Transcript
Adafruit Desktop 3D Printer Buyers Guide Created by Matthew Griffin
Last updated on 2014-07-31 11:30:09 AM EDT
Guide Contents Guide Contents
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Overview and Comparison Grid
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The Bottom Line - Collected!
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Printrbot Models
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PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black Assembled (http://adafru.it/1760)
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Printrbot Simple Kit - 2014 Model (http://adafru.it/1735)
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Aleph Objects - LulzBot Models
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LulzBot TAZ 4 - Open source 3D Printer (http://adafru.it/1670)
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Previous Models Adafruit Has Carried: MakerBot Models
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MakerBot Adafruit Edition (http://adafru.it/1292) - DISCONTINUED 13 MakerBot® Replicator™ Mini - Available at Makerbot.com
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Overview and Comparison Grid Starting in 2012 Adafruit has stocked a handful of 3D printers, accessories, and supplies, and provide resources to help our community create better 3D printed project that integrate electronics. We created this guide as a handy reference to help you compare and contrast the options we offer. While we no longer carry the MakerBot Adafruit Edition (http://adafru.it/1292) (the manufacturer has discontinued the Replicator 2 line), we included this model as a point of reference. Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino (http://adafru.it/cEi) or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi (http://adafru.it/aQw) to the back of your HD monitor? And don't forget the countless LED projects (http://adafru.it/ck6) that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D! The Adafruit Learning System (http://adafru.it/aPR) has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to producing mechanisms, enclosures, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer.
Manufacturer Printrbot
Printrbot
LulzBot
MakerBot
MakerBot
Model
PrintrBot Simple Simple Kit Metal 3D Printer 2014 Model Black - Assembled
TAZ 4 Open source 3D Printer
MakerBot Adafruit Edition, Replicator 2
MakerBot® Replicator™ Mini
Print Technology
FFF/FDM
FFF/FDM
FFF/FDM
FFF/FDM
FFF/FDM
Layer Resolultion (Z)
0.1mm
0.1mm
0.075mm0.35mm
0.1mm
0.2mm
Filament Material
PLA, *Flexible (*with mods in Adafruit Learn System)
PLA, Flexible (*with mods in Adafruit Learn System)
ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, and wood filaments
PLA, Flexible
MakerBot PLA (proprietary spool)
3mm, *1.75mm © Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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(with mods in the Adafruit Learn System)
Filament Diameter
1.75mm
1.75mm
Nozzle Diameter
0.4mm
0.4mm
0.35mm
Machine Size
8" x 14" x 11"
14" x 10" x 16"
26.8" x 20.5" 19.1" x 29.5" x 12.2" x x 20.3" 16.5" x 14.7" 15.0"
Print Volume
4" x 4" x 4.5"
6" x 6" x 6"
11.7" x 10.8" x 9.8"
11.2" x 6.0" x 6.1"
3.9" x 3.9" x 4.9"
Top Speed
6065mm/min
80mm/s
200mm/sec
not given
not given
Machine Firmware
Marlin (Printrbot)
Marlin (Printrbot)
Marlin (Lulzbot)
MakerBot Proprietary
MakerBot Proprietary
Hardware License
Open source; most parts shared as CC BYSA 3.0.
Open source; most parts shared as CC BY-SA 3.0 (professionally machined metal fold body elements excluded).
Open Source; most parts shared Proprietary. under GPLv3 and CC by SA 4.0.
Proprietary.
Unique Features
Auto Level Sensor Redesigned Chassis Metal Print Bed GT2 Belts and Pulleys Z-Axis Coupler Requires Assembly
Auto Level Sensor Steel and Aluminum Body Minimal Setup Needed Metal Print Bed GT2 Belts and Pulleys Z-Axis Coupler
Heated Borosilicate glass bed covered with PET film Designed to Print Experimental Feedstock Awarded a RYF Certification from Free Software Foundation
Acrylic Build Plate Active Cooling for Print Head Adafruit Edition Shipped with Adafruit Electronics and open source 3D Models
MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder On-board Camera MakerBot Mobile
Machine Co sts
$349.00
$599.00
$2,194.95
$2,295.00
$1,375.00
Availability
Available Now
Available Now
Available Now
Discontinued
Available at MakerBot.com
1.75mm
1.75mm
0.4mm
0.4mm
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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The Bottom Line - Collected! Our mo st affo rdable printer. Printrbot Simple Kit (http://adafru.it/1735) offers an affordable introduction to 3D printing -- one that performs better than other printers in its price bracket. Ideal for the mechanically-inclined, who are eager to learn more about how printing works. (Note: requires assembly.) Meet the sleek new Simple Metal. Now with a metal frame coated in our favorite color -- "Adafruit black" -- the Printrbot Simple Metal (http://adafru.it/1760) packs significant printing power into a small (and portable) printer. An affordable, assembled printer design that benefited from generations of Printrbots models, and offers primo features such as the auto level sensor, milled metal print bed, GT2 belts and pulleys, and z-axis coupler. The Tinkerer's Dream Machine. The Lulzbot TAZ4 (http://adafru.it/1670) was designed with the designer, hacker, and innovator in mind -- offering more printing materials options and larger print volume than most of their competitors. Want to modify your machine to print with 1.75mm plastic or get a dedicated printhead for lots of projects using flexible filament? No problem - you can do that -- you have all of open source resources you need to upgrade and mod your machine.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Printrbot Models
PrintrBot Simple Metal 3D Printer - Black Assembled (http://adafru.it/1760) New from Printrbot, the Metal Simple is a brand new rock solid, all metal, fully-assembled Printrbot Simple! As opposed to the Printrbot Simple Kit (http://adafru.it/1735), all of the laser cut wood parts have been replaced by rock solid metal and assembled. In fact, the total number of parts have been reduced to just a fraction of the wooden model. The all-metal construction combined with a GT2 belt pulley system produces a 3D print that rivals those of other manufacturers which cost thousands more! The Printrbot Simple is an exercise in 3D printing minimalism. It includes only what is needed to get started in the world of 3D printing. With the All-metal Printrbot Simple you'll have a fully-functioning 3D printer that weighs only 12 lbs and fits nicely on your desk!
