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Greeting to all.

I’m fairly new to the 3D printing world. We recently bought a MakerBot Z18 at work and became hooked. So much so that I’m interested in purchasing a reasonably inexpensive printer for home that is capable of printing in at least ABS, PLA and NingaFlex. I’m thinking of starting off with something that is easily upgradable that I can build upon as my knowledge grows. Upgrading may include better hot-ends, heated build plates, Bowden extruder, dual extruder, etc (anything else?).

I’m considering this one [url=http://www.amazon.com/Alunar-Desktop-Printer-Accuracy-Assembly/dp/B018XJ3E02?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A1LA0O3C8DE64U][/url]. Any feedback will be appreciated?

I’ve seen some based on the Arduino Mega controller. Is there an advantage to this?

Thanks

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I have a Prusa I3 based on the Geeetech GT2560, and I am really happy with the printer. I don’t have any experience with the control board shown on the one you listed. It looks like it is a Rambo style board.

Overall, my I3 has been great. It is easy to build and use, and there is a large amount of information out there on upgrades and mods. I will say that the I3 is a tinkerers printer. Tweaking and adjusting is needed frequently. Out of the box, print quality is good once you get it set up properly. I had never had any experience with a 3d printer before this, and I think this printer was probably the best choice for getting started. Low cost, simple design, huge amount of resources to draw from, and highly upgradable. I would definitely recommend it!!

Mine came with a MK7 extruder, and that will be my first big upgrade. MK8, then possibly to dual extruders.

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Mr Doggs - Thanks for the feedback. Is your GT2560 frame 8mm acrylic or aluminum? This board is an Anet V1.0. It’s something to start with. I researched the Rambo board and like what I see. It can control 2 hot ends and has independent power inputs. Something like this is on my upgrade list.

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one strength the I3 has over the printer you’re considering… the i3 has a rigid frame to support the X axis inside. that eliminates the X axis wobble that can skew quality over time. This one is certainly cheap, but you can get a I3 kit on ebay cheaper. Go read the wiki and make your choice. This one is likely an awesome printer, but you need to familiarize yourself as to the issues that people have seen and what’s been changed to fix it.

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Actually, mine has the wood frame. I think aluminum would be a nice upgrade though.

The 2560 can handle dual extruders as well, but has 1 power input. Not sure there’s much difference in the 2 boards as far as operation.

A couple things I would recommend.

1. the glass plate for the heated bed. It’s a must have IMO.

2. Checking Ebay, or even Geeetech’s website. Worth looking around to get what you want.

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Are you referring to a specific i3? I thought I was considering an i3.

Thanks

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Am I wrong in wanting to avoid a Sanguinololu controller?

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Maybe I’m looking at this wrong. I realized I can buy the authentic Prusa i3 for $600 +shipping. It comes with the Rambo mini, which is an upgrade in itself. I’m assuming it operates on a modified version of Marlin?

It appears to use smaller diameter threaded rods, which I have read is a plus?

Maybe this is what Eric_7 was trying to tell me and I didn’t realize it. I’m so new I didn’t realize I was posting this on Prusa’s forum either :frowning:

Is there any downside to purchasing their i3 kit other than it costing me an extra ~$300? I may have to spend that on inferior clone part replacement anyway.

Will I be able to upgrade and add to this the same as a clone?

Being from Czech descent I feel like this is calling me home. I’m having a moment here, sorry.

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Theres a few firmwares, I’ve been using marlin and the ramps setup. Most controllers will work similarly. The newer integrated controllers are pretty nice. For a printer, you might be able to build a i3 a lot cheaper, if there’s anyone you know who has a printer. Thats the idea of a reprap, a printer can print parts to create another printer. The i3 needs some larger “vitamin” parts such as the frame. You can buy the vitamins on ebay cheaper. The kit you’re looking at can be upgraded with a frame in place of the top bars. The point im making is that whatever you get, you can make it better. Check if that kit needs a power supply too, some don’t include one. Controllers can be swapped out too.

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I’m sure you’ll be able to upgrade the ‘real’ i3 just like any other. An extra $300 would be hard to justify for me though. You could do a ton of upgrades, buy filament, etc. with the extra. If money isn’t an issue, I think the build quality might be a little better than the clones. Check out this one just as an example. http://www.geeetech.com/geeetech-aluminum-prusa-i3-3d-printer-kit-p-944.html

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Thanks

That is the exact one I was looking at when I asked about the Sanguinololu controller. Shipping for that one is $144 to my front door in the US whereas Prusa charges $70. Yea I know, I’m squabbling over $74 :slight_smile:

I start my two week holiday tomorrow so I’m going to put this on the shelf for a few weeks to let it simmer.

Thanks for everyone’s input

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Update: I purchased the Original Josef Prusa i3 kit off of Amazon for $600 delivered. What a machine! I couldn’t be happier. It was easy to assemble and produces excellent quality products. It prints as well as a $6000 MakerBot. I’m sure I’ll come here from time to time with questions.

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hi, for the $300 3D printer, i’m sure the ALUNAR prusa i3 3D printer will be your best choice.

But i suggest you the other model ALUNAR M508: Amazon.com

This model is much better performance then the model ALUNAR M505 your link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018XJ3E02

The model ALUNAR M508 with much more detail instruction and assembly videos in the SD card along the package and much more specific detail videos on YouTube or the website: www.alunar.net to show you step by step to assemble it.

The printing quality is excellent ,recently i printed my 3D printing rose by my ALUNAR 3D printer can share with you as attached, i loved it , all my friends love it, i got appointments for more and more roses for my friends now, i am afraid the rose need to be volume production now…

Also the customer service is good , as they are directly factory sale, they have good technical support team.

ALUNAR 3D printer M505 : inside the package comes along with 1 roll free filament

Both the ALUNAR 3D printer M508 & M505 can enter the code to get extra 1 more free filament when you buy the 3D printer.

ALUNAR 3D printer with the code for free filament: RHSMWF3Z

Hope my advice can help.

Best regards

grace

skype:eros1025

alunar_printing_rose_1.jpg
alunar_printing_rose_1.jpg2448×3264 3.82 MB
alunar_printing_rose_33.jpg
alunar_printing_rose_33.jpg1000×1333 500 KB

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Thanks for the feedback. I purchased a Prusa and love it. Very Nice rose!