this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2023
52 points (94.8% liked)

3DPrinting

15629 readers
204 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: !functionalprint@kbin.social or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe/ may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

I am looking to buy a 3D printer for my son (and for myself too). We want to print, not tinker, so it should be something that gives great results right from the start.

Can you guide me to a sensible choice?

My first choice would have to be the Prusa MK3S Plus but it is outside the price range I am shopping for, except if I buy used -- would that be bad to do?

Realistic choices:

  • €380 used Prusa MK3S+, with 10 days printing time
  • €400 new Prusa Mini+
  • €250 new Ender 3 V2 Neo

Criteria:

  • High quality, no hassle. I want to print, not tinker.
  • Preferably (semi)assembled.
  • Auto bed leveling.
  • Auto error detection (filament, power, etc.?).
  • Budget up to 600 EUR/USD including extras, excluding filament.
  • Speed is not important.
  • Size is not important.
  • Must not be cloud-based.

Questions:

  • Surface?! Smooth, os satin, or textured? (Why) Should I have more than one kind?
  • (Why) Do I need an enclosure?
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] RobotToaster@infosec.pub 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Same with glass, I ruined a few with PETG.

[–] squaresinger@feddit.de 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Why would you use a glass bed in 2023?

[–] rambos@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Clean glass is best for pla imo. Also its flat. You need flat bed to avoid auto bed leveling and tooling plates are expensive. I know most peeps here disagree with me hehe

[–] squaresinger@feddit.de 1 points 1 year ago

My stock Ender 5 print plate is super flat and I don't need any auto bed leveling.

The print plate of my Tronxy X8, which I had before, was also super flat.

With spring steel PC, I need no surface treatment before printing PLA, PETG or TPU. It sticks perfectly every time and it comes off easily after cooling down.

No glue strick, hairspray, tape or other stuff that belongs in the 2010s needed.

[–] RobotToaster@infosec.pub 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's very flat, it works well with PLA, and it's what my ultimaker 2 came with.

[–] squaresinger@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago

For a 10 year old machine that makes sense. But honestly, get your self a buildtak clone surface and stick it onto your glass board.

You won't be going back to the glass, I promise you.

Costs maybe €10, takes 2 minutes to install and you won't ever have to mess with glue stick, hairspray or any other surface treatment.