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How much does a makerbot 3d printer cost


How Much Do 3D Printers Cost?

Before you go and buy a 3D printer, you’ll probably be asking “How much will a 3D printer cost?”. Look no further as we’ve created a simple guide for pricing for FDM 3D printers.

3D printer costs are one of the most common considerations when selecting a printer that’s right for you. Pricing is an important metric but it can be difficult to understand considering the range and type of 3D printers available on the market.

While there are many types of 3D printers on the market, we’ll focus on FDM technology in this article. 

So really, how much does a 3D printer cost? 3D printer cost can vary depending on a number of factors like the type, build, material compatibility, size, features, etc. 3D printers are available for as low as $149 and as high as $1,000,000. While this is an incredibly wide range, it can help to first look at your applications, and your wants and needs when picking the class of printer that’s best suited to you. We have simplified the classification of the 3D printers into five categories and have identified the ideal audience and applications for each category.

Let’s get down to business and understand how much a 3D printer costs.

TYPE REMARK IDEAL FOR PRICE RANGE
Budget Cheapest, Reliability Issues, DIY Explorers Up to $499
Education /
Hobbyist		 Competitive category Ideal for schools, hobbyists, etc. $500 to $2,499
Professional Premium quality printers Office users, designers,
design engineers		 $2,500 to $4,499
Professional+ Increased level of proprietary features,
additional materials, larger build volume		 Factory or shop floors,
manufacturing engineers		 $4,500 to $9,999
Industrial Costliest, very large build volumes,
specialized industry certifications		 Large corporations in automotive,
aerospace, etc. , sectors		 Over $10,000+

1. Budget 3D Printer Cost (Up to $499)

Anet A8 Budget 3D Printer / Courtesy: Anet3D

This is the cheapest range of 3D printers that are available in the market. These 3D printers cost anywhere between a hundred dollars to five hundred dollars. As the name suggests, the budget 3D printers are the lowest priced printers and are most often available in DIY kits. A lot of new or lesser known brands operate in this section as they try to penetrate the 3D printer market through low pricing. 

They are generally defined by very basic functionality, minimal features & minimalistic design, with average after-sales, reliability issues and low-quality output. These 3D printers are considered more as toys rather than a manufacturing technology. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any good brands operating in this space. Companies like Anet3D are popular brands that offer decent value-for-money 3D printers in this range.  

Users of these printers are often first-timers or hobbyists who generally don’t have demanding requirements for part quality or accuracy. The low cost also balances out with the need for knowledge of self-assembly, maintenance, and highly-manual calibration / tinkering for optimal results.

2. Education / Hobbyist 3D Printer Cost ($500 to $2499)

MakerBot SKETCH Classroom 3D Printer

These are one of the most popular varieties of 3D printers. These are a bit higher on the quality ladder and have a large variety of features packed in different sub ranges. The Education / Hobbyist category of 3D Printers Cost in the range of $500 to $2,499.

The ideal users of these categories of 3D printers are expert tinkerers, hobbyists, and educators who are teaching about the technology as well as the basics of design and engineering. Users who have some amount of experience on 3D printers tend to buy 3D printers from this category as an upgrade to their previous entry-level 3D printer. But these 3D printers too have a lot of limitations in terms of the size, material usage, features to enhance the 3D printing experience, etc. 

There is a lot of competition in this category and so brands tend to fight for competitive pricing with new premium features constantly being added to enhance printing experience and bringing the 3D printer prices down with them.

One popular example in this category is MakerBot SKETCH Classroom,  a complete classroom solution, which is also integrated with Google for Education.

3. Professional Desktop 3D Printer Cost ($2500 to $4499)

MakerBot METHOD Professional Desktop 3D Printer

These are professional desktop 3D printers that offer the best possible capabilities at a disruptive price point for a wider range of industries. Industries looking to integrate 3D printing into their manufacturing workflow and want to start with basic polymer products choose these types of 3D printers. These professional quality 3D printers cost in the range of $2,500 to $4,499.

MakerBot METHOD is one such example in this category, offering a range of professional features like heated chamber, proprietary software support with material profiles and access to a wider material libraries for a range of materials from basic PLA to advanced composites like nylon carbon fiber. Premium features like filament run-out sensor, auto-bed levelling, blackout response system, etc. may also be present in such 3D printers by default.

These 3D printers are sized from medium to large but are not too large. These are ideal for desktop use at homes and offices.

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How much does a 3D printer cost?

