Hello,
I have backed two 3D print kickstart campaigns (Tiko and M3D) and am looking to upgrade to a better printer.
I am between the Lulzbot Taz 6 and the Makerbot Replicator+ but cant seem to find any true comparisons.
Any opinions, pros, cons, experiences or recommendation for either?
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Both are excellent 3D printers. If ease-of-use and continuous output is more important, pick the Replicator+. If print quality is more important and steeper learning curve and more troubleshooting is not a problem, pick TAZ 6.
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Thank you so much, that truly answered exactly what I was wondering!
Hi Bradley, visit our www.usa3dstore.com and contact me 858-551-8266 to discuss the value of owning a MakerBot Replicator + 
Pather
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Replicator + is very easy to use and the Makerbot Print software is great, unfortunately all parts have to be built with raft but it is a reliable machine.
We recommend you the Prusa i3 instead of Taz, both have a heated bed and you can print with a great variety of materials. The disadvantage of the design on both machiunes is that you have a printbed that moves forth and back and with tall objects you loose precision.
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Look at the latest Make Magazine. They just released their 3D printer showdown of new models. The Taz 6 came in 4th, and was rated slightly less than the Taz5 was last year.
The only reasons I don’t own a Taz6 are: no enclosed chamber, it takes 3mm filament, and to print flexible and other exotic filament, I have to get the upgraded extruder. I could have dealt with the other items, but all of my other printers use 1.75mm filament, so I didn’t want to have to keep a separate inventory of filaments for one printer.
I ended up getting the Raise3D N2+ which has a bigger build volume (12"x12"x24") Color touchscreen to select and monitor your prints, enclosed chamber. Extruder goes to 300°, so you can print polycarbonate and other high temp filaments. If you don’t want to spend $4K on a printer, look at their N2 (I also own one of these). It’s 12’x12’x12’ and besides the build volume difference has all of the other features of the N2+). and is in the $3K price range, so it’s a little more than the Taz6. The N2+ came in 2nd place in Make Magazine’s review. They also make a N1, which has a smaller build volume and is cheaper)
Raise3D has had awesome support and a very active online community. (Raise3D even encourages hacking the printer to add features).
The Raise3D software, Ideamaker is pretty versatile. You can perform basic file repairs and cut files in the software.
Makerbot did not get a unit to Make Magazine in time for the printer showdown, so it’s not included. (Make is reviewing the Replicator + now). I own a Makerbot z18 and two 5th Gen Replicators. While there are features to appreciate on the Makerbot printers, (jam detection, quick extruder changing, out of filament detection, remote monitoring) I need more versatility, so I probably won’t buy another. As I get the funds, I have been replacing all of my printers with Raise3D’s products.
Keep in mind that the Makerbot can only print PLA (and a few other non-supported materials), but won’t print ABS (no heated bed) and other popular filaments (i.e. ninjaflex).
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Not to throw a wrench into your plans but check out Raise3D. Their N2 is a solid printer and should be in the same price range. We have been printing with their N2 Plus for a year now and have had an N2 as well for a few months.
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i got the Rep2 upgraded to 2x, the only thing to check is the heated bedplate that have some imperfections and x Axis cable that is very stressed, but lastest are build better.
Mine prints well with PLA and ABS too… even without raft!
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Looks like folks are using this forum to solicit. Is this allowed?
I’m sure I could spend all day casting for customers if it becomes a competitive marketing venue. I presume this is not in the spirit of its use.
Only wondering:)
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I know. It’s pretty tacky. It’s the reason I never ask questions here. You have 10 sales people jumping on you.
Don’t buy makerbot.
Prusia I3 Mk2? (I don’t have it)
Printrbot play treated me good.
But yeah, don’t go makerbot. I took mine apart to salvage parts, and was only disappointed in the build quality.
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I Concur makerwiz.
Note that there is a new desktop to prepare prints on the new Replicator+ series; Makerbot Print. For the moment it is early in its versions; so the ability to create any substantial custom profiles is pretty limited to the typical defaults. But that will be coming as updates and will eventually be a great slicer in my opinion. It still does a good job as far as the defaults are concerned
The new desktop was created because, and again I’m no tech geek, the original slicer had reached the limit of its potential; as it was described in simple terms for me.
One really cool development is this new desktop will work with native files - Solid Works and stuff. Import and print. Great for folks like me.
As far as quality - I have no experience with Lulzbot - my Rep+ prints have been coming out with the quality I’ve come to expect. But that stuff is relative.
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It’s hard even for me to find forums where you have at least a fair expectation of objective feedback.
Cheers
Makerbot has their new Tough PLA product. It’s got some characteristics similar to ABS. It does however require a separate version of the Smart Extruder+.
I’ve never used it but I’m hearing reports that it is meeting expectations.
Only in Gray at the moment:(
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What was your experience with your Makerbot? Did you work the Rep 5; using the latest updates and the upgraded versions of the extruder (before the Smart Ex’s)?
Thanks,
a top level comparison:
https://www.productchart.com/3d\_printers/10766\_vs\_6799
I have a makerbot 5th gen and it sucks on larger builds. On top of that Makerbot owes me a filament that they refused to send me, even after proving purchase and emails, many many emails. I have three smart extruder heads (they seem fragile for this generation, might have improved since). Just a heads up, no heated bed will make a world of difference. I would suggest a Rostock (my new baby) and it’s day and night difference.
https://www.productchart.com/3d\_printers/9270\_vs\_6336
I haven’t heard much about Raise3d.
If I may interject as well, Zortrax offers a great little workhorse printer that provides great looking prints in the M200 for under $2k USD.
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Bradley, I’ll echo what Makerwiz said, which is exactly right - the Replicator+ will allow for an easy user experience and high reliability, with quick setup to printing. The Lulzbot allows for more tweaking and fine tuning, but will likely require tweaking and troubleshooting from print to print. The best choice for you would depend on your intended use and desired experience, etc. Best, -Matt
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Do NOT get a makerbot, its overpriced for what it does. It can ONLY print pla. It has no heated bed, so PLA will possibly have warped corners also. The Lulzbot has a heated bed with PEI that can print PLA easily. It can also print a variety of other materials such as ABS, nylon, PETG, T-glase, all of which need a heated bed. You can also swap the extruder to print flexible materials.
Also with the Lulzbot everything is open source. SO if a part fails you can easily source it using their provided documentation. Makerbot you are stuck buying from them and hoping it is still supported. Lulzbot also builds all their printers here in the USA and not China.
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And on software - just grab a license of Simplify3D. In my opinion, this makes printing on any machine a breeze and is worth the investment.
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