Recommend a 3D printer
Discussion
At the beginning of the year I was given a couple of CTC 3D Printers. They're old, but getting around some issues I've found they've been fine for printing stuff. The biggest issue I have with them is that they're old, there's hardly any online support and upgrades are difficult to come by. Also combine that with the fact that it only supports x3g files, meaning I can really only use the FlashPrint slicing software.
Now that I'm happy that I'd actually use a 3D printer, I'm looking at potentially buying something a little more modern. The standout option seems to be something like the Ender 3, but then there seems to also be alternatives that are similar, but cheap and address some of the more common issues with the Ender 3.
What I'm looking for is something that isn't massively expensive. Maybe £200-300, although I might pay more if there's enough benefit. I want something that will have loads of community support so when I have problems I can easily find solutions online, and finally, I'd like something that has plenty of upgrades available for it should I want them.
I print mainly in PLA, but it would be nice to have the option to use other materials (even if it means an upgrade, i.e. direct drive). This is mainly for hobby, home use. I'm really just messing around printing things other people have made, or occasionally knocking stuff together myself in Shapr3D.
Any suggestions welcome.
Now that I'm happy that I'd actually use a 3D printer, I'm looking at potentially buying something a little more modern. The standout option seems to be something like the Ender 3, but then there seems to also be alternatives that are similar, but cheap and address some of the more common issues with the Ender 3.
What I'm looking for is something that isn't massively expensive. Maybe £200-300, although I might pay more if there's enough benefit. I want something that will have loads of community support so when I have problems I can easily find solutions online, and finally, I'd like something that has plenty of upgrades available for it should I want them.
I print mainly in PLA, but it would be nice to have the option to use other materials (even if it means an upgrade, i.e. direct drive). This is mainly for hobby, home use. I'm really just messing around printing things other people have made, or occasionally knocking stuff together myself in Shapr3D.
Any suggestions welcome.
I'm an experienced 3d printer user in as much as I made a prusa i3 clone years ago and fine tuned it to print great, with a home made servo driven self leveller.
I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
Griffith4ever said:
I'm an experienced 3d printer user in as much as I made a prusa i3 clone years ago and fine tuned it to print great, with a home made servo driven self leveller.
I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
Thanks. I had looked at one of those. Other than size, what benefit would that have over the Ender 3?I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
Does anyone have any experience with resin printers? The quality looks awesome, but at the same time they look like a right mess on.
Ender 3 meets all your requirements. Cheap, easy to upgrade, loads of spares and plenty of support available.
Probably needs more tweaking than a Prusa out of the box but both can achieve similar results.
Resin is a different ball game. Detail is way in excess of what you can get from FDM but it's really only suitable for small high detail stuff like miniatures.
You need to think differently to FDM for printing and supporting and after it's done you need to wash the excess resin and then cure it.
Messy, smell, toxic and I think harder than FDM to get right but the results for the right application are brilliant.
I have both sorts. An Ender 3 pro and an AnyCubic Photon Mono SE.
Probably needs more tweaking than a Prusa out of the box but both can achieve similar results.
Resin is a different ball game. Detail is way in excess of what you can get from FDM but it's really only suitable for small high detail stuff like miniatures.
You need to think differently to FDM for printing and supporting and after it's done you need to wash the excess resin and then cure it.
Messy, smell, toxic and I think harder than FDM to get right but the results for the right application are brilliant.
I have both sorts. An Ender 3 pro and an AnyCubic Photon Mono SE.
Bullett said:
Ender 3 meets all your requirements. Cheap, easy to upgrade, loads of spares and plenty of support available.
Probably needs more tweaking than a Prusa out of the box but both can achieve similar results.
Resin is a different ball game. Detail is way in excess of what you can get from FDM but it's really only suitable for small high detail stuff like miniatures.
You need to think differently to FDM for printing and supporting and after it's done you need to wash the excess resin and then cure it.
Messy, smell, toxic and I think harder than FDM to get right but the results for the right application are brilliant.
I have both sorts. An Ender 3 pro and an AnyCubic Photon Mono SE.