For the technical specs, © Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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accessories, and other details for the latest model version we are shipping, please visit the product page here. http://adafru.it/1760 PROs While higher cost than the Kit, still very affordable for an assembled printer! Can print at resolutions to compete with more expensive printers. Rigid enough to improve printing -- and to be your portable printer. Auto Level Sensor makes setup for each print a snap. CONs While the metal case is mostly a benefit, it adds significant weight. Offers very little shielding from drafts, a liability when printing large objects. Not as easy to extend and modify as the wood/kit edition. Who is this machine for? 3D printing newbies. Educators/students. Hobbyists, Crafters, Designers. Bottom Line With a sleek metal frame coated in our favorite color -- "Adafruit black" -- the Printrbot Simple Metal (http://adafru.it/1760) packs significant printing power into a small (and portable) printer. An affordable, assembled printer design that benefited from generations of Printrbots models, and offers primo features such as the auto level sensor, milled metal print bed, GT2 belts and pulleys, and z-axis coupler.
NOTE: Stay tuned for a new photo for Printrbot Simple Kit - 2014 (below) showing the autoleveler and other new features.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Printrbot Simple Kit - 2014 Model (http://adafru.it/1735) The Printrbot Simple is an exercise in 3D printing minimalism. It includes only what is needed to get started in the world of 3D printing. After building this kit you'll have a fully-functioning 3D printer that weighs only 10 lbs and fits nicely on your desk As of June 18th, the 2014 Model update ships with a number of the new features introduced in the Simple Metal printer, including an auto level sensor, redesigned chassis, metal print bed, GT2 belts and pulleys, and Z-Axis Coupler.
For the technical specs, accessories, and other details for the latest model version we are shipping, please visit the product page here. http://adafru.it/1735
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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PROs? Our most affordable 3D printer. Can print at resolutions to compete with more expensive printers. Fully customizable - can be modified for larger print surfaces or for special purposes such as printing flexible filament. A great way to learn how 3D printers work -- by assembling one. Auto Level Sensor makes setup for each print a snap. CONs? Be prepared to apply a bit more elbow grease to dial in your printer for printing at higher resolutions. Small build platform. (Unless you modify and extend your machine.) Offers very little shielding from drafts, a liability when printing large objects. Who is this machine for? 3D printing newbies. Educators/students. Hobbyists. Everyone. Seriously. We have had customers with 2-3 printers already purchasing this one because it is just so darned cute. Bottom Line Printrbot Simple Kit (http://adafru.it/1735) offers an affordable introduction to 3D printing -one that performs better than other printers in its price bracket. Ideal for the mechanically-inclined, who are eager to learn more about how printing works. And it is so darned cute!
PLEASE NOTE: This model is a kit and not for beginners! You'll get all the parts to assemble your own 3D printer but it does require some technical expertise, time and effort to assemble.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Aleph Objects - LulzBot Models
LulzBot TAZ 4 - Open source 3D © Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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LulzBot TAZ 4 - Open source 3D Printer (http://adafru.it/1670) The evolution of desktop 3D printing continues with TAZ 4, LulzBot’s top-of-the-line, highest quality printer to date. Merging technical expertise with design sensibilities, TAZ is for inventors, entrepreneurs, design engineers and prototypers — bring your ideas to life with TAZ . As o f May 12th, 2014 we are shipping the LulzBo t Taz 4! New features include a re-engineered drive rod system for better print quality and re-designed Y-axis mounts so setting up your printer will be easier than ever. The Taz 4 has also upgraded to a 400 watt power adapter and an assembled and enclosed electronics case. Finally, the extruder fan now comes standard with every Taz 4. All of these features add more versatility and quality to the Taz 4..
