What's new
Pinball info

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

3D Printers

Yes, Makers Central looks very interesting and not something that was on my radar so def a good shout by Calimori. I see Revopoint were on the exhibitor list for 2024 but seems too early for this years list.
 
I was thinking the same thing and the Einstar and Revopoint were both looking positive.
I will be going to Maker Central again this year to test drive some scanners. If I can wait that long.
Hadn't heard of that - will definitely have to give it a visit.

I'll almost certainly forget though so will need reminding. Trip to Tilt beforehand for those travelling long distances?
 
Not sure of timing/logistics to add in Tilt but a good thought if I can get to Makers. Will see what the diary is like in a couple of months time.
 
It was at Makers Central we 3D scanned my kids head last year with Revopoint, it certainly showed a lot of promise but the cost for the Pop 3 felt outside of my comfort zone.
 
YouTube review of mini2 suggests it's a pretty decent unit to start with and ok for typical home 3d printer scale items. I guess just have to take the plunge and buy something reasonable like this in order to get used to playing with mesh editing software. Looks like scanner products are growing into the 'hobby market' so reckon the landscape will be quite different in 3 years time...a bit like what's happened to 3d printers.
 
I've not really needed multiple colours or different filament types in a single print so not bought into this functionality yet. But I want more build plate area so will get a Prusa XL which will also give me the option of having 5 loaded print heads. Yes, more expensive than Bambu or Creality but I feel much more comfortable with the Prusa product proposition. Stock Prusa build plates (PEI and Satin Powder Coated Sheet) give excellent bed adhesion. Very rare to get any warping and only when maxing out the full bed area. But easily prevented with a bit of 3DLAC spray beforehand.
I've had a 5 toolhead Prusa XL for about 6 months now after previously having a Bambu X1CC (and many other printers previously!)

I've been really impressed with it so far. Aside from the build plate size, the multi-material capability really opens up a lot of possibilities if you like printing functional objects rather than just multicoloured stuff.

The Bambu with the AMS was nice for multi-colour stuff, but couldn't really mix filament types. I'm finding the XL great for multimaterial prints such as building in flexible gaskets into PETG prints, or using different types of filament for support.

Although the print speed might be a little slower than the Bambu for single material prints, the fact it doesn't have to do a filament swap with purge means some prints are vastly quicker.
 
I've had a 5 toolhead Prusa XL for about 6 months now after previously having a Bambu X1CC (and many other printers previously!)

I've been really impressed with it so far. Aside from the build plate size, the multi-material capability really opens up a lot of possibilities if you like printing functional objects rather than just multicoloured stuff.

The Bambu with the AMS was nice for multi-colour stuff, but couldn't really mix filament types. I'm finding the XL great for multimaterial prints such as building in flexible gaskets into PETG prints, or using different types of filament for support.

Although the print speed might be a little slower than the Bambu for single material prints, the fact it doesn't have to do a filament swap with purge means some prints are vastly quicker.
Thanks for the Prusa XL user feedback Standroyd. Yes, I do mostly functional printing as well and have some need for different materials in a single print. My plan is to start of with a 2 head XL and add further heads when I really need them.
 
My plan is to start of with a 2 head XL and add further heads when I really need them.
That's exactly what I did. At the time I bought it, buying the 2 toolhead printer kit and then the upgrade to 5 toolhead worked out a few quid cheaper than just buying the 5 toolhead from the start. Not sure why that was the case.

To be honest I don't use all five very often, but frequently find use for three.
 
There have been some leaks floating around about the Bambu H2D which appears to use the AMS in combination with dual heads. Maybe not quite as flexible as the Prusa XL, but should allow for true multi-material rather than just multi-colour.
 
I am now melting the waste and pouring to moulds as a way to reduce total waste. Horrible business.
So yes, the AMS is great but has its real negatives.
I bought a small 'toaster oven' from Amazon for about £30. Absolutely perfect for the job of melting into moulds.
Rather than melting and pouring, simply put filament poop in mould and heat for 30mins or so, as it sinks add more. No mess and great results, keeping the colour for a marble effect.
Melting completely you just tend to get one colour and a god awful smell


Also perfect for drying out silica beads to put in AMS to control humidity.
 
I did that method first and the time it took, energy used and the prolonged smell was even worse.
Heating and mixing in a metal pot minimised the time being heated. Also, the moulds were melting in the oven I have. This reduces that happening.
 
I did that method first and the time it took, energy used and the prolonged smell was even worse.
Heating and mixing in a metal pot minimised the time being heated. Also, the moulds were melting in the oven I have. This reduces that happening.
Temperature on thiis is easily adjustable. Your oven must have been too hot.
I've used numerous different silicon moulds.

Never had any strong smells from it at all.
 

Attachments

  • 20250105_105648.webp
    20250105_105648.webp
    131.2 KB · Views: 9
If anyone would like this let me know, Feels wrong to throw away all this energy
I was experimenting printing this in CF. It works fine just underneath is a big ugly where i struggled with support and the 12/3mm magnet holes needs reaming out on 1 side ( i had to do this also on my final print )

If your wondering “jeeze, why’s this guy printing off lap dancing high heel shoes”, then look again because it’s a poop catcher for the Bambu PS1 model

It has a removable catch tray

“Jazz Hands”
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1380.webp
    IMG_1380.webp
    115.5 KB · Views: 17
  • IMG_1381.webp
    IMG_1381.webp
    124.8 KB · Views: 14
  • IMG_1382.webp
    IMG_1382.webp
    43.4 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_1383.webp
    IMG_1383.webp
    121.7 KB · Views: 15
Whilst I wait for my printer to arrive I've been doing some basic research in anticipation. One question I do have, will I really need a filament dryer at some point?
 
Whilst I wait for my printer to arrive I've been doing some basic research in anticipation. One question I do have, will I really need a filament dryer at some point?
I survived fine without one for years.

I did eventually get one for certain filaments that were particularly hydroscopic (nylon, some flexible filaments).

If you notice print quality declining with a previously used filament or if you hear a faint popping/hissing noise when the printer is extruding - then it might be time to get one.
 
Whilst I wait for my printer to arrive I've been doing some basic research in anticipation. One question I do have, will I really need a filament dryer at some point?
Depends.

If you're likely to be getting through a spool of PLA in a week or two - no.

If you're going to be changing filaments and storing for any extended period - yes.

Certain filaments really need drying before use to prevent poor results. TPU, ABS, Metallic and clear filament are some of the worst.

You could dry filaments in the oven on a low heat, but realistically so much easier to use a bespoke dryer. You can even use it as an external spool holder.

When storing filament not in use, make sure its in an airtight container (I use freezer zip lock bags), even better have some dessicant pellets in there as well. Lots of holders that can be printed specifically for the job.
 
When storing filament not in use, make sure its in an airtight container (I use freezer zip lock bags), even better have some dessicant pellets in there as well.
This is a good point. Some filaments come in reusable bags, but if it doesn't I use 6L zip lock bags from ikea.
 
If you have ordered a P1s/X1c type with enclosure there is the ability to dry filament in the printer itself. Personally i have silica Gel "pods" (on top of the built in ones) in my AMS, so that removes a bunch of moisture if the filament is in there - failing that i use Vaccum bags with Silica gel in for something that i have opened, however havent used in a while..
 
Back
Top Bottom