I have the 3D printer itch that I would like to scratch. I'm all Apple so it needs to run on their IOS. Any suggestions or warnings?
Thanks,
Dave
Thanks,
Dave
3D Printer
- Thread starter javelinadave
- Start date
Terrapintige
Well-known member
I assume you are looking for a filament printer and not resin. I have had two filament printers and each have performed well once dialed in. I started with a TEVO Tornado and added an Anycubic Vyper. Both work with USB or SD Card. I use the SD card when printing with both. They are operating system neutral as they print from an .STL file. The key is to having slicer software to set your print settings and finalizing your design for printing. You can use very simple design software like tinkerCAD to create basic designs or Autodesk Fusion to create working models.
I have printed everything from operable crescent wrenches to NLA parts. The possibilities are endless and it's a really great creation tool. Good luck!
lordhelemt
Well-known member
We just scratch this itch. Figure out you budget and buy the machine that best fits your needs. There are tons of different filaments and support materials available but not all machines can print all filaments. Also make sure the build envelope will accommodate the parts you want to print. Speed, accuracy, and support are also things you’ll want to consider.
I’m nee to this so I don’t know if or if 3rd party rip software is available (or available cheaply). I only mentioned this as some will allow you to orient the strands in a particular way versus just laying them down. This will allow you to construct a much stronger part when printing carbon fiber. Some mid level machines will allow you to print stainless and other metals but you’ll need to send them off to have cured.
lastly you’ll need 3D modeling software. Some of the bigger software companies will give you to access to free or reduced price software. It’s not to hard to use (I’m still learning it) but it is a little different than drafting stuff in 2d or 2.5d.
I’m nee to this so I don’t know if or if 3rd party rip software is available (or available cheaply). I only mentioned this as some will allow you to orient the strands in a particular way versus just laying them down. This will allow you to construct a much stronger part when printing carbon fiber. Some mid level machines will allow you to print stainless and other metals but you’ll need to send them off to have cured.
lastly you’ll need 3D modeling software. Some of the bigger software companies will give you to access to free or reduced price software. It’s not to hard to use (I’m still learning it) but it is a little different than drafting stuff in 2d or 2.5d.
WreckITFrank
Technical Excellence Contributor
My suggestion is to start with something cheap but usable, like an Ender 3 Pro or similar ($150-$200). There are more complete out-of-the-box solutions, like the Dremel, but you have to decide on how much you want to deal with it (tinker), and what you actually want to print. You can learn a lot from the cheap ones, then go the moon as you see fit. Otherwise, everything stated above applies.
After doing a ton of reading and research I ordered a Prusa Mini Plus this evening. Let the journey begin.
If you are on the fence about a 3D printer it's time to get off the fence and buy one. Freaking black magic amazing is the only way I can describe this. The Prusa is the gold standard and well worth the extra money. It took about 45 minutes to set things up, 15 minutes to adjust it and a I started printing. Here are my first two test prints:
WreckITFrank
Technical Excellence Contributor
Benchy looks good. Dial in with a temp tower.
Petg is my goto all purpose, I like atomic brand.
Petg is my goto all purpose, I like atomic brand.
Anybody looking for a NLA Defender A/C vent? Well......... print your own:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4149606
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4149606