Raising my DIY game with this machine

[Vox45]

As a newcomer in the 3D Printing world I wanted to get a machine that would be easy to handle, not too pricy and small enough to fit next to my computer.

I did some research and stumble upon a small 3D printer that can also do laser engraving and CNC (wood/plastic) carving. It was on kickstarter and I contributed in july 2017. I just got it 2 weeks ago and I wanted to share my thoughts.

1. while the machine has a small printing area, the quality of the print is very good!

2. laser is weak but it is a good way to learn about working with laser

3. CNC will be tested later but from what I see in forums and FB, people make very nice wood carving with it.

There are pros and cons but for the price I got this machine on kickstarter (500€/w shipping and custom) I am pretty happy with it. It is rock solid, all metal parts, super easy to assemble, some minog glitches that are being sorted out by a proactive and dedicated support team. I would recommend this machine for education, newbies like me who want to dable in the world of 'slicers' and 3D stuff.

The end goal is to produce a casing for a DIY stepper motor focuser. I also got an arduino kit to go along

So behold, the Snapmaker 3D (I am in no way affiliated with this company and this is a personal opinion, I am not being paid to promote this or receive anything from Snapmaker)

 

[GuLinux]

That's very compact! And it seems to be very versatile...

Let us know, I'll probably think about it myself..

[Vox45]

47 minutes ago, GuLinux said:

That's very compact! And it seems to be very versatile...

Let us know, I'll probably think about it myself..

It is very compact and most of all, very well built with minimal plastic pieces (all anodized aluminium)

Here are the full specs:

3D PRINTING
Heated Bed     Up to 80°
Layer Resolution     50~300 microns
Build Volume     125 x 125 x 125mm(4.9" x 4.9" x 4.9")
Supported Materials     Non-proprietary 1.75mm PLA, ABS, etc.

LASER ENGRAVING
Work Area     125 x 125 mm
Laser Power     200mW
Supported File Types     SVG, JPEG, PNG, etc.
Supported Materials     Wood, bamboo, leather, plastic, fabric, paper, non-transparent acrylic, and so on.

CNC CARVING
Work Area     90 x 90 x 50 mm
Shank Diameter     3.175mm
Supported File Types*     SVG, STEP, IGES, IGS, DWG, DXF, etc.
Supported Materials     Wood, acrylic, PCB, carbon fiber sheet, etc.
*Users can work with these supported files with the help of third party software such as Autodesk Fusion 360.

So, as I said, you can probably find a better 3D printer and a better CNC machine but as a combo laser/cnc/3Dprinter I am happy with the product. Eventually as I outgrow it, I'll buy dedicated machine for each tasks. A stronger 2w laser would be nice to etch circuit boards and a CNC to be able to work with metal would be nice

 

[Vox45]

Here is a sample of what other users have posted on the forum

 

[happy-kat]

Looks quite compact, does it have a cage so you can direct and vent the fumes safely?

[Vox45]

There is one for sale on their website but I find it a bit expensive (around 100$+shipping)

As I dabble in DIY I will probably build one

https://imgur.com/a/1571B

 

[Vox45]

Fist print.... a filament holder for the printer... we live in exciting times !

 

[sloz1664]

That looks and moves like a quality piece of kit. For the price you paid it looks a real bargain.

Steve

[Vox45]

On 17/02/2018 at 21:54, sloz1664 said:

That looks and moves like a quality piece of kit. For the price you paid it looks a real bargain.

Steve

Yes, I think it is quite good for an entry level printer that can be used to learn these 3 different technics (laser/CNC/3D printing) I would highly recommend this printer in schools or at an astro club. As for me, a noobie in the world of 3D printing, I am having a blast money well spent.

Now, on to my project of building a stepper motor focuser using arduino and a 3D printed case !

[Gina]

Nothing stopping you now   You can use that printer to print parts for a bigger 3D printer

[Vox45]

8 hours ago, Gina said:

Nothing stopping you now   You can use that printer to print parts for a bigger 3D printer

lol yes ! My first build is a filament holder for the 3D printer .... Robots building Robots ! we are doomed!

Now I have to build that arduino focuser, it will be base on your project Gina Thank god there are people like you to do all the heavy lifting

[Gina]

Much appreciate you comment