A few years ago, I was given the gift of 3D printing for Christmas. Something that I will always cherish, as well as the person who gave me that gift.
It’s been a great resource to have and a great tool for learning, creation and methods of finishing components. I am forever grateful for the addition to my maker arsenal.
This model, made by the same manufacturer is the current version of what I have set up. Without the additional features added since it first came out.
Truth be told – I like mine better. With all the work I’ve done to it, to increase its capabilities – its truly one of a kind.
Inland filament is what they sell locally at MicroCenter in Minneapolis, so all of my personal stock is sourced from there.
I’ve had great results with it, and usually find myself finishing pieces, and airbrushing or painting the finish to remove later marks.
I purchased this hot end upgrade for my Da Vinci 2.0 as part of an overhaul project for my unit. It required printing a few replacement parts.
I researched a few additional feed features as well to speed up the printer for maximum efficiency and reduced vibrations.
At the time, manufacturer’s were trying to figure out a way to close the open-source nature of the 3D printing world – and like anything else in the tech realm – there were workarounds to bypass these limitations. Of course – I performed these mods on my entry-level machine to make it a little freer of a platform.
A pretty great professional unit. We used it for all sorts of presentation models and at some point we had this running 24/7.
Regrettably, without the additional feature of a network card – but with pretty amazing quality and results. I would love to have this on my desk cranking out model elements.
Here are a few of the great resources that are out there for getting into 3D printing and home prototyping.
OctoPrint is a great web interface add-on for your 3D Printer. Offering web monitoring & controls, a web cam, uploading of source files from anywhere and has allowed me to untether from my 3D printer. Even running prints remotely and monitoring it while at the office. All it takes is a Raspberry Pi to host it and you’re good to go.
If only I had a robot helper to unload, and clean and re-level the bed to keep the manufacturing going.
This is a great resource for learning and making in the 3D Printing universe. The users on this site offer pointers as well as a complete array of open-source models.
The site itself is an extension of Makerbot who make and incredible machine and do a lot for the education system and maker movement.
Another great source for 3D Printable models, and for research on machines, upgrades and the like.
If you’re in the market for a bespoke object, and don’t have access to your own machine – Shapeways is an incredible resource. Sort of like an Esty Shop for custom 3D printed objects in a variety of media.
For that matter Etsy is a great source for custom printed objects, sold as a service.
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