Upgraded Printer

[EdK]

I completed upgrading my 3D printer today. Much faster and quieter.  

Ed

   

[arvidj]

Which upgrade did you go with? I've been tempted, but am also thinking about a new, different printer altogether.

[rleete]

Now you have to reprint all the boxes you've made.

[EdK]

(03-16-2024, 09:58 PM)arvidj Wrote: Which upgrade did you go with? I've been tempted, but am also thinking about a new, different printer altogether.

MK3S to MK4 upgrade. All major components are replaced so you strip the MK3 down to the frame and start upgrading. It's a lot of detailed work. Not hard work, you just have to follow the directions carefully. I worked on it for about a week and a half, not full time though.

Ed

[EdK]

(03-16-2024, 10:52 PM)rleete Wrote: Now you have to reprint all the boxes you've made.

Ed

[arvidj]

Ed,

You mentioned it is much faster. Looking at the pieces that make up each of the upgrade paths, what would you attribute the major part of the 'faster' to? The pieces in the:

MK3S/+ to MK3.5

MK3/S/+ to MK3.9

MK3/S/+ to MK4

I have a pre-order for a RAT RIG V-CORE 4 but it will be multiple months before it will ship. So I'm wondering what I can do with the existing MK3S+ for faster prints with minimal dollars in the interim. The cost of the 'go for it all' upgrade approached the price of a new MK4, which I would prefer to put towards the RatRig.

Thanks,
Arvid

[EdK]

(05-13-2024, 11:00 AM)arvidj Wrote: Ed,

You mentioned it is much faster. Looking at the pieces that make up each of the upgrade paths, what would you attribute the major part of the 'faster' to? The pieces in the:
...

I have a pre-order for a RAT RIG V-CORE 4 but it will be multiple months before it will ship. So I'm wondering what I can do with the existing MK3S+ for faster prints with minimal dollars in the interim. The cost of the 'go for it all' upgrade approached the price of a new MK4, which I would prefer to put towards the RatRig.

Thanks,
Arvid

My guess is that it's due to the new control/driver board and maybe some firmware improvements. A blurb from Prusa's website:

"it has support for high-speed printing with Input Shaper and Pressure Advance."

Maybe the new extruder speeds things up also since they redesigned it for more control over the extrusion process.

These are all guesses but I sure can tell the differences in speed. That was the thing I noticed right away. Being quieter was noticed later since I couldn't hear it printing when I was at the far end of my mobile home. I could definitely hear it with the old hardware. Not sure if any of this answers your questions though.

Ed

[EdK]

(05-13-2024, 05:07 PM)arvidj Wrote: I have a pre-order for a RAT RIG V-CORE 4

Interesting looking printer. Their website sucks. Lots of fancy pictures and videos but sparse on details. And they're pricey. What about those made you decide on that printer?

Ed

[rubes]

I need to upgrade from my Ender 3 Pro. I didnt wanna spend alot on my first printer and that one fit the bill. I was happy with the results I got with it right out of the box. But now that I know I cant live without a 3D printer its time to step up. What to, I have no idea. I just want something to print, not become another project and tinkering opportunity, wishful thinking probably. X1C maybe? IDK still thinking what to do.

[arvidj]

(05-13-2024, 05:27 PM)EdK Wrote:

(05-13-2024, 05:07 PM)arvidj Wrote: I have a pre-order for a RAT RIG V-CORE 4

... What about those made you decide on that printer?  

Ed

My rough criteria for a new printer, in no particular order, was: coreXY, 300 x 300 x 300 minimum, at least 2 materials without massive purge piles, Klipper, large user community, as much open source as possible, reasonable cost given the criteria.

I was really set on the Voron 2.4 R2, but had never seen one in person. I thought it, with a tool changer, or, worst case condition, a 3d Chameleon and live with the purge piles, would meet my criteria.

My nephew and family live in a Denver suburb, so I took advantage of their hospitality and he and I attended RMRRF 2024 in Loveland Colorado a few weeks ago. I knew the Voron was based on 20x20 extrusions, but it did not dawn on me how small 20x20 actually was. Which led to "how flimsy" the printers actually looked. Obviously it must no be a real issue as there were so many Voron and\or Voron Like printers at the show based on 20x20 extrusions, plus there are tons of them out in the real world, but I just did not like the fragile look of the printers.

My flight instructor is into 3d printing and had built a RailCore machine several years ago. I asked him about the "flexible" nature for the Voron and why they did not use side panels\enclosures similar to the Railcore's monocoque style to emhance the rigidity of the machine. "They just don't seem to think it is important." was the response. He then mentioned the RatRig, so I investigated.

The Rat RIg V-VORE-4 was introduced at the show. I really liked the 30x30 extrusions, the three different size options ... 300 or 400 or 500 (though the 500 will not fit thru a normal 32 inch door so that is a non-starter) ..., it can easily be upgraded to IDEX that addresses '2 materials minimum without purge piles', the enclosure, Orbiter 2 extruder, etc. The down side is that it does not have an option for E3D Revo hot ends (which I really do like on my MK3S+, even though I do not change nozzle's all that often), but may someone will create a MOD for it.

Yes, not cheap, but I thought it was a rational price for what is delivered.

Arvid