Yes, the ender 3 seems to be very popular and would seem to be the obvious choice. There's also the Voxelab Aquila which seems to be very similar to the ender 3.Probably needs more tweaking than a Prusa out of the box but both can achieve similar results.
Resin is a different ball game. Detail is way in excess of what you can get from FDM but it's really only suitable for small high detail stuff like miniatures.
You need to think differently to FDM for printing and supporting and after it's done you need to wash the excess resin and then cure it.
Messy, smell, toxic and I think harder than FDM to get right but the results for the right application are brilliant.
I have both sorts. An Ender 3 pro and an AnyCubic Photon Mono SE.
I could be tempted to pickup both an Ender 3 and an Elegoo Mars Resin printer. Most of the stuff I print is functional though, so I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of the resin printer. I'll have to investigate how quick they are at printing really rough prototypes. That's one one like a like about a normal 3d printer, you can just set the quality to low and print something out in 20-50 minutes depending on it's size.
Another vote for an Ender 3 Pro.... and cheap as chips these days from most outlets (sure I saw it for £130ish the other day somewhere!)
Been using mine for over a year and it's done everything I've thrown at it as a complete newbie. Helps that you've got a massive community of support online for it too. Definitely the one I'd recommend as a first machine - I even bought a young family member one as a gift and he set it up himself without any guidance within a couple of hours.
Been using mine for over a year and it's done everything I've thrown at it as a complete newbie. Helps that you've got a massive community of support online for it too. Definitely the one I'd recommend as a first machine - I even bought a young family member one as a gift and he set it up himself without any guidance within a couple of hours.
TheBinarySheep said:
Griffith4ever said:
I'm an experienced 3d printer user in as much as I made a prusa i3 clone years ago and fine tuned it to print great, with a home made servo driven self leveller.
I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
Thanks. I had looked at one of those. Other than size, what benefit would that have over the Ender 3?I recently bought an Ender 5 pro and it is simply superb. A different ball game. I've added a BLtouch and that's about it, oh, and a magnetic print bed, the stock one is rubbish.
I think you'll have to tinker a touch with any 3d printer, but out of the box, the Ender 5 pro has really impressed me.
Does anyone have any experience with resin printers? The quality looks awesome, but at the same time they look like a right mess on.
I have been ogling the Elegoo Saturn for super detailed parts, but the print bed size limits them , seemingly, to figurines, starwars models and fantasy rings :-) It was cheap as chips when it came out - so I was going to have a play but it sold out. When it returned it became expensive. It's now around £380
Edited by Griffith4ever on Saturday 7th August 13:34
If you go resin you need a wash and cure station as well or an equivalent manual process. The end product is brittle as well, at least with standard resin.
They have a lot of demand on consumables as well as resin, IPA 99%, gloves/masks, screens burn out, the FEP wears out etc. They are smelly, not as bad as I expected but you don't want to be in the same room.
What they can print is amazing but it's a different game to FDM. Getting supports right is essential not the set cura to do it automatically of FDM. What I find frustrating is that you can't spot failures until it's at least an hour or two in.
If you go down that route get one with a mono screen they print a lot faster 1.5s per layer vs 8s per layer and when you are looking at 1500 x 0.02mm layers that's a big saving.
They have a lot of demand on consumables as well as resin, IPA 99%, gloves/masks, screens burn out, the FEP wears out etc. They are smelly, not as bad as I expected but you don't want to be in the same room.
What they can print is amazing but it's a different game to FDM. Getting supports right is essential not the set cura to do it automatically of FDM. What I find frustrating is that you can't spot failures until it's at least an hour or two in.
If you go down that route get one with a mono screen they print a lot faster 1.5s per layer vs 8s per layer and when you are looking at 1500 x 0.02mm layers that's a big saving.
Bullett said:
If you go resin you need a wash and cure station as well or an equivalent manual process. The end product is brittle as well, at least with standard resin.
They have a lot of demand on consumables as well as resin, IPA 99%, gloves/masks, screens burn out, the FEP wears out etc. They are smelly, not as bad as I expected but you don't want to be in the same room.
What they can print is amazing but it's a different game to FDM. Getting supports right is essential not the set cura to do it automatically of FDM. What I find frustrating is that you can't spot failures until it's at least an hour or two in.
