Overview: Proposal to purchase new 3d printers that don’t produce waste and we aren’t worried about updating firmware on. The discussion of these items was on the monthly 3d printing meeting for the time being looking for larger printers which we can expand on for multicolor printing. also additional filament storage rack and tools for expansion
Printer Proposal Cost: $5,123.96
Consumables Proposal Cost: $363.95
Storage: 3d printing area
Maintenance: Consumable upkeep and bed maintenance
Certification Required: Yes, will be Peter Nekos for Core L printers
I can’t say I’m terribly interested in adding 2 additional new devices. I think I’d be game for 1 new device with the multi-tool head. If it proves to be reliable and of use, down the line talk about a second one if we show the need.
Also, the Bambu’s have a proven record of being incredibly user friendly and damn need bulletproof. I don’t think we have ever gone this long with function devices, while also getting regular use. So I’m also reluctant to jump ship from that platform just because. Especially given the dormancy of the non-bambu printers sitting on that desk.
So currently I’m unconvinced the cost is worth it at this time, given that I know there are other big purchases looming. I know we have a CNC plasma on deck for a big $.
The reason is in part because of bamboo and them being locked out, and that the printers are constantly being used, so more would help alleviate that. The proposed printers are a larger bed size and are just as user-friendly, if not more, they are also easier to maintain since I’ll be doing the maintenance. These printers can also be upgraded to use index 8 print core heads. The use of these printers will not have their little poops, increase print times, and limit waste. (the waste gets used for supports)(“Enable “Wipe into Support”: Within PrusaSlicer, configure the wipe tower to purge into support structures instead of just the dedicated tower.”) These features were desired during discussions about the 3d printing area.
I am very familiar with both brands of printers. From my own personal and professional experience, I find that the Prusa printers are easier to work with and allow for more advanced features. Users won’t have an issue with user-friendliness, unlike other brands (cough, ender and ultimaker)
The reason for two printers is that both printers are in constant use, so one or two additional printers for multi-material are desired. The printer bed volume is also bigger, specifically by 50xy - 80z mm, bigger than the current system. originally I had wanted to add a prusa XL printer, but it is 3 years old, still a very strong and fast printer, but if we are already looking to get more modern printers, swapping the XL out for a Prusa Core L is more reasonable due to cost and consistency. It’s also only 60 mm smaller than the XL, but still a big printer.
The current bamboo printer, while using multi-material, gets stuck with different spool types (cardboard) and gets jammed. Using a core one, the spools aren’t as packed next to each other,(held on sides) and it should alleviate that problem. People also won’t have to respool as often, saving time. These newer printers also don’t waste filament. There is also the addition of 4 more nozzles (8 total) for advanced designs in prints.
An additional Pro to this printer is that there was a growing interest in using higher temp filament. The second core one printer was going to be set up with the addition of a high-temp nozzle for higher-temp filament types. These features were desired by some hive members.
I vote no as the vote stands. I would vote yes for one additional nice large printer. What’s the status of the raise3D printers? If the two Bambu are busy why are people not using those?
I vote no, same reasons as others. Let’s get what we have sorted/purged/fixed, get all the accessories/support stuff, and if we need due to traffic or desire for different capabilities, one of the new printers. We can (and should) get another later if it proves reliable and popular like we did with the bambus
I’ve seen people try to use the Raise3D printers, but they’re difficult to work with. When Hive members see that other printers are faster and more plug-and-play, they would rather wait than use the Raise3Ds. The Raise3D machines take longer to set up and require more hands-on calibration compared to Bambu or Prusa printers.
If someone has a lot of time to spend in the Hive and is willing to actively monitor their print, the Raise3Ds can produce decent results. But that’s not how most members use the space. Most people start long prints and then leave while they run. With the Raise3D printers, that’s risky. They require more babysitting, and the failure rate is higher.
From a user-experience standpoint, the Raise3D printers are a 2020 platform that require frequent calibration and have a more complicated interface. They lack features like reliable crash detection and the overall workflow is not intuitive. Yes, they can produce good prints—but at the cost of significant setup time and supervision.
Out of the six print tests I’ve personally run on the Raise3Ds, the results have been unreliable. Bed adhesion has been inconsistent, and even calibration prints have shifted or failed mid-process. The interface feels clunky when preparing jobs. It would take a substantial amount of additional time from me to get even one machine running consistently enough for general member use.
I’m not suggesting we get rid of them immediately. They can still be used in specific situations. However, they are not aligned with the goal of providing user-friendly, reliable printers for members.
When I was asked to find printers that members can confidently use and expect consistent, quality results from, I evaluated Bambu and Prusa. As appealing as it is to receive printers at no cost, “free” doesn’t automatically mean “good fit.” The Raise3Ds feel similar to how the Ultimakers eventually did for us. they were capable machines, but no longer the right tool for a high-throughput and low-supervision.
Just like you said - Hive users want something they can walk up and use with minimal fuss. If that’s the case, then one of two things needs to happen with the Raise3D printers:
They need to be modified / reworked to be something useful. Adding crash detection, adding sensors for autolevelling, changing a control board or firmware to enable these features, changing motors and motor drivers to increase speed. My quick look over one seemed to suggest that it has at least “OK” construction in terms of linear motion hardware and rigidity. I’m not volunteering for this task but using the bones that we have to make something more useful is an option and there very well may be people within 3D that are interested in doing so
They need to be sold.
The Bambu/current printers have set an expectation for users of the 3D printing area. That’s great. If the Raise3D printers are never going to measure up, they need to be modified or disposed of. The end. Peter, you’re completely right in your assessment of how users of the 3D printing area flow to machines.