EcoRenovator

EcoRenovator (https://ecorenovator.org/forum/index.php)
-   Appliances & Gadgets (https://ecorenovator.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21)
-   -   M2 Make Gear 3D printer. (https://ecorenovator.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3604)

pinballlooking 04-04-14 09:06 AM

M2 MakerGear 3D printer.
 
1 Attachment(s)
My M2 MakerGear 3D printer kit should be here Saturday. This is my first 3D printer so we are looking forward to getting it.

It's print area is 8" x 10" x 8" Build Area
"Typical layer heights are between 0.3mm and 0.1mm but sometimes go below 0.05mm"

M Series 3D Printers | MakerGear


I think I will setup a small work bench in the garage to put the printer on. I read the fumes printing ABS can be bad and it can take a very long time to print. The noise can stay out there.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach..._lrg_large-jpg

Daox 04-04-14 09:26 AM

Very cool. Is it a toy or for work? What are you looking to print with it?

pinballlooking 04-04-14 09:45 AM

I took the plunge for a couple reasons. I have two boys 10, 11 I want to inspire their imaginations that they can make all kinds of things.

We make some pinball mods I plan on using this to make some of them or at least prototyping them.

I have been watching the 3D printers evolve and it is time for me to quit researching them and try one out. There so many choices!


Here is a short video with someone printing with it. The first prints.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4R6E6WC-hU

ecomodded 04-05-14 09:53 PM

Great tool.

I imagine you could make molds with it for casting parts or make a item and cast molds from that , either way its good at making prototypes

Mikesolar 04-06-14 06:37 AM

That looks very cool. There are so many of them now and I am waiting for one that can do higher temp plastics like Delrin or teflon (that one is dream)

where2 04-06-14 10:15 AM

In the grand scheme of things, that's pretty inexpensive as technology goes. I still remember what my dad paid for our Apple ][+ back in 1979.

Looking forward to some photos of your projects. I've seen some photos on other forums of one of a kind projects people have printed, and it looks like a handy device to have, especially if the spool of source material is affordable to replenish.

Mikesolar 04-06-14 04:38 PM

What made you pick that particular unit?

pinballlooking 04-07-14 08:45 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikesolar (Post 37399)
What made you pick that particular unit?

There are so many choices out there it makes it hard to pick one. I read a lot of reviews where people second and third printer was the Make Gear M2. They were very happy to move up to the M2.

I wanted to be able to print ABS and PLA out of the box. This is Maker Gear third printer release I did not want anyone’s first release. They always learn from the other releases.

This printer is made in the US a big plus for me if at all possible (price features etc.) I like to support North America business.

Good printer support. I emailed MakerGear support on Sunday and they got back with me in less than 30min the owner and they were not even open. Some of the other printer MFG sometimes never answer a question.

MakerGear is known for its super good support and still being able to order replacement parts.
No hassle warranty.

This printer is made from Laser cut steel and anodized aluminum. This allows the printer to have very good tolerances. “Typical layer heights are between 0.3mm and 0.1mm but sometimes go below 0.05mm. “ Not many under $1,500 printers can do this.

A decent size build area. 8”x 10” x 8”
A heated bed a must for ABS printing
I wanted rails and bearings that would last a long time and if they went bad you could order parts for them.

I also wanted a printer that would not need things replaced as soon as I got it just to make it work well. This may sound funny but in the lower priced printers this happens a lot.

Here is my second print pretty cool. My first print got ¾ done and the hot end jammed. I did not have filament tension adjusted right. I cleaned it and adjusted it. Then I printed this about 7 ½ “ cylinder. This is one of the three items on the SD card to test out your printer.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...406_183045-jpg

pinballlooking 04-07-14 08:55 AM

I put it together on Saturday I started about noon and was done about 10 pm. I took my time I wanted to do it just once and start printing.
Then adjusting it and testing motors stop switches before printing took some time.

I am glad I got the kit I know how it works much more than if I bought it all together.

They now assemble some of the harder things for you. This was a nice touch as I am sure this keeps the kits much easier to support.


