Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I've been looking for a 3D printer for personal use for a few months now and figured I'd ask folks here on CD what their thoughts were.

A few things I'm looking for in a 3D printer (in order of priority):

1. Absolutely no proprietary filament cartridges
2. Under $800
3. Large build area (6x6x6 minimum)
4. Preferably already assembled
5. Reliable / Low Maintenance
6. Heated build platform
7. Automatic Leveling / Zeroing
8. Variety of material options
9. Good software / compatible with 3rd party software
10. Multiple Extruders (I can dream, right?)

I had previously had my eyes on the Solidoodle 4 which seemed like a pretty solid machine, but recently discovered the company that makes them went out of business (dodged a bullet there).
More recently, I've been looking at the R1 +Plus 3D Printer, but have had a hard time finding any reviews for it (most seem to be for the previous version, the R1 3D Printer). I was curious if anyone here was familiar with this printer or if there were any other suggestions for comparable/better 3D Printers around the $800 price point.

Thanks!

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

Id go for a Printrbot simple metal

https://printrbot.com/shop/assembled-simple-metal/

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I'l second this printer, but if your gonna get it go for one with a preinstalled heated bed. The prints have turned out so much better for me as soon as i installed a heated bed.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I'd get a prusa i3 over the simple metal. Both use open source firmwares (modified versions of marlin) so you can use any 3rd party software that uses standard reprap gcode. While the i3 doesn't come with dual extruders, it is much easier to add a second one than it would be to the simple metal as there are already plenty of designs out there to do so. also, the hotend that comes with the i3 is much better than the ubis that comes with the simple metal, especially if you want to print fast (>50mm/s or so) or with high temp materials. if you decide to get the i3, beware of the cheap kits. the one I linked, which is what I would recommend getting, is from the original designer and uses good parts. most of the cheap i3 kits have fragile acrylic frames, knockoff e3d hotends, etc.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

For what it's worth: Robo3d R1 Plus printer boards don't have the support for multiple extrusion.

The Robo3d printers ship with only one extruder.

The R1 (not plus) can be custom upgraded to have two extruders. I have a Robo3D R1 and am in the process of adding dual extruder capability. I have not had any major issues with the printer (that weren't caused by me...), and find it to be a perfectly capable printer, but I have had issues with dimensional accuracy.

Would recommend for the under $1000 price range.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

Thanks for the quick responses everyone!

I was aware of the extruder limitation on the R1 plus and the accuracy issues with the R1. I was under the impression that R1 plus corrected the accuracy issues though, but I've yet to see anyone confirm this. In this particular case I had given up on the dual extruder, but added it to my list in case someone had seen a printer with duel extruders in that price range; it's a nice feature to have, but not essential.

Good to know, I do like the specs and features on this printer, though I wish the assembled version didn't cost so much more (I don't trust myself to build a kit printer accurately enough to get good results). :(

My biggest concern with this printer is the rigidity of the design. Looking at it, it would seem like prints nearer to the front and higher up on the build platform would be less accurate due to potential issues with wobble, which would be magnified the further away from the base you go. This could be unfounded, but other printers I've seen with similar designs have had this issue. On top of that, when you add in the heated build platform you're only $50 away from the other two options posted so far, which seem to have all the same features but 2"+ build space on each axis.



Thoughts?

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I personally recommend the Monoprice printers. I had one of their Maker Select printers for several months until the bearings started failing. Long story short, not only did they send me a replacement printer (free of charge) I didn't have to pay to ship the old one back, and the printer they sent was a model newer.

The Wanhao i3/ Maker Select/ Cocoon Create (they're just re-brands of the exact same printer) is quickly becoming one of the most popular and sought out hobbyist printers.

Printrbot's line is another great option, but you will have to pay a bit more. (especially if you want a heated bed)
I'll have a change to play with the play, simple, and plus when our meetings start back up on Saturday.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

Marcus and I went in on a Zeus from AIO Robotics. It retails at $2400 but they will give you a deal (I was asked not to disclose the amount) and work out something that works with your needs and theirs.

Disclaimer: I, personally, am sponsored by AIO Robotics. Opinions are my own.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

SoliDoodle was always a company you bought from then ended up fixing things.
I have a SoliDoodle 3 I bought used.
It's my FrankenDoodle ;).
Actually the owner of my SolidDoodle 3 was the one that introduced me to NextFAB when I bought it.

I'd go with the Prusa I3 and maybe try this:
http://www.makeblock.com/melephant-3d-printer/
(It's not really discontinued, it appears to be low on stock at the MakeBlock store.)

I have over 14 3D printers (assembled, I've been part of RepRap a long time so I have buckets of parts).
My favorite for 'just print' is the UP Plus! and UP Plus 2 but they don't have the build area you specify.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I totally second this, I love my Maker Select, in you budget you could easily get two, The Maker Select Plus is probably a better buy, unfortunately, it wasn't available when I bought mine. It can be a bit finicky at first, but the features are amazing for the cost.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

I highly recommend the wombot exilis xl. Prints on a heated bed, huge size, and has auto bed leveling. Nicest printer I've used in it's price range.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

My semi-professional opinion (lots of experience with hobbyist stuff) would probably be the original Prusa i3 (http://shop.prusa3d.com/en/3d-printe...3-mk2-kit.html) if you're ok with paying a bit more. If not, the Makerfarm i3 printers can be upgraded for auto level, but if you want something that isn't a kit and works out of the box, the Printrbot would be good.

Re: Looking for a 3D Printer
 

Would look at the printrbot for that price and specs. It's a solid system for printing PLA and you can add a heated bed to it.

We've now got a Fusion3 F400 and absolutely love it but the price is a wee bit higher.