Hello, I am in the market of getting my first 3d printer. I would only be using ABS, and cant seem to get a straight answer on which printer would be best for me. Im looking to spend $1000-$1,200 on it. I was leaning towards a Craftbot plus or a Flashforge. Can someone please tell me which printer would be best for ABS in my price range. Ive never owned a 3d printer and really need advice. Thanks for your time.
cobnut
2
Hi @Thatzgacho1 if you’re committed to using ABS only (and can I ask why?) then one major consideration is an enclosed print bed. ABS is very prone to warping and usually needs an enclosed print bed to avoid draughts and maintain a steady temperature. So, personally I’d probably avoid any “open bed” printers. The Flashforge range is decent, and getting better with each iteration. You could also look at the Qidi range.
However, I think we should hammer out your need for ABS first, because if you don’t really need to print in ABS, then the world of options becomes a lot bigger.
Hello @cobnut Jack , thank you for responding. Im going with abs because I need something that can take heat without melting easily. Is there anything else that has abs qualities towards heat? Thanks again
Garyg
4
Hi
Restricting yourself to using only ABS would be somewhat of a mistake.
I use a Lulzbot TAZ printer mostly to print with ABS.
I’ve built an enclosure for it and ABS works pretty good for me Unless
The size of my prints exceed about 100mmx100mmx25mm tall.
Depending on the geometry of a particular print, ABS is sometimes not the answer.
The ABS shrinks a bit no matter if you have an enclosure or not.
Most of may parts turn out very good, but I do use a material called nGen or PCTPE
if I need different strength characteristics.
For flexible parts I use NinjaFlex or Cheetah filament.
It all depends on what you want to do.
No matter which printer you decide on, Please choose one that has a Heated Bed.
You will not regret that decision.
…
Just my 2 cents worth.
Hi @Garyg I want to use abs because how it holds up to heat. Is there any other material that does ok with heat? I seen something about PETG.
Garyg
6
Hi again
I’ve had parts printed by a Hub that used PETG.
PETG is a pretty good material.
It handles being outside in the rain,snow and sun.
I haven’t printed PETG myself so I really don’t know if you need a heated bed for that.
…
I like nGen material for withstanding heat in a similar fashion to ABS.
I use a heated bed to print nGen.
I’m not sure if you can print on an unheated bed or not, but the material itself
has no shrink as it’s cooling and appears to be as stabil as PETG out in the weather.
…
I still like printing with ABS.
If my designs are working with ABS, that would be my choice.
If I have a design that does not cooperate using ABS, Then nGen is usually my choice.
It’s not difficult to change from one material to another.
@Garyg Sweet! I will definitely check out nGen. I ended up ordering a Qidi for my first printer. I seen quite a few success videos using abs. It seems like a good printer to learn on. Im sure I will end up getting more printers in the future, and broaden my choices. I hope I picked the right one, lol.