For the technical specs, accessories, and other details for the latest model version we are shipping, please visit the product page here. http://adafru.it/1670 PROs Open source hardware. The first hardware project to be awarded the Free Software Foundation's RYF certificate. Can be extensively customized and upgraded. Designed to handle the range of needs for the broadest range of printing materials, including experimental materials. Designed to survive for the longhaul. Should any part fail, you can print (or have printed) a replacement part to get you back in the game. Designed for use with open source software. Can use a variety of control software run on a broad range of operating systems. CONs More expensive than many of the other open hardware options. Heavy, large footprint. While the quality of the production parts are high, they are more likely to fail than injection molded parts. (However, the user can modify and reprint any part to keep a LulzBot up to date!) Who is this machine for? Inventors/Innovators/Entrepreneurs Universities/Fab Labs Architects/Engineers/Industrial Designers Medical practices Manufacturers © Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Bottom Line The Lulzbot TAZ4 (http://adafru.it/1670) was designed with the designer, hacker, and innovator in mind -- offering more printing materials options and larger print volume than most of their competition. Want to modify your machine to print with 1.75mm plastic or get a dedicated printhead for lots of projects using flexible filament? No problem! The best benefits of a printable, open hardware project like this one is that you have all of the resources and permissions you need to upgrade and mod your machine.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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Previous Models Adafruit Has Carried: MakerBot Models
MakerBot Adafruit Edition (http://adafru.it/1292) DISCONTINUED The Replicator 2™ was MakerBot’s fourth generation machine, and represented a tremendous leap forward in ease of use, resolution, and build volume over their previous models. Had a resolution capability of 100 microns and a massive 410 cubic inch build volume. The MakerBot Adafruit included a special limited edition MakerBot + Adafruit build plate and a 3d printing for electronics pack!
For the technical specs, accessories, and other details for the latest model version we are shipping, please visit the product page here. http://adafru.it/1292 © Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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PROs Designed and manufactured by one of the biggest teams in the desktop 3D printing landscape. Required very little setup out of the box before it was ready to print. CONs No longer available -- the entire Replicator 2 line is no longer stocked at MakerBot. Appliance-style case can be difficult to access for servicing electrical and mechanical issues. Who is it for? Targeted architects, engineers, and professionals. Popular as a brand-name recognizable printer for designers and startups. Educational institutions and libraries. Bottom Line While no longer available, the MakerBot Adafruit Edition (http://adafru.it/1292) packaged together a reliable, ready-to-print 3D printer with some of the most popular beginner electronics kits in the Adafruit store.
The Replicator 2 series has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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MakerBot® Replicator™ Mini - Available at Makerbot.com The MakerBot® Replicator™ Mini is a compact 3D printer from the folks over at MakerBot. It's durable, reliable, and has an unparalleled ease of use thanks to its One Touch™ 3D Printing technology. Unlike its big brother the MakerBot Replicator, (http://adafru.it/1292) it also comes in a compact, desktop form - taking up just a slightly larger footprint than the assembled Printrbot Simple Kit. (http://adafru.it/1735) There are other advantages to the MakerBot® Replicator™ Mini as well. It comes with MakerBot's free software and gives you access to the MakerBot Thingiverse® - their premiere 3D design community. And on top of all that, it includes all the advancements you've come to expect from the MakerBot team including the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder, an on-board camera, software, and cloud utilization through MakerBot Mobile. Overall, it offers all of the features and support of a MakerBot in a compact package. While our Adafruit Edition Replicator remains out of stock while we try to decide whether we'll keep stocking it, we're putting in just a few of the Replicator Minis to gauge demand. We also carry a variety of other 3D printers (http://adafru.it/diH) if MakerBot's not your 3D printed cup of tea.
© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-desktop-3d-printer-selection-guide
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For the technical specs, accessories, and other details for the latest model version we are shipping, please visit the product page here. http://adafru.it/1913 PROs The most affordable 3D printer from MakerBot in several generations of products. A very small footprint, handy for use on your actual desktop. Smart Extruder and other new "Gen 5" additions offer a number of pro features new to the desktop experience. CONs The smallest build plates of the printers we have carried, including the Printrbot Simple series. Some of the features of the Smart Extruder do not yet perform as proposed. Product still experiencing growing pains, but will likely iron those out shortly! Who is it for? Gadget fans. Designers looking for a machine that looks as cool as what it produces. Bottom Line The MakerBot Replicator Mini (http://adafru.it/1913) is a striking looking machine and an opportunity to purchase one of the least expensive MakerBot-brand printer in a few years. We don't have any in stock, but you can order them at MakerBot.com.
© Adafruit Industries
Last Updated: 2014-07-31 11:30:10 AM EDT
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