3D printing is a one-stop solution for a wide range of applications, from high-resolution model production to rapid prototyping, rapid tooling for traditional manufacturing processes, production of aids and end-use models.

However, when you consider investing in a 3D printer, the viability of a solution usually boils down to a simple question: Is it cost-effective for your business? How much does a 3D printer cost and how much time and money can it save your business? nine0003

3D printer prices range from $200 to $500,000 depending on the printing process, materials, and complexity of the solution.

In this guide, we'll break down 3D printing costs by technology, compare outsourcing versus in-house manufacturing, list factors to consider when calculating the cost of each model, and look at what else to look for when comparing different solutions. for 3D printing and other production methods. nine0003

Interactive

This interactive ROI tool will help you find out how much time and money you can save by 3D printing with a Formlabs 3D printer.

Calculate Your Costs

The three most well-known plastic 3D printing technologies today are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages - take a look at the infographic:

Download this high resolution infographic here. Interested in learning more about FDM, SLA and SLS 3D printing technologies? Check out our detailed guide.

Prices for 3D printers have dropped significantly in recent years, and today all three technologies are available in compact, low cost systems.

FDM generally produces models at a lower cost if you only print relatively simple prototypes in limited numbers. SLA technology offers higher resolution and quality, as well as a wide choice of 3D printing materials at a slightly higher price. But this difference is quickly offset when you print complex designs or larger batches due to the less labor-intensive post-processing process. Finally, SLS technology is the most cost effective for medium to high volume production of high quality functional models. nine0003

Comparing the total cost of different 3D printers by price tags alone will not give you a complete picture of how the cost of a 3D printer and a printed model will compare. The cost of 3D printing materials and labor significantly affects the cost of a model, depending on the application and your production needs.

Let's look at the different factors and costs for each process.

FDM, also known as Fused Filament Manufacturing (FFF), is a printing method where the parts of a model are made by melting and extruding a thermoplastic filament, which the printer's nozzle applies layer by layer onto the model being made. nine0003

FDM is the most popular form of consumer grade 3D printing, fueled by the proliferation of hobbyist 3D printers. However, professional and industrial FDM printers are also popular among professionals.

The cheapest 3D printers are FDM printers. DIY kits for FDM 3D printers start at $200. However, most of these models are more like toys or DIY projects that require a significant amount of time to build, set up and calibrate. The quality of the print largely depends on the success of these operations. In addition, machines require repairs and regular maintenance to keep them working, so they are more suitable for people with a higher engineering education who have a lot of time and patience. nine0003

Hobbyist FDM 3D printers cost between $500 and $1,500, come pre-assembled or unassembled, require less setup, but have the same disadvantages as the cheapest 3D printers. More expensive models are capable of large print volumes and work with a wide variety of materials besides low temperature ones such as PLA.

Professional 3D FDM printers start at $2,500 and large format professional FDM printers are available from $4,000. The cost of the most modern industrial FDM printers can exceed 10,000 US dollars. Most of these printers come pre-assembled and calibrated in the box, or they can be automatically calibrated. Printers in this category offer better print quality, a wider range of media, higher print volumes, improved reliability, and ease of use and maintenance. In addition, professional 3D printer manufacturers offer customer support services for troubleshooting. nine0003

Material costs for FDM 3D printing range from $50 to $150/kg for most standard and engineering filaments, and $100 to $200/kg for auxiliary materials. There are also cheaper alternatives, but they are of lower quality.

In addition, FDM printing can be very labor intensive. Successful printing of complex models requires support structures that must be removed manually or dissolved in water. To obtain a high quality surface and remove layer lines, lengthy manual post-processing of models, such as sanding, is necessary. nine0003

SLA 3D printers use the process of photopolymerization, that is, the conversion of liquid polymers into hardened plastic using a laser. SLA is one of the most popular processes among professionals due to its high resolution, accuracy and material versatility.

Models printed on SLA printers have the highest precision, sharpest detail and smoothest surface possible of any plastic 3D printing technology. But the main advantage of the SLA method is its versatility. SLA polymers have a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics. nine0003

SLA 3D printers can handle a wide range of resin materials for a wide variety of applications.

SLA used to be used only in large and complex industrial 3D printers costing over $200,000, but the process is now much more affordable. With the Formlabs Form 3+ Printer, businesses can now use industrial quality SLA printing for as little as $3,750. With Form 3L, large format SLA printing starts at just $11,000. nine0003

Stereolithographic 3D printers will be shipped in a box assembled and calibrated. These are professional tools that are highly reliable and require virtually no maintenance. Technical support is also always available. It provides troubleshooting in a critical situation (but its probability is extremely small).

