Affordable at Home Printer

[Tynessa Morgan]

I really stepped in it this time. I told my kids that I would consider buying a 3D printer for Christmas. I saw one that I really like called The Micro by M3D and I need some feedback on it.

https://printm3d.com/themicro/

[Claudia Grant]

@tmorgan I am not familiar with that specific printer, but here are some reviews that might be helpful:

http://3d-printers.toptenreviews.com/

[Claudia Grant]

I looked on their tech specs and it doesn’t seem like the surface area is too big; therefore, you will be able to print small objects.

[Bruce MacFadden]

Apparently the county office here in Santa Cruz CA is buying very inexpensive 3D printers for some of the schools. I will find out and let you know!

[Bruce MacFadden]

Adam Wade of the Santa Cruz Schools (California) sends along the following background for their research and decision about 3D printers (PVUSD = Pajaro Valley Unified School District):

PVUSD’s Tech Dep’t. worked with a consultant to research the best solution for their schools, and came up with MakerBot as their final vendor:
http://store.makerbot.com/

They chose MakerBot, in part, because the company already had some curriculum/lessons developed and were neither the low-end or high-end in price. The Elementary Schools are getting the MakerBot Replicator Mini and the Middle Schools and High Schools are getting the larger MakerBot Replicator. This is all brand-new for them, so it is great timing to have you and Claudia as a resource, and some of the Science teachers in PVUSD already involved in 3D Digitization through the GABI-RET project. When Claudia comes for a visit, it would be great to have her meet with the PVUSD Tech Dep’t… or we can organize a Google Hangout and bring her in to a tech liaison meeting virtually.

We will talk soon.
–Adam

[Claudia Grant]

Makerbot mini is $1300

http://store.makerbot.com/replicator-mini

Makerbot replicator is $3000

http://store.makerbot.com/replicator

PrintRBot are great and cheap, but you would need to assemble:

http://printrbot.com/

 

[Claudia Grant]

Hi @tmorgan,
I came across these ratings and reports on 3D printers. I thought you might find it useful:
http://makezine.com/2015/11/04/digital-fabrication-shootout-winners/

[Tynessa Morgan]

I ended up not getting them a printer for now. I was at the Dallas Makerspace last night and I think that might be my option. UT Arlington is also open to collaborating with us. To up the wow factor I am going to print the meg teeth in glow in the dark filament. Fry’s Electronics has great deals on filament.

[Dr. Ronny Maik Leder]

Hey Tynessa, @tmorgan, I think this is a good decision, that way you can get better print quality to a affordable prize and you don’t have to manage the technical issues owning your own printer.

[Claudia Grant]

@tmorgan, let me know when you decide to buy. Technology and deals on prices are constantly changing.

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