I would like to add a second printer to offer more options for potential clients. I was thinking of either a Replicator 2X (heated print bed and ABS) or maybe a Formlabs resin printer (much better detail). You guys have more experience than me - any opinions?
10 years ago
So you gotta ask yourself why you want a dual extruder? And if you really need a dual extruder machine then just get the flash forge and upgrade the build plate yourself. Less than 1/2 the price of the 2x and a lot more reliable.
My $0.02
many many problems. Alot ot list, however I did eventually get them ironed out. The x cable does break, so you need to print a cable saver. The dual nozzles need to be perfect in height. ABS just sucks in printing.
However, I do love it for the dissolved printing capability, and also with sailfish firmware the capability to do ditto printing.
I guess im 50/50. But you have to put a large amount of time in it to learn the machine.
I have replaced my x-stepper motor cable 2 times. Both free replacements from them. Now, thanks to a mess up in the service department, I have a new one and a spare.
I replaced the HBP cable. The early ones had wired that were too small, new one is more robust.
Leveling has not been an issue. Dual extrusion works great, but no customers have had anything that needs it. Despite my cable issues, I am very happy with the printer.
I also have a Rep 2 for PLA. I like the large build volume, having it made me able to do jobs I would have had to turn down of convince the customer that, "no, really, doing your part as two parts is just fine, don't worry about that seam.? I did have a failure on it, the heater on an extruder died and they had to send a replacement for me to install. I print exclusively on blue tape on this one. Never use a raft if the part has a large surface area.
While I am not happy with parts that have had to be replace, their service has been excellent. Makerware works well for me though I often use Meshmixer to generate supports for PLA parts as I have found it often difficult to cleanly remove the PLA supports. It may be a print temp issue, I need to experiment with that.
I would like to get a Formlabs printer, but I have never had a request that I had to turn down because I lack that capability. Almost everyone that contacts me asks for ABS if they express a preference. Of course, the only materials I list are ABS and PLA and HIPS for soluble support.
The soluble support is a nice option, but it has not been a make or break on any jobs.
I do believe that Makerbot charges too much for their printers but, then again, I paid, it, so my brain decided the value was there.
I have no experience with a 2x. My observation over the past couple of years and for many years in the computer business is that you are much more likely to hear from people who have complaints about products than those that love them. Just go to the Makerbot Google group to see this in action. While I believe the technical complaints are valid in most cases, I don't see it as a representative sample of the population out there as it is self-selected.
I honestly like my 2x after getting it to run properly.