Most standard and engineered polymers for SLA technology cost between $149 and $200 per liter. nine0003

SLA printers are easy to use and many workflow steps such as rinsing and final curing can be automated to reduce labor costs. Printed models have a high quality surface immediately after printing and require only simple post-processing to remove supporting structures.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printers use a high power laser to sinter fine polymer powder particles. The unsprayed powder supports the model during printing and eliminates the need for special support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including internal features, grooves, thin walls, and negative taper. nine0003

Models produced using SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics - their strength can be compared with the strength of injection molded parts. As a result, SLS technology is the most popular plastic 3D printing process for industrial applications.

SLS printed nylon models are ideal for a range of functional applications, from consumer product design to healthcare applications.

Like SLA, SLS was previously only available in large format, complex 3D printing systems costing $200,000 or more. With the Formlabs Fuse 1 stereolithography printer, businesses can now solve industrial-scale tasks with SLS technology starting at $18,500. The complete kit, which includes the post-processing and powder recovery system, costs $31,845.

As with SLA printers, stereolithographic printers are shipped assembled and calibrated in the box. They are reliable and can operate 24/7. The package includes in-depth training and fast technical support. nine0003

SLS nylon print materials cost about US$100/kg. SLS does not require supporting structures and unused powder can be reused, reducing material costs.

SLS is the least labor-intensive plastic 3D printing process in the production environment, because the printed models are of high quality right away, and to remove excess powder, they simply need to be cleaned.

There are several processes for 3D printing not only plastics but also metals. nine0003

Metal FDM printers are similar in design to traditional FDM printers, but use extruded metal rods held together by a resin binder. The finished parts of the model are sintered in an oven to remove the binder.

SLM and DMLS printers are similar to SLS printers, but instead of polymer powders, they fuse metal powder particles layer by layer using a laser. 3D printers based on SLM and DMLS technologies can create strong, precise and complex metal products, making this process ideal for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries. nine0003

Prices for metal 3D printers have also begun to decline, ranging from $100,000 to $1 million today. However, these systems are still out of reach for most businesses.

SLA 3D printing is available as an alternative for casting workflows that allow metal models to be produced cheaper and faster than traditional methods and provide greater design freedom.

Technical report

Get design guides for 3D printing samples, see the step-by-step direct investment casting process, and study guides for indirect investment casting and sand casting.

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Different plastic and metal 3D printing processes have unique qualities that make them suitable for different applications. Below is a comparison of different printing technologies.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Stereolithography (SLA) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Metal FDM Printing Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Sintering (19008) 9008
Permission ★☆ ★ opa ★ ution ★ opa ★cle ★cle ★ MyQUTION
SUMPLE 1112 HICE ★ opa ☆ 1111111 ☆☆☆ 1 ☆ ★ opa
Ease of use x 300 x 600 mm (Desktop and Workshop 3D printers) Up to ~300 x 335 x 200 mm (Desktop and Workshop 3D printers) Up to 165 x 165 x 300 mm (3D - workshop printers) Up to 300 x 200 x 200 mm Up to 400 x 400 x 400 mm
Price range DIY kits for 3D printers start at $200 and hobby printers cost $500-1500. Professional 3D FDM printers start at $2,500, while large format professional FDM printers are available from $4,000. Professional desktop printers start at $3,750 and high-volume large format desktop printers are available from $11,000. nine0112 Workshop industrial printers start at $18,500 and traditional industrial printers start at $100,000. Metal FDM printers start at $100,000, but complete solutions including an oven are much more expensive. DMLS/SLM solutions start at around $200,000. These printers require special infrastructure conditions, which can further increase costs.
Cost of materials US$50-150/kg for most standard and engineering yarns and US$100-200/kg for auxiliary materials. US$50-150/L for most standard and engineering polymers. US$100/kg for nylon. SLS does not require supporting structures and unused powder can be reused, reducing material costs. Depends on material and technology. Significantly higher than plastic. Depends on material and technology. Significantly higher than plastic. nine0112
Labor Manual removal of support structures (soluble support structures may be used in some cases). Long post-processing is required to obtain a high quality surface. Washing and final polymerization (both can be automated). Simple post-processing to remove supporting structures. Easy cleaning to remove excess powder. Washing and sintering (both can be automated). It is possible to use mechanical processing and other types of surface treatment. nine0112 Stress relief, support structure removal, heat treatment, and mechanical and other surface treatments.
Materials Standard thermoplastics such as ABS, PLA and their various blends. Various polymers (thermosetting plastics). Standard, engineering (similar to ABS and PP, similar to silicone, flexible, heat resistant, rigid), injection molding, dental and medical (biocompatible). nine0112 Engineering thermoplastics - typically nylon and its composites (nylon 12 biocompatible + sterilizable). Stainless steel, tool steel, inconel, copper, titanium. Stainless steel, tool steel, titanium, cobalt-chromium, copper, aluminium, nickel alloys.
Applications Basic experimental models, low cost rapid prototyping of simple parts. Prototypes with a high level of detail requiring close tolerances and smooth surfaces: molds, tooling, templates, medical models and functional parts. nine0112 Complex geometries, functional prototypes, low volume production or limited trial production. Strong and durable models, tools and production aids. Strong and durable models with complex geometries; ideal for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

