The 3DP toolchain may be functional but I don’t think it’s complete. We need smarter software. And it needs to be modular.
@Luis_E_Rodriguez The Deezmaker guys also got their Bukos to 20 microns. The makerbots are far too overpriced but some people believe in paying for the presentation and name. Like designer jeans.
What’s the bet the print heads are micro chipped, just like a uprint.
They are named “Replicator Mini, Replicator und Replicator Z18”?
But Replicator 2 and 2X are still sold?
Talk about customer confusion here!
There are now 2 different printers called “Replicator” and the Replicator 2 is older then the new “Replicator” but newer then the old “Replicator”.
@Eric_Moy what kind of problems to you have with the reliability of the Replicator 2X?
Anyone look at the Replicator Z18 and see a Stratasys-ish design?? Seems fitting since Stratasys acquired MakerBot that they start upping the proprietary control, price and now shared base designs… I look at my TOM and remember the days… (wait, that wasn’t that long ago…)
I’m guessing that most people here are DIY/tinkerer types. These printers aren’t really aimed at you. I have a reprap, and I have a closed-source printer. Guess which one I go to when I need something to JUST PRINT?
@John_Schneider I feel that the reprap printers have progressed in leaps in the last two years, I think you can get an equally reliable machine that is open-source, you just have to pay for it.
yep very affordable, we all have spare grand or six layin around, spread the word bre. posh bastards only!!. think I stick with my reprap thx. see who’s printing in fiver years time.
it’s worth noticing that although these printers have networked control, it appears to lock you in to thingiverse and their own mobile app.
It won’t be long till the find a way to make the filament proprietary like the Cube or whatever.
@Ben_Van_Den_Broeck That’s my prime concern right now, especially after seeing the way the filament is mounted in this new generation.
Its only a matter of time. I really don’t consider myself a hobbyist tinkerer by any means, what got me into kits & pre-building machines for other people was just being frugal. I do plan to sell makerbots at my shop though, for those that shop by name only.
Edit: Actually, just to clarify, it was Diego from Deezmaker’s sympathy over my immense frustration with a ToM that really got me started with 3D printing. That’s a whole different story though lol.
This is very very preliminary, but one person has confirmed to me that the new filament spools are in a new much wider diamter and flatter form-factor. At least according to one MBI person at CES, supposedly, the use of non-MBI filament will void your warranty.
If anyone else knows people attending CES, please ask to get clarification on this.
@Joseph_Chiu Yeah, the T18 looks like it has a compartment at the bottom that I figured was for filament.
@Joseph_Chiu , that’s exactly what I was worried about when I saw the pictures.
@Marcus_Wolschon , nozzles constantly clogging, despite cleaning dust off filament, and cleaning nozzle out per their directions. Even when exclusively using Makerbot filament. Nozzle clogs at least once every couple days, despite replacing entire extruder assembly. X motor wiring intermittent failure causing prints to shift halfway through. All parts are thin ABS, so they are all slowly creeping under extended use and temperatures., especially arms holding up heated bed. Overall poor mechanical design, x axis pulley relies on grease between metal and plastic for bearing surface, motor mounts thin ABS plastic, easily wear out. Maker ware has become much better, but I spend far too many hours troubleshooting and repairing this machine despite spending $3k, plus 500 for a warranty that is only good for the replacement parts. Support claims take days for a response, at which point I already asked the problem in the forums.
Wait, are they still using 3d printed parts in it? Seems like the could go with injection molded or machined by now
@John_Schneider , no the parts are injection molded, but you can tell there was no solid mechanical engineering involved, as the parts are simplified versions of parts designed to be 3d printed.
Soooo what the heck is up with these prices?! Oh yeah, MakerBot is now owned by corporate America - not surprised, and not interested in purchasing anything from MakerBot (a company where I love the people that work there) - but really? $1,400 for a simple scanner? Over $2K for a 3D printer? This isn’t aimed at people, its aimed at schools and other organizations who can be fooled to pay such sums.