Anybody Familiar With 3D Printers???

[slipperybidness]

So, I think I'm about at the point that I need a 3D printer. I want to use it to make various parts, stuff like volume knobs, custom telescope mounts and adapters, general hobby stuff, and some light prototyping.

Does anybody on the forum have vast knowledge and experience on these? I have started reading reviews and general options and starting to get an idea of what I want.

For budget, I'm thinking $500 range. Maybe I could stretch that to $900, but that really is about top dollar for me.

Anybody have any insight?

 

[highfigh]

So, I think I'm about at the point that I need a 3D printer. I want to use it to make various parts, stuff like volume knobs, custom telescope mounts and adapters, general hobby stuff, and some light prototyping.

Does anybody on the forum have vast knowledge and experience on these? I have started reading reviews and general options and starting to get an idea of what I want.

For budget, I'm thinking $500 range. Maybe I could stretch that to $900, but that really is about top dollar for me.

Anybody have any insight?

You can't print beer, so don't even try it.

 

[j_garcia]

My previous company used to sell them but they were pretty expensive. They do have some smaller models now that are probably worth looking into, most likely the Mojo. Stratasys / Dimension is the company. The 3D print quality from the U-print SE was already quite good, have not seen the Mojo yet.

http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers

Current company has one that is probably around your price range too and one of my friends is in charge of it. I'll get the info on that one.

 

[slipperybidness]

Quick update. I ended up going with a Qidi Tech 1. This is absolutely a clone (knock-off) of the Makerbot Replicator 2x! The EXACT same design, the EXACT same firmware, I use the EXACT same Makerbot Software! Qidi may have done a few things to cut costs, but we are talking ~$500 CHEAPER for the Qidi model!

With tax etc, I got this delivered to my door for right at $700. Right now, you could get it from Amazon for $600, and that is a HECK of a deal on this 3D Printer!

https://www.amazon.com/TECHNOLOGY-3DP-QDA16-01-Extruder-Structure-Filaments/dp/B01D8M32LU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483711205&sr=8-1&keywords=qidi+3d+printer

Overall, I am VERY pleased with this printer! It is exactly what I needed/wanted. The quality is very good, and the price is also very good. I did have some minor issues and maintenance during the first 6 weeks, but most of that was operator error and me on the learning curve.

I now have it dialed in very well and I am very pleased with the prints. I have already put about 5 rolls of 1kG filament through this thing. I did several Christmas Presents this year--print them out, sand/trim as needed, apply a high quality modeling paint, and have a very professional and nice custom Christmas gift!