"tiny" 3d printer of high quality?
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Hi. I'm new here. I am evaluating the Duet for a few projects.
In the meantime, do any of you have a recommendation for a very small but high quality 3d printer?
I am looking for one with maybe 4x6x4" tall capacity, of high enough quality that a non-techy person can use it easily. This would be for making the same 4-5 parts over and over. Aside from being low maintenance after properly setup, small physical size is important. I am hoping for one that is not much larger than a standard sheet of paper, and under 1' tall. Speed is not critical, but good looking prints are.I have seen the Cetus and Fabrikator mini–has anybody upgraded one?
Thanks.
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If you want something that small with very high quality, look into getting a DLP resin printer printer…
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Thanks, but I already have a Form1+, and the resin strength does not seem to be there.
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To clarify my definition of quality, a "quality" FDM machine will not be sloppy, will not wear out fast (500 to 1k very small prints) and require lots of tuning. It should be repeatable, reliable, and predictable. The home positions will be the same place every time, and once the gcode is dialed in, it might only need slight tweaking if there are large variations between spools.
My end goal is to set up a selector switch so the operator can turn it to the desired part (3-4 options), and hit start. I already have a "finicky" machine, and that is fine for one-offs, but this one is for low volume production of small parts so I don't have to spend time fiddling.
Thanks.
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Dice is a small FDM that can produce very high quality prints. http://www.instructables.com/id/DICE-a-Tiny-Rigid-and-Superfast-3D-printer/
The build volume is smaller than you specified, though.
You could scale down a railcore II perhaps: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2407174
Though I've not looked too hard into going smaller - most people want it to be scaled up.
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I suggest a miniature delta using Nema 14 motors and magnetic/Delrin rods, although I don't know of an existing design for one that small. You could control it with a PanelDue modified so that it only allows the operator to run the predefined macros.
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The SeeMeCNC Eris is pretty small, too, but was discontinued. Might be able to find one used very cheap. With a duet added, the quality might be good enough.
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its just an idea but there is a microdelta design, magnetic rods would probably help, but at this size accuracy is easier to achieve so it works quite well with traxxas joints.
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One other thought: with a larger printer, you could print several of the same parts simultaneously. For example, if you print 4 at a time, then only 1/4 as much operator intervention is needed to remove the completed prints and start a new set.
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I've built something small and good looking
though I wouldn't say my machine is operator friendly…
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One other thought: with a larger printer, you could print several of the same parts simultaneously. For example, if you print 4 at a time, then only 1/4 as much operator intervention is needed to remove the completed prints and start a new set.
That size I quoted IS big enough to print 4 at a time…
Probably big enough for 8 at a time with 2 print heads. They are small parts.Actually, the qty is low enough that 2 print heads is not necessary, but it is what I am doing now. I just want a simple solution to make a few parts a week without tying up my big machine. It seems I always need to make parts when I want to use it for something else.
As for the kits and DIY machines, I am just too busy to tackle another project. I don't mind spending a little time to tune it and make it semi-automatic, but I don't have time for a build.
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How about this system?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzYMd95iSsg&feature=youtu.be
It uses the 86duino printer, PLA only I suspect but can print quite a few items with the option build plate cassette.
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I love that automation; unfortunately, these parts are too low volume for it to be practical. I would set something like that up if I was lacking in projects.
