online gamers you got Credit card warriors that can buy their wins. then there's the poor, savvy gamer that uses their 5 pounds of grey noodle between their ears to achieve a win. which one do you think gets the most satisfaction in the end? ;^)

thats the difference between an artist and a consumer

You are the one who will have to determine a business model and a plan.
Sound like you have a dream at this point.

If you are really talking multiple applications. Then you will likely need multiple materials . You may even need more than one printer  depending on the bushiness plan . If you have walk in customers and someone needs a small part that takes 15 minutes to make  and the printer is in the middle of an 8 hour print  and it is the middle of the day  now you have a choice. do you make the customer return in the morning and stay late to print his part.  do you trash 4 hours of work ?  and all that material.  I have seen this kind of thing happen I was at the Enable conference. a hand was probably 80% complete and they shut down the printer to make a part needed NOW. Soo you may need several printers one for large and long run prints one to satisfy the small need it now jobs and one for special materials and functional parts. And if you are trying to make a living off this realistically to cover overhead and make money you probably need to bill in the order of $80 per hour to do that you may need to keep 4 machines running and a 5th on standby.
A few Ideas to ponder.
Tin