When calculating the cost of one model, the cost of ownership of equipment, material costs and labor costs are usually taken into account. It is important to understand the factors that affect each of these cost components, as well as the questions to ask in order to evaluate alternative production methods and uncover hidden costs. nine0003

Hardware ownership costs are fixed costs: 3D printer price, service contracts, installation and maintenance. These amounts must be paid whether your printer is idle or produces dozens of models per week.

Add up all projected fixed costs over the lifetime of the equipment, then divide by the number of models you plan to make. As a rule, the higher the performance and efficiency of your 3D printer, the lower the cost of ownership of equipment per model. nine0003

In recent years, desktop 3D printers have shown excellent results in reducing the cost of ownership of equipment. With a price 10 to 100 times lower than traditional industrial 3D printers and the ability to produce thousands of models over a lifetime, the cost of ownership can be negligible.

Questions:

  • Are there installation, training or additional initial costs other than the cost of the machine itself? nine0003

  • Do I need to sign a (mandatory) service contract? What does it include?

  • What accessories and tools are needed to make the final models?

  • What kind of maintenance is required for the machine to function properly? What is the expected annual maintenance cost? Will it change with an increase in production volumes?

The 3D printing raw materials and consumables you need to create models at an affordable price. These costs largely depend on the number of models you produce. nine0003

When calculating the cost of materials, determine how much material is required to create one model, and multiply this figure by the cost of the material. Count the amount of waste and any other consumables. As production grows, the cost of ownership of equipment decreases, and the cost of 3D printing materials tends to become more balanced.

Be sure to check what materials you need to create specific models, as the cost of 3D printing consumables can vary greatly. Please note that some 3D printers only work with their proprietary materials and thus limit your ability to use third party materials. nine0003

Questions:

  • What is the cost of each type of 3D printing material?

  • How much material is required to create one particular model, including waste?

  • What is the shelf life of the materials?

  • Do I need other consumables to create models?

  • Can the machine work with third-party materials?

While 3D printing can replace complex traditional manufacturing methods and provide significant time savings, depending on the 3D printing technology, it can still be quite labor intensive. nine0003

Professional desktop 3D printers are generally optimized for ease of use. DIY kits for 3D printers and hobby printers often require additional effort to adjust settings, while regular maintenance or material changes on traditional industrial machines can involve time-consuming tasks that require the assistance of a skilled operator.

Post-processing workflows vary depending on the 3D printing process, but in most cases include cleaning up models and removing support structures or excess material. However, there are solutions to automate some specific tasks. For example, Formlabs Form Wash and Form Cure simplify the wash and finish process for Formlabs SLA 3D printers, while Fuse Sift offers a turnkey post-processing and powder recovery system for the Fuse 1 SLS printer. nine0003

More complex processes such as SLA and SLS do not take long to achieve high quality models, while FDM models require lengthy manual post-processing to improve quality and remove layer lines.

Questions:

  • What is the whole model production workflow? What specific steps are required to set up printing, change materials, and post-process models?

    nine0298

  • How long does it take to post-process one specific model?

  • Are there any tools or devices available to automate some of these tasks?

Outsource production orders to 3rd party service bureaus or labs when you use 3D printing only occasionally or to produce large models in non-standard materials. Typically, the bureau has several in-house 3D printing processes such as SLA, SLS, FDM, as well as metal 3D printers. They can also provide advice on a variety of materials and offer additional services such as design or improved finishes. nine0003

The main disadvantages of outsourcing are the high cost and duration of production. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is its speed compared to traditional production methods. But it is noticeably reduced if the delivery of the model produced by the involved organization takes several days or even weeks. And as demand and capacity grow, the costs of outsourcing are rising rapidly.

