PrintBot 3D Printer $349 @Adafruit

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Is this a case of you get what you pay for?

“PLA only (no heat bed)” is this a big detriment?

[quote]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 5 lbs and fits nicely on your desk

Please note! the Printrbot 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.

Features of the Printrbot Simple Kit:

  • The 2014 model comes standard with Aluminum Extruder and Aluminum print bed
  • 0.1mm resolution (and beyond)
  • 100mm cube of printing volume (~4″ cube)
  • Printrboard electronics
  • PLA only (no heat bed)
  • Ubis 1.75mm Hotend
  • 200lb. test fishing line - the X & Y “belts”
  • 12v 6A laptop style power supply
  • Outer dimensions: 7″ x 8″ x 9″
    ~5.25lb total weight

Sample of 1.75mm PLA filament
Fan and end stops included
Laser cut wood parts are standard 1/4″ (6mm) thick[/quote]

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I known several people with Simples. It prints fairly well within its constraints.

Not a problem. I only print in PLA. The other plastics are too stinky. PLA is very strong. The biggest problem with the Simple is its build volume. If you are OK with a 4" cube build area then go for it. A lot of people end up using the Simple to print parts for building larger printers. I guess you can consider the Simple a gateway drug :wink:

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I have my steppers in for my Prusa i3. There’s many ways to achieve similar capabilities without some of the restrictions but with only mildly more costs (but more costs, for sure). So while it’s a great gateway, you may be disappointed if you thought this might be your only 3d printer.

(I agree, 100mm x 100mm x 100mm build area would be too restrictive for me)

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BTW, if you’re building a printer (or something else) and need some aluminum extrusion, Misumi is giving away $150 for every new customer. I just received enough extrusion to build several projects.

http://us.misumi-ec.com/news/topics/2014/01/misumi-first-150-promotion-terms-and-conditions.html

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The German electrics shop Conrad offers a nice one (but a bit expensive):
http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/1007508/3D-Drucker-renkforce-RF1000?ref=list
(site is in German only).

It got quite good reviews.

But the cool thing is that they want to offer a milling head for it in near future.
Also a laser labeling/cutting head is mentioned 8)

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Look out for the Robox that should be selling this spring.
http://www.cel-robox.com £850

Dual print head (thick and fast + fine and slow).
Needle valve to prevent over extruding.
Kit availiable for dual material.
Heated bed.
Modular head (they already make power tools and are planning a CNC head)
EDIT: DRAG KNIFE COMING THIS YEAR.http://www.3dprinterworld.com/article/robox-set-begin-delivery-while-developing-new-print-heads

I gather they’re in talks with element14 to distribute.

Coolest bit is that when finished the print head slides along to release the catch on the spring loaded lid.

The Reprap Ormerod from RS is not bad for the price also. It has a heated bed.

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Brooke here from Misumi.

@ ianlee74 - Thanks for sharing the $150 in Free Product with the group!

As an add-on, if you are an individual placing your first order (as opposed to company account), use the code “First150–Web” through March 31 to get the discount in the USA or Canada. And if there are any questions, please feel free to let me know. Thanks!

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