topic Re: 3D printing in PTC Education Forum

3D printing

rpackham — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 01:55:26 GMT

We are ready to purchas a 3D printer so we can print some of our custom parts for this season. We've narrowed our search down to the Maker Bot Replicator, and the MakerGear printers. Does anyone out there have experience with either of these printers, or have a suggestion of an

Re: 3D printing

sm — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 12:57:04 GMT

I don't own one myself, but I suppose it depends on what's driving your decision.

Size
Material
Quality
Cost

You could give this Buyer's Guide a quick review. We've had a number of 3D Systems machines at PTC over the years.

Re: 3D printing

rpackham — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 13:35:51 GMT

Thanks for the tip Scott. 3D systems was on my list of top 5.

We've decided to go with the MakerGear setup as it addresses many of our needs: heated bed, multiple options for print materials, great cust. support, and of course, cost....

I'll keep you posted on our experience.

Re: 3D printing

JoshH — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 14:01:38 GMT

Hi Ryan,

I'm curious if you've checked for local resellers of 3D printers? Sometimes they will cut good deals for educators with the added bonus of supporting the product.

Re: 3D printing

rpackham — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:08:51 GMT

No, I haven't. Good idea though.

Re: 3D printing

sm — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:17:29 GMT

For anyone considering 3D Printing or wouldl like to know more about it, check out this webcast from ENGINEERING.com @ http://www.engineering.com/ResourceDownload/AdditiveManufacturing101.aspx

Re: 3D printing

ptc-4827481 — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 22:50:06 GMT

I know you've now made your decision, but I thought I'd weigh in on MakerBot Replicators.

My team/school recently acquired two MakerBot Replicator 2 printers, and we've been very happy... with the one that works. The entire process from a Creo model to having a print is relatively pain-free, and we've been very happy with model quality. Once we get into build season, we'll see how well it holds up...

Re: 3D printing

paulschonfeld — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:02:23 GMT

I have been using a MakerGear M2 3D printer for the last year with students in our FRC robotics program (team 4230). I have been very happy with the build quality and the 'open-source' model of MakerGear. Any repairs or maintenance is relatively easy. And MakerGear support has been immediate -- they individually and quickly answer any questions I have, even if they are 'beginner' questions.

I highly recommend MakerGear.

Re: 3D printing

sm — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:01:27 GMT

Be sure to follow the 3D Printing articles on the FTC Blog.

http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/2015/01/3d-printing-for-first-teams-1-of-8_13.html