If you go down that route get one with a mono screen they print a lot faster 1.5s per layer vs 8s per layer and when you are looking at 1500 x 0.02mm layers that's a big saving.
I see you can get water soluble resin now, so I guess that means no need for IPA?They have a lot of demand on consumables as well as resin, IPA 99%, gloves/masks, screens burn out, the FEP wears out etc. They are smelly, not as bad as I expected but you don't want to be in the same room.
What they can print is amazing but it's a different game to FDM. Getting supports right is essential not the set cura to do it automatically of FDM. What I find frustrating is that you can't spot failures until it's at least an hour or two in.
If you go down that route get one with a mono screen they print a lot faster 1.5s per layer vs 8s per layer and when you are looking at 1500 x 0.02mm layers that's a big saving.
When using my FDM, if I'm making something new that I've knocked up in Shapr3D, I like to quickly print it at a low quality setting to get an idea of whether my design will work. Usually these prints take 15-30 minutes depending on size. How do resin printer compare? Is there a quick low quality option?
For what I need, I think an Ender 3 is perfect, but I can't help but be impressed by the quality of resin printers.
You can print in a lower resolution. Say 0.04 as opposed to 0.02 which takes about half the time. And water washable is available, not sure how good it is.
There is not the tweakability of FDM where you can set different speeds and qualities based on stuff like wall thickness, infill %, walls etc. It prints a layer in one go so is all or nothing.
You do hollow larger models but that is another skill in itself, requiring you to place strategic drainage holes alongside the supports.
There is not the tweakability of FDM where you can set different speeds and qualities based on stuff like wall thickness, infill %, walls etc. It prints a layer in one go so is all or nothing.
You do hollow larger models but that is another skill in itself, requiring you to place strategic drainage holes alongside the supports.
I 'think' I might pick up an Elegoo Mars and one of their clean and cure devices as well. Then keep the crappy printer I have for rough stuff, or replace it for an Ender 3 at a later date.
The only downside to the Elegoo mars is the build size is pretty small. They do a bigger version (Saturn), but it's almost double the price and then I'd need to buy a bigger clean and cure machine as well.
I've not 100% made my mind up yet, but I think the mars is a cheap way to get into Resin to see how I get on with it without investing too much money.
The only downside to the Elegoo mars is the build size is pretty small. They do a bigger version (Saturn), but it's almost double the price and then I'd need to buy a bigger clean and cure machine as well.
I've not 100% made my mind up yet, but I think the mars is a cheap way to get into Resin to see how I get on with it without investing too much money.
Here's where I saw the ender 3 on offer, the standard one but only £110!
https://www.box.co.uk/Creality-Ender-3-3D-Printer_...
https://www.box.co.uk/Creality-Ender-3-3D-Printer_...
Bullett said:
What do you want to make?
Practical stuff? I'd not bother with resin. Miniatures, then yes absolutely.
That's the problem, I don't print anything particular. It's mainly random stuff.Practical stuff? I'd not bother with resin. Miniatures, then yes absolutely.
I print stuff for the kids (models etc), but to be honest I avoid doing them as my printer never seems to do a good job. The other stuff I print is functional, where the final quality doesn't really matter.
There are some things I'd like to make and print, but they'd need sandin/painting and with my current printer, the time to do that puts me off. I think that's what is making me want resin, then at least I can print those things and after cleaning/curing job more or less straight to applying some paint. Minimum filling and sanding.
Ender is superb. Adore mine, with a few very basic tweaks (and attention paid during assembly to ensure all square and true).
Resin is such a different ball game - serious investment in time and HSE considerations. They are not nice...
Personally, if you don't have a driving need for resin (such as a specific hobby, etc.) then I really wouldn't bother personally.
Resin is such a different ball game - serious investment in time and HSE considerations. They are not nice...
Personally, if you don't have a driving need for resin (such as a specific hobby, etc.) then I really wouldn't bother personally.
A timely thread as I was pondering something myself a few days ago.
