Haven't started a thread in a long time. So here goes something really interesting for me.
So after months of should I or shouldn't I finally caved in a bought by first 3d printer.
After looking as so many options available starting from completely DIY kits to full assembled printers , I finally decided to a go for the option most popular with decent build quality and good prints.
Wanhao Duplicator i3
Specifications
Best ambient temperature ≥25°C
Print precision 0.1 mm(minimal)
Build size 200 X 200 X 180mm
Extruder quantity MK10 Single Extruder
Speed 10-100mm/s adjustable
Positioning accuracy Z 0.004mm,XY 0.012mm
Extruder diameter 0.4mm(customized 0.3mm/0.2mm)
Recommended extruder temperature 190-210°C( maximum can be set to 260°C)
Heating plate temperature 60-100°C( proper winter warming and summer appropriate cooling )
Power Supply Unit 110V or 220V,240W,50Hz, 0.89A
Connection via TF card or USB,SD card
Software Cura, Repitator
Accept 3D file format STL, OBJ
Printer reading format Gcode
Compatibility Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Linux, Mac OX
Certification CE, CB,
Unit weight 10kg
Printer unfolding size 400 X 410 X400mm
Printer Folding size 410 X 720 X150mm
Package size 470 X 200X780mm
Material type ABS and PLA filaments
Material specifications 1.75 mm in diameter
Material colors Wanhao Classic 40 colors .
Cost be 345 USD shipped via fedex and arrived in 5 days (Aliexpress)
First impressions
Came in a nice packaging with plastic foam.
Build quality is good. Full sheet metal construction and comes with all the necessary tools needs to start printing right away. Assembly took 10 mins as I had to attached the gantry to the main structure using 4 screws and connect the neatly marked connections to the stepper motors.
Powered right away and I tested the movement in the X, Y and Z axis.
Included
Came with PLA filament
Micro SD card with Cura software and sample model
Metal spatula to remove model off plate
Allen keys to fix and tighten the bolts
Manual and quick start guide
Extra build plate surface sticker
Fully assembled
First print
Although it didnt finish the print as I had a few settings wrong but what it printed looks pretty damn good with nice details.
printed a few more things which I will add later
Issues and final thoughts
This is not a super easy just buy and works printer as there was issues which will need you to open it up and resolve the issues. The build is very simple and easy to fix. Also it has a huge community which loves this printer and designed loads of modifications for the same.
I have already ordered the following parts to upgrade the printer
1. Longer bearing blocks - http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/7516878901.html?orderId=74212076227201
2. Snap rings - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High...lack-Assortment-Set-With-Box/32549612727.html
3. O-rings http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...rtment-Black-for-Carfor-home/32500902944.html
4. Termination connectors http://www.aliexpress.com/item/SZS-...nal-Block-Connector-300V-16A/32603630004.html
5. Blower fan http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-1...-2-Wires-5015S-Free-Shipping/32596451910.html
6. Borosilicate glass - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Top-...lass-Plate-For-MK2-Reprap-3D/32617538858.html
Lot of upgrades can be printed on the printer itself.
The printer its a tinkerer's dream I would say. Sample prints are coming out great. but I will have to play with different material to truly grasp the concept and get better with it.
Ordered 4 kg of ABS and PETG material to play around with it.
So after months of should I or shouldn't I finally caved in a bought by first 3d printer.
After looking as so many options available starting from completely DIY kits to full assembled printers , I finally decided to a go for the option most popular with decent build quality and good prints.
Wanhao Duplicator i3
Specifications
Best ambient temperature ≥25°C
Print precision 0.1 mm(minimal)
Build size 200 X 200 X 180mm
Extruder quantity MK10 Single Extruder
Speed 10-100mm/s adjustable
Positioning accuracy Z 0.004mm,XY 0.012mm
Extruder diameter 0.4mm(customized 0.3mm/0.2mm)
Recommended extruder temperature 190-210°C( maximum can be set to 260°C)
Heating plate temperature 60-100°C( proper winter warming and summer appropriate cooling )
Power Supply Unit 110V or 220V,240W,50Hz, 0.89A
Connection via TF card or USB,SD card
Software Cura, Repitator
Accept 3D file format STL, OBJ
Printer reading format Gcode
Compatibility Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Linux, Mac OX
Certification CE, CB,
Unit weight 10kg
Printer unfolding size 400 X 410 X400mm
Printer Folding size 410 X 720 X150mm
Package size 470 X 200X780mm
Material type ABS and PLA filaments
Material specifications 1.75 mm in diameter
Material colors Wanhao Classic 40 colors .
Cost be 345 USD shipped via fedex and arrived in 5 days (Aliexpress)
First impressions
Came in a nice packaging with plastic foam.
Build quality is good. Full sheet metal construction and comes with all the necessary tools needs to start printing right away. Assembly took 10 mins as I had to attached the gantry to the main structure using 4 screws and connect the neatly marked connections to the stepper motors.
Powered right away and I tested the movement in the X, Y and Z axis.
Included
Came with PLA filament
Micro SD card with Cura software and sample model
Metal spatula to remove model off plate
Allen keys to fix and tighten the bolts
Manual and quick start guide
Extra build plate surface sticker
Fully assembled
First print
Although it didnt finish the print as I had a few settings wrong but what it printed looks pretty damn good with nice details.
printed a few more things which I will add later
Issues and final thoughts
This is not a super easy just buy and works printer as there was issues which will need you to open it up and resolve the issues. The build is very simple and easy to fix. Also it has a huge community which loves this printer and designed loads of modifications for the same.
I have already ordered the following parts to upgrade the printer
1. Longer bearing blocks - http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/7516878901.html?orderId=74212076227201
2. Snap rings - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High...lack-Assortment-Set-With-Box/32549612727.html
3. O-rings http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...rtment-Black-for-Carfor-home/32500902944.html
4. Termination connectors http://www.aliexpress.com/item/SZS-...nal-Block-Connector-300V-16A/32603630004.html
5. Blower fan http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-1...-2-Wires-5015S-Free-Shipping/32596451910.html
6. Borosilicate glass - http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Top-...lass-Plate-For-MK2-Reprap-3D/32617538858.html
Lot of upgrades can be printed on the printer itself.
The printer its a tinkerer's dream I would say. Sample prints are coming out great. but I will have to play with different material to truly grasp the concept and get better with it.
Ordered 4 kg of ABS and PETG material to play around with it.
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