I cannot get the robo, I already have it, terrible support.If I return it, do you guys know of a great/good printer that had auto bed leveling, 10*9*8 inches in build volume, open source, around the same amount of filament options?
ROBO sucks. I have one. The new ones print awesome, however they have hardware and design issues. The two z offset switches have to be working perfectly, and are in constant need of adjustment. Eventually the system just stops working all together. On top of that I have had crazy and random electrical issues. The machine lacks quality engineering.
If you don’t mind putting together a kit, there is a new prsua i3 out that is suppose to be pretty good.
([New Arrival] HICTOP Filament Monitor Desktop 3D Printer Kits Reprap Prusa I3 MK8 DIY Self-assembly Printing size 10.6" x 8.3" x 7.7")
It’s 335 bucks, so it’s much less expensive than the robo, though it lacks a few of its features. It has about the same build volume. You can pay extra (I think maybe $60) and get an auto leveler with it, though I would just stick with a bed leveling system. It also has an aluminum bed rather than glass. Either way, I would pay 800 dollars for that printer, before I ever dropped 800 on another robo product. I am going to pick one up myself here soon. Here’s a link to where you can grab one on amazon.
I have a robo 3d R1 with a bunch of upgrades and it runs like a champ. However I also have a wanhao D6 stock and its really good. I’d recommend the D6 if you want something that is hands off and just runs. its 200x200x180 though. Alternatively I have heard really really good things about the new prusa i3 but I have no personal experience.
It’s the next iteration of the design Robo3D did a terrible job imitating anyway, for the same price as the Robo3D. Also, it’s the original designer everyone else is copying for this style of 3d printer so you’re better off with better support anyway.
I´ve had the Robo 3D for a couple of years and I think its costumer service has always been very atentive and helpful.
If you are looking for another printer, I would recommend the Flashforge Creator Pro.
It is open source,
230x150x140mm build volume
2 extruders
Heated bed and encolsed chamber
1.75mm filament
900$US.
That is the one I recommend by price and specs, however there are cheaper 3D printers with great print quality like the UP Mini and Wanhao Duplucator.
I just want to be a moderate voice. I have a Robo R1. I’ve had it for over a year of continuous use. For what it is, it is a fine printer. However, it requires maintenance and tinkering to operate well for a long period of time. I think the key thing to remember is that it’s a fully assembled printer assembled in the USA with domestic support (such as it is) for $800 that has similar features and build volume to much more expensive printers. Finally, it’s a 3d printer. If something is poorly designed, print a better part. One of the best things about Robo (and a lot of these printer companies) is that tinkering is expected and in most cases doesn’t void the warranty/support (which is something you don’t get with $300 self assembled printers).
The build area is deceptive on the Robo, the actual heated portion of the bed is 8" x 8" and anything that falls outside of that heated portion is subject to the whims of how the glass cools off. Also, the heater itself is garbage.
The $350 Monoprice Maker Select I currently print with has been outperforming out-of-the-box both the R1 and R1+ I’ve given a shot to. It doesn’t have auto-leveling, but the kicker here is that auto-leveling is useless when the build platform and leveling system causes the bed to flex during the leveling cycle like it does on the Robo3D. The very first time I ran a program on the R1 it shattered the glass bed when probing the middle point.
All of the failures on my Robo3D printers are the results of electronic components failing. The mechanical parts were just fine, but motors would die or the Ramps would short out or the power supply would be faulty. The only mechanical failure I consistently had with the Stock Robo3D printers was that the Hexagon hotend wouldn’t be assembled properly and would leak when doing an initial setup and test print (though the R1+ came in with absolutely nothing plugged into the Ramps, just loose wires hanging underneath the build area once I removed the bottom cover to see what the issue was).
If the Robo3D is actually assembled in the US I’ll eat my hat. It’s stored in a warehouse and shipped out in the US, but that’s it.
there are many cartesian printers out there (that means box setup like the robot 3d is) go on eBay, the only thing is you’ll have to mess with the firmware a bit to get some good consistent prints. I myself just built a rostock kossel printer from a kit i bought on dhgate. you can do the same if your interested. Some advice, youtube the printer before you buy it!