Desktop 3D printers are the perfect solution for fast model production. Depending on the number of parts needed and the volume of prints, the investment in a professional 3D printer can pay for itself in just a few months. nine0003

With desktop and workshop printers, you can pay for the capacity that matches your business needs and scale your production by adding more devices as demand grows, without the heavy investment of a large format 3D printer. Using multiple 3D printers also allows you to print models from different materials at the same time. But if there is a need for the production of large parts or the use of non-standard materials, service bureaus can come to the rescue. nine0003

Investment, material and labor costs are relatively easy to calculate. But what about indirect costs and hard-to-calculate factors that affect your business? Let's look at some of the main considerations when comparing a desktop 3D printer to outsourcing or other manufacturing methods.

Save time: What if you could get products to market a few months faster? Or reduce the delivery time of your products by a few days or weeks? 3D printing simplifies traditional prototyping and manufacturing workflows, helping you save time and stay ahead of the competition. nine0003

Top results: 3D printing allows you to create more iterations, overcome failures faster, and produce better end products. Troubleshooting a design early on also helps avoid costly redesign and the use of additional tools.

Interaction: Having high-quality prototypes and models allows you to communicate more effectively with customers, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. Avoid misunderstandings and costly mistakes. nine0003

Intellectual Property Protection: Do you work with confidential information? Making your own models means you don't have to transfer intellectual property (IP) to third parties, reducing the risk of IP leakage or theft.

Usually, calculating cost per part, lead time, and comparing alternatives to see if a solution is right for your business is a tedious task of creating a complex spreadsheet in an attempt to collect all of the often hidden information from a manufacturer. nine0003

Use our simple online tool to calculate cost per model and order lead time when printing with a Formlabs stereolithographic 3D printer and compare time and cost savings with other manufacturing methods.

Calculate the cost and time

MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer from the manufacturer MakerBot Industries, LLC - 3D printer owner reviews, description, specifications, photos, printed models on the MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer

The MakerBot Replicator 2 personal 3D printer has a high print resolution of 100 microns, which puts it in line with expensive professional 3D printers. The device can create 3D models with dimensions of 285x153x155 mm with high print speed: 50 mm/s without losing the quality of printed objects. The printer is equipped with a heated platform, which eliminates plastic slip and layer deformation. nine0003

About the MakerBot Replicator 2

Rugged steel housing ensures durability.

MakerBot is the benchmark for desktop 3D printers. The main model of the company has undergone many changes, constantly undergoing modernization of both functional features and appearance. MakerBot Replicator 2 should not be considered a household printer, because it is not. This device is aimed at the more advanced users, or at least those who are willing to delve into the intricacies of the 3D printing process and be rewarded with high quality prints and rich functionality. nine0003

Design

MakerBot Replicator 2 3D Printer

The exterior design of the Replicator 2 is hardly classic. It would be more correct to be “original”, because it was the “replicators” (including their heterogeneous predecessors, the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic and MakerBot Cupcake printers) that made the open case with cutouts in the facing panels a kind of standard that gave rise to a myriad of imitations and outright clones. The cutouts serve a strictly practical purpose, facilitating access to the build platform from all sides and, last but not least, providing good ventilation and fast cooling when printing with PLA. nine0003

The printer frame is made of powder-coated steel and PVC cladding panels. The guides are made of aluminium, while the bearings are made of cermet based on oil-impregnated bronze. In general, the developers have put a lot of effort into ensuring the durability of the device. True, the metal frame is not to everyone's taste, because the wood used in the early models of the printer tends to absorb vibrations more effectively.

Unlike some earlier versions, the Replicator 2 uses only one extruder, but the size of the working area has been significantly increased and is 285x153x155mm. Note that some confusion is possible: the latest model of the fifth generation is again called the Replicator. This device can be considered a further development of the described Replicator 2 model, which, according to the new nomenclature, should be attributed to the fourth generation. At the moment, the fourth and fifth generation models are sold in parallel, having certain differences in the configurations of the build areas, electronic filling, and some other points. nine0003

Acrylic worktable excellent for PLA printing

Since “replicators” have traditionally been designed primarily for PLA printing, the Replicator 2 does not have a heated bed. Actually, polylactide is the only type of consumable that is officially supported by this device. By the way, there is a printer variant called the Replicator 2X (“X” stands for “experimental”), in which MakerBot re-tested printing with ABS plastic, including a heated platform in the design, removable panels that cover openings in the cladding panels, and returning printing with two extruders . This option is also on sale, but is intended for professional users. The removable table of the Replicator 2 is made of acrylic, which is an excellent base for models made of PLA plastic. nine0003

Printing

Replicator 2 3D Printer Extruder

Printing is done using a single extruder and a 0. 4mm nozzle. With a minimum layer thickness of 100 µm and a positioning accuracy of 11 µm along the X and Y axes and 2.5 µm along the Z axis, very high-quality models are obtained, allowing the Replicator 2 to be put in the class of semi-professional printers.

