Topic: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Here's a thought,
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?
Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Check out this Kickstarter-
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qu- … t?ref=live
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.
- Brad
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Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Good info.
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.
Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
What parts do you think are not durable? We do take suggestions.
Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.
- Brad
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Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Well, I haven't yet received my solidoodle yet, so its probably unfair for me to make such a claim, but from the pictures I have seen the makerbot extruder seems to be made of aluminum or some other metal while the solidoodle is acrylic.
Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Let's take a quick tour of an extruder. Extruders are made of a handful of parts, and I will compare the differences (or rather lack there of) between our extruder and the Maker Bot model.
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.
Former Solidoodle employee, no longer associated with the company.
- Brad
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Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Well then, I stand corrected. Thanks for the info, I'm sure others will find it useful 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 
Re: MakerBot Stepstuder MK7 on Solidoodle?
Can someone tell me if a slow cooker will work aswell? I cant find a disposible steamer anywhere locally, and dont want to buy new just to pour and cook dangerous chemicals in it tongue