3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on January 9, 2012 at 1:38pm

Yet another extruder (MK8)! I haven't even had a chance to install my MK7 yet :-(

I've had every extruder since MK4, in constant hopes that the next one will cure my printing woes. At ~$200 each, this addiction is getting expensive.

Comment by DaveyWaveyBunsenBurner on January 9, 2012 at 1:48pm

3D Printing woes??? Tell me more..

3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on January 9, 2012 at 2:09pm

Tuning a Makerbot to even get a build to complete requires hours or days of black magic and laboratory-like experimentation. The official documentation is scanty and out of date, and you basically end up Googling to see if anyone put a decent guide out there somewhere (here's the best one I found). I love the Makerbot concept and team, and think they'll eventually go far. But right now, we're closer to the first plywood-mounted Apple 1 than we are the Mac. 

Basically, if you think tuning an autopilot is hard, just try a Rep-Rap-based 3D printer. The open source hardware movement still has a long way to go in usability. That's why documentation, easy setup utilities and overall ease-of-use is our priority at 3D Robotics this year. Going mainstream means sparing regular folks the sort of setup procedures that only an engineer can understand. 

Comment by DaveyWaveyBunsenBurner on January 9, 2012 at 2:26pm

Interesting.
I didnt realise it was such an involved process. Makes the service based approach look more attractive..

Comment by Daniel Kemp. on January 9, 2012 at 2:29pm

Has anyone printed props yet? I'm guessing if you can print frame parts, the plastic is tough enough for props?

Comment by DaveyWaveyBunsenBurner on January 9, 2012 at 2:52pm

Do the hobby level systems have the neccessary level of resolution? I would imagine balancing to be a nightmare!!! Good idea though as i actually need a size of prop im struggling to source at the moment.

Moderator Comment by John Church on January 9, 2012 at 2:59pm

Props, to me, are a scary proposition coming off a DIY printer- I can see the disintegration now. I'm all for experimenting though! Personally I'd go the mold route when it comes to props. (Mmmm, a nice 16" layup done in CF...)

3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on January 9, 2012 at 3:35pm

John: I agree. I think delamination would be a serious concern. I'd CNC a prop before I'd 3D print it. 

Comment by Steve on January 9, 2012 at 4:11pm

More interested in the ultimaker http://blog.ultimaker.com/

Comment by Ellison Chan on January 9, 2012 at 4:12pm

I looked into the Makerbot for my Firefly mini frame.  Problems, that I've gather from people who have these ABS extruder printers is heat warping.  Trying to print anything that's perfectly straight like frame arms, and props is very difficult.  Also problems with large volume items. That's one of the reasons why Shapeways was my choice, due to the laser process printers.  One possible use of it the Makerbot is the printing or motor mounts.  They are relatively small in volume, and don't involve long lengths.

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