I ordered their recommended software today. I was trying some open source and I am sure this would work good I just don’t know enough just yet to get all the settings right.

ecomodded 04-07-14 11:07 AM

Sweet it uses ABS and PLA , We all know how strong ABS is and PLA is earth friendlier being made from plants and sugars.

pinballlooking 04-07-14 11:16 AM

I see others printing with PET+ filament.
They claim “PET+ is stronger than many ABS filaments and has the higher print success rates of PLA. It's ideal for anything functional that needs toughness with some flex.”
I will try this out down the road.

like this.
PET+ Filament Opaque Colors | MadeSolid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpFZEl-cXv4

pinballlooking 04-07-14 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikesolar (Post 37388)
That looks very cool. There are so many of them now and I am waiting for one that can do higher temp plastics like Delrin or teflon (that one is dream)

I would love to have one that does Delrin. That stuff can handle very high temps. I bet it will be a while before we see that one. but who knows the market is changing fast.

pinballlooking 04-07-14 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by where2 (Post 37389)
In the grand scheme of things, that's pretty inexpensive as technology goes. I still remember what my dad paid for our Apple ][+ back in 1979.

Looking forward to some photos of your projects. I've seen some photos on other forums of one of a kind projects people have printed, and it looks like a handy device to have, especially if the spool of source material is affordable to replenish.

MakerGear PLA is $35 for a pretty big spool.
3D Printer Filament | MakerGear

pinballlooking 04-07-14 02:22 PM

4 Attachment(s)
I made a new part for my printer.
Tonight I need to adjust my Z End Stop and the print bed. The first layer came out decent but not as good as it could.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...407_151005-jpg

pinballlooking 04-07-14 07:32 PM

1 Attachment(s)
New software installed.
MakerGear | Simplify3D
All the settings are already configured. Wow big help.
I printed a tool holder for the printer. I now have the Z End Stop dialed in and the bed leveled.
Seems like a major improvement.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBt...JPYOIfQ/videos
They have some nice training on these settings.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...407_202359-jpg

pinballlooking 04-08-14 09:02 AM

2 Attachment(s)
I printed a spare part for my printer. Then I printed R2D2.
I was too ruff clean the printing supports so I will have to glue his legs.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...408_091152-jpg

Daox 04-08-14 09:08 AM

Haha, looks like someone is having a lot of fun. :)

How long did R2D2 take to print?

pinballlooking 04-08-14 09:19 AM

2 Attachment(s)
I am not really sure it was printing before I went to bed and it was done in the morning.
I will check the software it gives a print est.
I just printed a phone case but it did not turn out at all.

pinballlooking 04-14-14 01:34 PM

2 Attachment(s)
My son wanted a Halo (Xbox game) gun so here it is hot off the 3D printer.
It is printed with 8 pieces. It is 15" long by 6" from the hand grip to the top of the gun. It feels very close to a actual pistol. The trigger is in wrong in the picture I fixed it.
a couple places we should have printed support but we are still learning.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...414_102224-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...414_152506-jpg

ecomodded 04-14-14 06:06 PM

1 Attachment(s)
That turned out really well , I imagine you could print a replica pretty easily ..
Attachment 4271

pinballlooking 04-14-14 10:02 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I really like this print. Simple but effective.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...414_225526-jpg

pinballlooking 04-15-14 11:37 AM

1 Attachment(s)
We made Yoda it is scaled 50% he is nine pieces.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...415_122541-jpg

SimpleManLance 04-15-14 07:41 PM

That is so cool! how hard is the software to use?

pinballlooking 04-15-14 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimpleManLance (Post 37704)
That is so cool! how hard is the software to use?

Right now we are just downloading things other people created from.
Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects

I bought Simplify3D | All-In-One 3D Printing Software software. They have teamed up with MakeGear and other printer MFG to have all the setting already configured for you.

The software is very easy to use. I have had my two sons do all the downloading and setup for all but a couple prints. My sons are 10 and 11.

I told my wife I was going to put a Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) on the printer tonight in case the power blips we would not ruin a long print.

Will good idea just to late we were ½ way through a 6 and ½ print and the power went off for three seconds.:eek: That was enough to stop the printer we have to start over.

