From my research: it currently has not been possible to print overhangs greater than 45 degrees on models using the plastic extrusion process. I think the dual extruder allows the opportunity to incorporate a water soluble plastic material into the printing process in order to support overhangs.
I'm new to the 3D printing scene and I was about to order a Makerbot last week but heard they would be making a CES announcement this week. Any advice from more experienced hackers regarding whether it is worth holding out for this new model with the dual extruder?
I recommend building it yourself. It will be much easier to fix stuff when it breaks if you go that way. You can buy a kit from the above companies, or if you want to source parts from different companies, check out Ebay and Emakershop.com.
Intropy - I've been blogging about MakerBot and other bits and atoms businesses for 4+ years (http://replicatorinc.com). Just after Thanksgiving I bought a discounted MakerBot Thing-O-Matic.
If you have an extra $900 I'd recommend the Replicator. The extra size, dual extruders, and preassembly are a huge upgrade. Being able to print support materials will give you huge flexibility and the Automated Build Platform on the ToM is no equal for a bigger build table.
I'm happy with the ToM and might try the dual extruder at some point.
My only concern about the Replicator would be the fact that it is pre-built. The MakerBot assembly instructions are horribly out of date and can be misleading. The software UI is kind of flaky. The support documentation is not very helpful and is filled with errors. I'd be very concerned about buying something preassembled by that crew. They seem nice, but more focused on being hip than "Six Sigma".
That said, I'm happy with my machine so far. It's fun to be on the bleeding edge of this tech, but if you buy, be prepared to get your hands dirty fixing and tweaking the machine.
Feel free to contact me offline with any questions! [email protected]
the MakerBot assembly instructions are horribly out of date and can be misleading. The software UI is kind of flaky. The support documentation is not very helpful and is filled with errors. I'd be very concerned about buying something preassembled by that crew.
Yikes. I'd be concerned about buying anything at all from that crew.
Do you have a specific target you want to make? If so you should ask on one of the 3d printing forums "would an original makerbot be suitable for _x_".
If not, then an original makerbot would be a good first unit. From what I can tell, great community support which will help you figure out what you need.
As a person who has built their own CNC from a kit, I can tell you that these things are not like "printers for things" as much as they are a really complex tool that you will need to learn how to calibrate and use just like any other hobby.
I've had my CNC for 6+ months and only now am I getting to the point of getting usable (detailed) results from it. Mind you I'm milling PCB's which have a relatively low margin of error, but still.
Machining is it's own hobby (or trade, or profession) and takes time to learn.
Thanks for the advice, any recommendations for the most active community online? The Google Group linked at the Makerbot site seems pretty sparse, as does the Makerbot section at CNCZone.
Also look up if there's any hackerspaces in your area and join their mailing list/forum. I met a number of makerbot, reprap, and CNC owners this way in my city.
Yeah I'm from Toronto, I've visited a local hacker space here (hacklab.to) several times. I saw several different 3d printers there over the course of a few visits. They inspired me to go ahead and take the plunge for myself.
I'm a recent alumnus of the UW Architecture program. I know the faculty there are pushing hard to incorporate emerging technologies into the core undergrad curriculum and many of the graduate students there are doing really interesting work in computational design and UX.
Additionally I can't say enough good things about the co-op program. While I was there every single one of my classmates got a placement every term at a firm within our industry. The economy was better then, but most of us had our pick when choosing what city we wanted to work in abroad. And this is on top of the compulsory term at the school's Rome studio in 4th year.
