December 19, 2013
The 3D printer industry is growing in both the professional and maker markets. With more and more 3D printers diving under the US$4,000 price-point, is it time for you to pick up one of your own? Though the consumer end of the market is still young, business is booming, and this disruptive technology is something that will definitely appeal to many Gizmag readers. That’s why we’ve taken the top desktop 3D printers and lined them up for a side-by-side comparison.
Full article here: 3D Printer Line-up
Comments
my $500 solidoddle 2 has been great! compared some prints with my mates replicator 2, and while they have slightly better resolution... it's hardly noticeable and functionally parts do the same thing! if you want to dip you feet in at a cheaper cost i can recommend it! biggest issue is it is only 6x6x6" so single parts aren't very big!
Here's a micro quad I designed/printed with it: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:158809
I haven't found any comparison articles featuring this printer however many people
Have purchased this off amazon and their reviews are great 4.5/5 star average.
The creator has similar specs to the replicator 2x. It was designed based upon the open source Makerbot Replicator 1 with some upgrades, including a dual extruder, upgraded electronics and heated print bed.
Best thing about this printer is it cost $1100 USD and came assembled just had to screw on the extruder.
I haven't had a single failed print yet, no warping, just fantastic results.
I have printed stuff on a Up2 plus and Felix 2.
In comparison the Up2 plus they both are
Pre assembled, but the flashforge has a large and better heated bed and much quicker.
Compared to the Felix 2, it was able to print Abs reliability whereas then Felix 2 could only do PLA, because the frame didn't enclose the build platform so the abs would warp.
The Make Magazine 2013 3D Printer guide was the best roundup out there. Everything was rigorously tested and the recommendations are very solid.
We use Makerbot Replicator 2Xs in the office and are very happy with them. We also have a Robo 3D (cheap but not bad), a Type A (less cheap and better), and an older Makerbot (still reliable). Plus a big industrial Statasys, which cost 20x as much but really is our go-to machine for important stuff.
As for 3D metal printing, there are already a few very affordable printers that use metal clay! Here are some videos of the latest printer... http://www.metalbot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=274
The correlations between the 3D Printing communities and communities such as this one always surprise me!
@Gary,
Glad that you liked the article. It is nice when an article can give a detailed overview of a number of different models so you do not have to go searching the web to get the information individually.
I recently bought a Taig Micro Lathe and a Micro Mill. The Micro Mill can be converted to stepper motor drives and act as a small CNC machine. I will probably consider doing so in 2014.
As for a 3D printer, until the wife sells her beloved Ford FX4 Ranger and gives me more room in the garage, it will have to stay on hold:-)
Merry Christmas to you too! You live in a very scenic part of Northern California!
Regards,
TCIII Admin
Great article Tom, thank you for bringing this to us.
I have a little home made stepper gantry type CNC machine (24" x 24" travel so not to small).
I am currently upgrading it for a variety of heads including extruder and am looking to try some new controllers and drivers as well.
Although I have just upgraded to a Probotix/Planet CNC USB controller I am thinking of moving to Linux / Beagle Bone.
The open Linux CNC project is looking interesting to me.
Merry Christmas down there in Sunny Fort Lauderdale.
In case Santa only brought you money this Christmas, here is a guide to buying that 3D printer that is not under the tree this year:-)
Regards,
TCIII Admin