Needless to say it now has Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) on it.
:rolleyes:

pinballlooking 04-16-14 08:35 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Our latest print is another Halo Xbox game gun. We used more support on this one and it came out very nice. It is 7 ½” by 4 ½”

I know these prints don’t seem very useful but my boys are printing them out on their own. They are printing out stuff that interests them and learning how to use the software. They go in a remove support where it is not needed they save it to the SD card. They are doing it all.


I found out yesterday that SolidWorks gives their student edition to US Military Veterans for $20 (shipping fee)

“•We will only be selling SolidWorks 2013-2014
•The SolidWorks Student Edition cost to qualified US Military Veterans is $20. A copy of your DD214 form is required”


https://store.solidworks.com/veteran...?command=Step1
I was in the Navy so I will give it a try. I have never used a CAD program or any version of SolidWorks hopefully it will be useful.

They said it could take 48 hours for approval but I singed up last night and approved this morning. I paid the shipping.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...416_092804-jpg

pinballlooking 04-16-14 03:41 PM

2 Attachment(s)
I made this today
Holden Observatory -- 3D Scanning a Full Size Building! by ibudmen - Thingiverse
it was just something fun to make. They 3D scanned a very old building with a drone.
it is like 3" by 3"

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...2132-jpg?stc=1

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...416_162043-jpg

where2 04-16-14 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinballlooking (Post 37726)
They 3D scanned a very old building with a drone.

I've been trained to run a Leica HDS 3D laser scanner. It's all about point cloud density, and how long you want to sit in one place collecting measurements. Would have been nice 6-8 years ago to have the ability to print some of the historical buildings we scanned around the city I worked in... :thumbup:

Glad you and the boys are enjoying the new printer. Keep the project photos coming. :)

pinballlooking 04-16-14 08:43 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Ok I made a phone stand for my Samsung Galaxy S4

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...416_212738-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...16_212700-jpg?

pinballlooking 04-17-14 08:51 AM

9 Attachment(s)
I made an OralB tooth brush base. That tooth brush head usually just sits on the counter
I also made a filament cleaner so when you print you don’t get dust in the print.

Some bolts/Nuts

A fun Glider.

We are almost through our first 2.2 lbs. of black filament. Yellow ABS arrives today.

My solid Works software shipped hopefully the learning curve wont be to bad.

I am making a bigger tooth past tool.
Kids love the gliders.



We are going to make a dune buggy. Remote controlled car. Here are the first parts just finishing up.
Someone shared some great planes for it.

Botmobile Dune Buggy - 2013 Version by EricW - Thingiverse

Made a hose clamp
made a butterfly

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...419_144121-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...421_143344-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...421_143241-jpg

pinballlooking 04-22-14 09:21 AM

I was doing a 6 hour print last night and about ½ way through the power went out for 7 hours.
Will I am starting the print again today. We have printed more than 2.2 pounds of filament.
This thing is just coolest think I have bought in a while.
Some new filaments

ABS/PA Alloy it has Nylon mixed it for more strength.

iOn
3DXMax™ HIPS Support Material

You have to print support when something over hangs 45 deg or more this stuff will dissolve with d-limonene solvents.

3DXNano™ ESD ABS
electrical conductivity filament


The more filament choice the better the future is bright.

pinballlooking 04-25-14 01:03 PM

1 Attachment(s)
We have been making a brushless remote control car.
Botmobile 2013 Brushversion - YouTube

We have all the pieces printed out and we have the parts ordered all over the world.

The car is printed out PLA and the Gray is all ABS that is stronger for the gears…
We did not have the printer on the right setting on the red interior. But it was not worth reprinting it because it is just the interior.
It has been a fun project so far.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...425_133217-jpg

pinballlooking 04-28-14 11:46 PM

9 Attachment(s)
I made a vase. I like the design.
I made a couple other things.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...428_205901-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...428_154206-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...428_161120-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...428_211049-jpg

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...428_211134-jpg

Pen holder.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1398785995

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1398829760


Ruins of Machu Picchu - Temple of the Sun

Scientists have laser-scanned the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. +1000 Internet Points if you can design a roof for this temple.

My son's history class is studying this right now. He is going to take to class with him.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1398912918

My latest print J1772 Holster EVSE Holder where you can dock for your EV charging station connector. this is made out of ABS.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1399033222

pinballlooking 05-06-14 10:52 AM

2 Attachment(s)
J1772 Holster EVSE Holder was my first 3D printed item that I have sold.
Hopefully I will sell more of them and find other interesting things to print and sell.

