CubePro Duo vs. MakerBot Replicator 2x

Ahmedk · 2014-11-11T15:39:41.000Z

Hi All,

I am undecided between purchasing a CubePro Duo or a MakerBot Replicator 2x.

Any advice?

Filemon · 2014-11-11T15:46:34.000Z

Not sure about the CubePro. Maybe @Luuk, @Brian, @key23d, or @Christian_CAD know? I do like the Makerbot Replicator 2x although it’s not the latest out there anymore. Cheers!

Ahmedk · 2014-11-11T15:55:15.000Z

When you say it is not the lateset out there @Filemon, do you mean in general or is there a newer model from MakerBot? Are there any better options for around the same price?

I am actually just entering the 3d printing world. I did some research, but the best way to know is through other people’s experience.

Luuk · 2014-11-11T16:08:27.000Z

Hey Ahmed,

Makerbot’s latest printer is the Replicator 5th Gen. If you were to choose between the Cube and the Makerbot, i’d go for the Makerbot. Although both machines are really tailored to the needs of consumers, not so much techies who want to tinker around. Both have a closed (and easy to grasp) ecosystem. For instance they only support their own brand of filament (Cube even uses cartridges). If you’re looking for a plug-and-play machine, then i’d say go for the Makerbot. Otherwise you might also want to look at Ultimaker.

Good luck!

Ahmedk · 2014-11-11T16:31:05.000Z

Hi @Luuk,

I appreciate the feedback.

I am interested in a dual extrusion printer. I will be using mine to design and print home decor items primarily.

I am looking for a printer that has some ease of use, but quality is my main concern. Also, material price is a big point which you brought up. Am I asking too much?

a

Luuk · 2014-11-11T16:52:40.000Z

Then go for the Makerbot Replicator 2X. With a few tweaks you can print materials from different manufacturer as well: Spool Holder for Replicator 2X by TheKretchfoop - Thingiverse

key23d · 2014-11-11T17:03:13.000Z

Hi Ahmed,

I don’t have either machine so I don’t know what’s best for you.

I do have a couple of Ultimakers but with only one extruder. I am still experimenting wit a second extruder on an Ultimaker Original but due to lack of time I can not share the results yet.

I also have a Wanahao Duplicator with two extruders but I don’t have very good results yet; I need some more time to figure it out.

With the Zeepro Zim it is the same story unfortunately :-(. I have to find more time to figure this dual extrusion out. When I have I will let you know but that will probably be too late for you to help you decide.

Maybe if you are starting with 3D printing it is better to get a single extruder printer? Already that is a challenge to get it working properly !

Kind regards, Guy

Filemon · 2014-11-11T19:53:06.000Z

+1 for Luuk. All agree

Brian · 2014-11-13T08:17:24.000Z

I haven’t seen the CubePro Duo live yet, in fact I don’t think there are that many out there yet as they only started shipping a little while ago. Makerbot Rep 2x is pretty safe bet I think.

MakeLab_ca · 2014-11-20T19:34:49.000Z

Hi @Ahmedk, I would just mention a couple of things:

- The CubePro Duo (and all printers by 3D Systems) uses proprietary material cartridges that tend to be more expensive to operate than normal hobbyist/home 3D printers

- The Replicator 2X is still available, but be aware that its single-extruder brother the Replicator 2 has been discontinued

- MAKE magazine does yearly review guides of currently-available home 3D printers, I suggest giving that a read: http://makezine.com/volume/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/ (the new 2015 edition is likely to be available soon, as far as I know)

LeMonde3D_Paris · 2015-08-12T10:19:05.000Z

from the left: #CubePro (PLA with INF), #CubePro (PLA), Makerbot (PLA)

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