3D Printer - Running cost

In Australia could you give an estimate of cost of using this printer? Also service & spare parts (Are some frequent replacement requirements)?

Aussie 3D printing

Dear ??? (Mike),

You might want to check in with the guys and girls at Bilby3D

https://www.bilby3d.com.au/

My Metalwork and 3D-designing work colleague uses Bilby as both a reliable solid source of machines/parts/consumables, and as a go-to font of knowledge for all questions 3D-print.

They are not modellers per-se, but are very knowledgeable in their field and are highly regarded...

Also, depending on your location, you may want to link up with some of the NG modellers in Sydney and the Southern Highlands. There is a core group of modellers kicking some rather serious goals on the way to creating On42 models of SAR, CR, and BHP Whyalla railways. The recent Aus7mm "Big Day Out" would have been a perfect opportunity to meet some of these bods...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

​Northern Sydney

Questions

For some reason I can't get to the product page, it just keeps sending me to the homepage, no matter what link I click on that website.

What are the specs for this printer?

Hackaday Review - Specs

http://hackaday.com/2016/06/13/review-monoprice-mp-select-mini-3d-printer/

This review talks about specs etc.

Monoprice 3D printer

Bill,

try this link instead:

http://www.monoprice.com/pages/3d_printers

It works great for small prototype prints, but as noted, is limited to 4.5" square.

Dunstan 

Running cost

Mike,

for light use, I haven't had to replace anything on this unit yet.  The rolls of PLA are about $30 here, but I've not used up a single roll yet.  A roll goes a long way.

I corrected the link, so you can check with Monoprice to see if it's available in Australia.

Dunstan

Link

Thanks Dunstan! that link works much better.

Program?

How do you model the parts you eventually print? Do you draw them up in AutoCADD? SketchUp? Or does the printer come equipped with its own computer program?

Thank you!

Thank you!

3D Printing on TMTV

A reminder that TrainMasters TV has just launched a four-segment series on using a consumer-grade 3D Printer in the hobby, such as the one you've shared here.

One way to use it is to test designs before sending them to a commercial printer to get the final product produced in a higher resolution. They're also great for creating assembly fixtures to speed construction in traditional materials, such as styrene or wood.

Here's the first episode, with guest Jeff Pinchbeck:

http://trainmasters.tv/videos/2016-10-4

We'll be covering several practical uses for printers like this one in future segments.

Cheers!

- Trevor

Some nice looking prints!

Those are some really nice looking prints Dunstan.  After doing some tuning and tweaking (both hardware and software), I am getting better prints on my M3D micro.  Do you have any shapes that you can share that you have used to tune your settings with your printer?  Or does it just print that nice straight out of the box?

right outta the box!

Hi Toni,

This printer worked this well right out of the box.   Keep in mind that if you print very small parts, you should delay each layer of printing so that they cool before the next is laid down, otherwise it will melt into a goo.

Fine detail, like rivets and etc is too small for this type of printer, but it is able to print very thin wall sections.  PLA printers like this alos have to have a support layer for any major overhangs, so I try to position parts to have little to no overhangs.

in my examples, the cone is 1.5" in diameter at the large end.  I printed it with the small end down, and it had NO support required, so the surfaces are clean.  The little "doghouse" is .020" thick, and was printed open side up. 

I typically use it to proof out parts before printing them in more expensive materials, or to make fixtures.

One of the earlier questions asked about my CAD programs.  I'm fortunate to work as a design engineer, so I have access to CREO3, which is a professional grade 3D design package.  There are programs available like Sketchup for some basic 3D design, or even Fusion360, which is a professional grade 3D package that is available by subscription for $25 month from Autodesk.

Thanks

Dunstan

Wow gotta have one maybe.

Dunstan, Questions about this printer:

Being an engineer would you recommend this for us hobbyists with no background in wizardry?

Cura is free and wondering what you think of it for a beginner?

How often do you run a cleaning filament through you machine? What color do you favor for seeing the print?

Thank You for starting this thread.

RJ

Waitaminnit....

"...the core of a hopper car, 4" in length..."

So those parts are N scale?!?!

Oh boy.... I'm sensing a 3d printer in my immediate future!

Hi RJ.For under $200, this

Hi RJ. For under $200, this was an impulse purchase for me, but to make it work well, you'll need to be able to download useful STL files, or create them. SketchUp is the most common non technical method people to design 3D parts. I don't use it myself, but I've seen some pretty good designs. Cura is the "slicer" program that takes the STL file and slices it into layers that the printer then replicates. (STL = stereolithography) Personally, I've found very few good or useful STL files readily available, so you'll probably have to design your own. Learning and practicing with SketchUp is probably your best bet. I remove the pla material after printing but I don't usually clean the nozzle. Your mileage may vary. I use clear and grey pla, but it is the same performance in any color. Hope that helps.

Thank You Dunstan

Got one coming and forgot to add the PLI, so hopefully the unit will have enough to run the exercises through. Thank you for explaining the terminology, cause I did not see the insert about the Cura in your original post. Have an older version of Turbo Cad have to check and see if it will create STL files, if not will give SketchUp a try.

The older I get the more toys I want !!

Have a Great Week end!

Wow gotta have one maybe. Got one!

Thanks again Dunstan,

Got some filament and started printing after a crash course in what 3D printing and file extensions are all about. Pretty happy about this product, took awhile to figure out that the printer only reads .gcode, tech support wasn't much help with it. I have a tendency to over complicate instructions! The dial is rather irritating to operate, found a fellow that drew up an extension, works great. Tried to print a HO Nathan 5 chime whistle, no luck the nozel is not fine enough for the model. Now if I could figure out how to save SketchUp files in gcode I would be happy.

Having way too much fun RJ!

Sketchup has a free plug-in

Sketchup has a free plug-in to export their models to STL. I can't remember where I found it, but try going to their site and ask the question, 'how do I export sketch up models to STL?'

I think that's where I found it.

S

Thank You

Stephen found the folder called Extension Warehouse. Sure a lot of reading as usual, yet plenty of tools. 

With gratitude

RJ

You are welcome. I had to

You are welcome. I had to download the export file again because skup updated my version. I found the process to be confusing to say the least. It always seemed to be encouraging me to sign up for or buy something as opposed to just letting me update the plug in.
My guess it's operator error on my part...

By the way, very nice prints for right out of the box!

S

Got Lucky

I get that buy-it-now when I am on their site. Use sneaker net to load the printer. Got a rectangle 43.6mm W X 25 mm D x 7.6mm T with a shoulder @ 5.4mm. Having a hard time covering it with a roof and keep the curvature. Was duck hunting and fishing when geometry was in session. Here is my attempt at a U23B  radiator shroud so the speaker can come out the top.  

The blue & black will be the filament and use a screen for the inside space.

RJ

how small a scale could you print?

How small do you think you could print keeping scale in mind? Is N scale the limit, does it show lines or could you go as small as Z scale 1:220 and still have flat surfaces and detail?