Can these printers manage with some smaller car parts? The gear shifter bushing is pretty much shot on my Daihatsu Materia as there's far too much movement and finding the part is a little tricky. Got me thinking about other alternatives.
Can these printers manage with some smaller car parts? The gear shifter bushing is pretty much shot on my Daihatsu Materia as there's far too much movement and finding the part is a little tricky. Got me thinking about other alternatives.
Possible, yes.
Practical, it depends.
Is there a design/model or will you have to do it yourself? 3D scanners work but are another expense and a big one to get high accuracy. If you well versed in 3D CAD programs that's an easier approach but another learning curve if you are not.
What sort of stresses and strains will it have to survive. What exposure to heat/cold/moisture/oil?
There are lots of materials you can use but the more useful ones are a lot harder to print. PLA, the standard starter material is relatively easy and what the ender3 is designed for but you still need to go through a learning curve. ABS is much harder to print well, potentially needs different hot-ends/beds that the ender doesn't support out of the box plus a much more stable temperature and really an enclosure as it produces toxic or at least unpleasant fumes.
PLA is great for models and toys but can't take much stress.
Not trying to put anyone off, it's a great hobby but it isn't at the take it out of the box and print what you want like your HP inkjet.
Practical, it depends.
Is there a design/model or will you have to do it yourself? 3D scanners work but are another expense and a big one to get high accuracy. If you well versed in 3D CAD programs that's an easier approach but another learning curve if you are not.
What sort of stresses and strains will it have to survive. What exposure to heat/cold/moisture/oil?
There are lots of materials you can use but the more useful ones are a lot harder to print. PLA, the standard starter material is relatively easy and what the ender3 is designed for but you still need to go through a learning curve. ABS is much harder to print well, potentially needs different hot-ends/beds that the ender doesn't support out of the box plus a much more stable temperature and really an enclosure as it produces toxic or at least unpleasant fumes.
PLA is great for models and toys but can't take much stress.
Not trying to put anyone off, it's a great hobby but it isn't at the take it out of the box and print what you want like your HP inkjet.
Found a slight problem. I realised that the Ender 3 has a depth of 475mm, and I don't have that amount of space available for it. My current CTC printer has a similar build volume but only has a depth of 380mm.
So it looks like I need something that doesn't have a moving bed. The FlashForge Creator Pro 2 seems to have the right dimensions. It's more than I wanted to pay, but has independent dual extruders. Has anyone tried on of these? Or are there any alternatives?
So it looks like I need something that doesn't have a moving bed. The FlashForge Creator Pro 2 seems to have the right dimensions. It's more than I wanted to pay, but has independent dual extruders. Has anyone tried on of these? Or are there any alternatives?
I found a print online that allows me to add a cooling fan to my existing printer. This seems to have massively improved the print quality, so I'm going to keep this old printer for now for functional stuff.
In the meantime, I've ordered an Elegoo Saturn resin printer and an Elegoo Mercury clean/cure, along with some water washable resin. They're due to arrive today so I'll report back on how I get on with it. I'm also keen on seeing how much the resin skinks. I'm hoping to keep it in my home office, but I'll clear out some space in the garage for it if it smells too bad.
In the meantime, I've ordered an Elegoo Saturn resin printer and an Elegoo Mercury clean/cure, along with some water washable resin. They're due to arrive today so I'll report back on how I get on with it. I'm also keen on seeing how much the resin skinks. I'm hoping to keep it in my home office, but I'll clear out some space in the garage for it if it smells too bad.
It's not as bad as some people make out, you really don't want to spend long periods in the same room with it though. I understand the water washable stuff is less smelly but I've never tried it so can't be sure.
Regarding the garage, watch the temperature. Too cold and it won't work properly, something to do with how viscous the resin is and it becomes less so when cool. I moved mine to an outbuilding last year and it was great in the summer months but then started failing for no obvious reason, seems like it was too cool. Idea print temps are over 20c.
Regarding the garage, watch the temperature. Too cold and it won't work properly, something to do with how viscous the resin is and it becomes less so when cool. I moved mine to an outbuilding last year and it was great in the summer months but then started failing for no obvious reason, seems like it was too cool. Idea print temps are over 20c.
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