As already mentioned, the detachable work table is made of acrylic. This option has been so successful that most users do not even resort to additional means of holding the model in place, such as duct tape. On the contrary, the addition of tape can worsen the adhesion of the polylactide compared to printing on a bare bed. You just need to make sure that the platform is free of dust and grease before printing. nine0003

The choice of colors of the branded plastic thread is quite rich, including 26 options, of which 7 are translucent. In addition, the Replicator 2 uses quite standard spools and the usual 1.75mm filament diameter, which allows you to use "non-native" materials, although at your own risk.

Inexpensive variants from the same Chinese manufacturers often suffer from rather poor performance. It is not uncommon for a filament to have an oval cross section, which, coupled with a frankly rather weak pulling mechanism, can lead to loss of adhesion and clogging of the extruder. A particularly unpleasant surprise can be the instability of the filament shape - printing can start quite normally, but end up crashing in the middle of the process with the loss of an unfinished model. It is worth paying attention to the packaging: coils sold without vacuum packaging inevitably collect dust, whose accumulation in the extruder again does not promise anything good. nine0003

The Replicator 2 has been successfully used to print sandstone and wood simulants.

In addition to potential savings, the use of standard spools provides the ability to print materials not originally intended by the printer's designers. For example, the Replicator 2 prints quite successfully with resin wood and sandstone simulants, known as LAYWOO-D3 and Laybrick, from the German manufacturer Orbi-Tech. True, to print with these materials, you will have to make some changes to the printer settings. For example, LAYWOO-D3 is preferably printed at a nozzle temperature of about 215-210°C (standard temperature for PLA printing is 230°C) and with the fan turned off, usually cooling freshly applied PLA layers. In the case of Laybrick, an extrusion temperature of 165-190°C for smooth surfaces and 210°C with fan running for a rough outer layer.

Printing with ABS is theoretically impractical due to the lack of platform heating, but there is evidence of successful printing of small models. The greatest difficulty is preventing ABS plastic from slipping, but the savvy of 3D craftsmen suggested the option of replacing the desktop with a glass one and using hairspray as glue. However, the printing of large models is doomed to twisting of the deposited layers and deformation of the model during shrinkage. nine0003

Fairly good results can be achieved with nylon, although the lack of a heated bed also makes the process much more difficult. Specially designed options such as Taulman 618 and 645 are recommended.

All in all, the Replicator 2 allows you to let your imagination run wild and experiment with many materials beyond the standard PLA.

Software

The Replicator 2 software caused quite a stir. The fact is that the company used a closed code. The proprietary program was called MakerWare. Actually, "closeness" touched the design of the entire printer, for the first time since the founding of the company, which built its business on the use of designs and developments in the public domain. Most outraged was the legendary founder of the open source printer project, called RepRap, Josef Prusa, who caught MakerBot in the commercial use of his ideas. Traditionally, RepRap developments are intended for use by enthusiasts, and if for commercial use, then with the concomitant provision of improvements to the public domain. But to some extent, MakerBot can be understood: the latest models have undergone such significant changes that their manufacture by improvised means is unlikely. The addition of proprietary software was only the final touch in the "closing" of design features. nine0003

MakerWare - MakerBot Replicator 2 Proprietary Software

In terms of functionality, MakerWare is practically the same as the previously used open programs Skeinforge and Repetier-Host, except that the interface has changed. The program is compatible with Windows 7 and 8, Mac OS X and Linux and is able to work with STL, OBJ and THING files.

What is alarming is the lack of full control of the printer via a computer connection. The Replicator 2 is equipped with a very user-friendly LCD control module that exclusively performs operations such as platform calibration or plastic loading. If the module breaks, the user can use the remaining plastic on the spool, but then the printer will have to be returned for repair. One computer is not enough. On the other hand, while the module is working, you can use the SD card reader to print offline, without fear of print failures due to a computer freeze or a cable break due to a toothy pet.

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