Anyone tried the $199 Monoprice 3D printer?

[Chester]

@NeverDie

@NeverDie said:

Strange. Here the shipping cost is $16.45.

Wow, wonder if its because I'm in Western Australia, that final step over the Nullarbor taps on another $135.00! :)

[Martin Tellblom]

@NeverDie

Simplify3D can slice for whatever printer. You just need to configure your printer in the software

[NeverDie]

I've confirmed that the MP Select Mini is listed in the picklist of supported printers in the Simplify3D software.

[blacey]

@NeverDie Cura is an open source slicer used by many 3D printer manufacturers and enthusiasts... There are sites that provide profiles for the MP Select Mini so there would be no additional software cost if you went this route - for example http://johnbiehler.com/2016/06/05/monoprice-maker-select-mini-3d-printer/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/MPSelectMiniOwners/comments/52183h/cura_21_profiles_for_mp_select_mini/

I have a LulzBot Mini that I really like and I use Cura and have had no problems. I also ginned up an RPI3 running OctoPrint so I can print wirelessly to my USB-only printer. I am sure Octoprint would work with MP Select Mini as well...

[NeverDie]

Do these 3D printers give off odors from the melting plastic during the printing process? I'm wondering whether it would be OK to run inside the house, or whether I should run it in the garage. WAF considerations....

[mfalkvidd]

@NeverDie the smell is not very spouse friendly, but I'd say the noise is worse. Garage is a better option, especially for printing during late nights.

[NeverDie]

@mfalkvidd said:

@NeverDie the smell is not very spouse friendly, but I'd say the noise is worse. Garage is a better option, especially for printing during late nights.

Thanks for the reply. In that case, here's a possible rub: do 3D printers require a stable ambient temperature in order to print properly? I think I read somewhere that some 3D printers are enclosed for that reason (though, I don't know, maybe it's primarily for noise containment). Our indoor temperature is fairly uniform, but the garage temperature will vary, as it is not insulated or conditioned.

[blacey]

@NeverDie Anything other than ABS can be printed inside. ABS gives of odor and can adversely affect some people's respiratory systems.

[NeverDie]

I hear there's some plastic used by 3D printers that smells like pancake batter. Which is that? Is it PLA? Pancake batter smells don't offend me.

[blacey]

@NeverDie PLA, made from corn starch, will indeed smell like food, such as pancakes, while printing.

[NeverDie]

@blacey Thank you! I love the smell of pancakes in the morning. Better than napalm, that's for sure. :laughing:

More seriously though, what's the preferred type of 3D plastic to print project enclosures with? For instance, are any of them non-flammable?

[blacey]

@NeverDie ABS is the most popular filament but my current goto filament is HIPS. It has a lot of the same properties as ABS but without the smell and is a bit more forgiving. There is a promising new player on the market called nGen but I haven't used it yet.

[NeverDie]

@blacey
That's good to know. Any special requirements on the printer for using either HPS or nGen, or are they both easily substituted to replace PLA and/or ABS?

I don't want a betamax printer if it turns out that what I should have gotten was VHS, so to speak.

[blacey]

@NeverDie It all comes down to hot-end temperature range and a heated bed. Any printer that supports ABS (higher hot-end temperature and a heated bed), will support HIPS and nGen.

[NeverDie]

@blacey said:

@NeverDie It all comes down to hot-end temperature range and a heated bed. Any printer that supports ABS (higher hot-end temperature and a heated bed), will support HIPS and nGen.

Thanks! You're very helpful.

[NeverDie]

In case anyone is interested, the Black Friday price is $189.99 on Amazon with free Prime Shipping or else $179.99 (plus shipping) on the Monoprice website.

[niccodemi]

@NeverDie they do, but many people don't notice it or find it unbearable. It also depends on type of filament; ABS smells like hot plastic, PLA like something sweet (it is derived from sugar). I keep mine in the house but I put it inside DIY enclosure - mainly to improve ABS printing quality but as side effect it also contains smell.

[NeverDie]

I think I'll order it. What's the best kind of plastic filament to practice with? Is it PLA?

[kalle]

Hi guys, I have bought the MPselect mini (320 EUR with shipping and customs to germany) and I'm very happy with it. It is even easier to handle this printer as my Arduino Materia printer and the prints are really good - the printer has a heated bed which is fantastic in this price class. The hot-end temp and bed temp are really stable (+-1°C)
The printer works fine with PLA - I don't know if ABS will work also fine, because I don't have it and so far I know you must disable the hot-end fan to get good results with ABS. My printer has the newest firmware on board which activate the printers WiFi functionality. I can post pictures from prints if needed.

here are a good review on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSZrqgLj3ag

Kalle

[Nca78]

@kalle said:

I can post pictures from prints if needed.

Yes please. But only if they are ugly so I'm not too tempted to buy :D