This is a good read on friction welding bounding 3D printed items.
Skill Builder


I just ordered a slightly used SDM hot air work station to assist and bounding 3D printed items.

Magneto Helmet: X-men First Class it is 11 1/2" by 7 1/2" my son loves it we still need to paint it.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1399902232

This is a adjustable Kindle stand or iPad... stand
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1399902232

pinballlooking 05-13-14 03:19 PM

I just ordered a Raspberry PI I am going to set it up to run Octoprint. I will not need a computer powerfully enough to slice and create 3D objects at my printer any more.
OctoPi - a OctoPrint ready distro for the Raspberry Pi - Hackalizer

It can even run a web cam so you can see the printing progress.

This is my first project with Raspberry PI so it should be fun.

pinballlooking 05-19-14 09:10 AM

3 Attachment(s)
My 3D printer is setup in our guest bedroom. I now have my OctoPi running on a raspberry Pi.
I can start my print job from my cell phone, kindle or a computer…
It streams a live video feed so I can check on the print it also makes a time-lapse video of the print.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...8&d=1400508541
It emails me when it is done with a jpg of the finished print.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1400591849
Here is the Timelapse video this is a nice feature. It takes one image on every level change.
Food Clip Made on a MakerGear M2 - YouTube

here is my raspberry Pi in the case I printed for it.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1400518807



This software is great.

I now have my OctoPi installedGuy Sheffer maintains “OctoPi”, an SD card image for the Raspberry Pi that already includes OctoPrint plus everything you need to run it:
Download & Setup
For the email and uploading of timelapse see the wiki page at https://github.com/foosel/OctoPrint/...ful-Eventhooks

pinballlooking 07-15-14 11:06 AM

2 Attachment(s)
Here are a couple new things I have made.
This has six led light that lights up what I am printing for my web cam.
Now I don't need to leave the lights on in the room for the web cam.
instead of using 18 watts to light it up it is using less than a watt.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1405440279

A Halo 4 helmet for my son. It fits pretty good.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1405440279

Higgy 07-16-14 10:37 AM

Oh man I want one of those. Has it cost much in upkeep? Like the printer "ink" or whatever it uses to make the plastic etc...?

How long did it take to print out that halo helmet?

And how strong and durable are the items it makes?

Oh, and how do you get the templates for these items? Like, where did you get the printout from for the masks, and how do you print it out so that it fits your kids head?

pinballlooking 07-16-14 10:48 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Here are the files shared on Thingiverse. Halo 4 Helmet Medium Size B by big_red_frog - Thingiverse
It has 15 pieces and they range from a couple hours to probuly 8 hours to print. So this took a very long time to print. We just keep it printing just about 24-7.

Here is a time lapse video of one part being printed.

M Peak r1 0 20140703043534 - YouTube

Filament cost from $21-$40 a 2.2 lbs shipped. The helmet took about $19 worth of filament to print. I buy my filament in bulk now so it saves money.
3D printing takes some tinkering to get the first layer right. It is not as easy as a ink jet printer at this point. But most people on this group would not have an issue with it.

Yes it fits my boys head he loves it.
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1405566681

This is printed out of PLA but I can print ABS same stuff Legos are made out of so it is strong.

pinballlooking 07-25-14 11:29 AM

1 Attachment(s)
They are releasing a dual extruder upgrade for my printer. It will allow me to print with to colors or different filaments at the same time.
I have one on order. I am in the test group so there could be bumps in the road.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1406305620

We sell one part on ebay and are getting closer to paying for all the filament that we have bought so far. I have bought 16 rolls of filament so far.

The extruder hot end is all metal. This should allow higher temps when printing. This will allow me to print other filaments that require higher temp.
I look forward to printing with some new materials.

stef110 07-25-14 12:17 PM

A nice printer you have, i own a Velleman k8200.
Something i printed a 4 wheel powered car controlled by smartphone by Bluetooth.

http://gallery.svitterzon.nl/cache/t...9_19.56.28.jpg

stef


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:25 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger