Hi
collinlueb, Welcome to the RPF.
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3D printing has come along way and as mentioned, the slicer is a very important part of the process.
A good gcode and well assemble machine, will give the printer the best chance of printing a fairly "clean" item
and usually by running a few prints is the best way to see if the slicer you choose will be the best choice for you.
I have found CURA works best for me and my needs.
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Having a well designed model for the printing process (FDM) is also very important.
As an example:
*What is the best way for the item to be printed (it's orientation, vertical or horizontal and in how many parts).
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Due to it's very nature, FDM printing will always leave evidence it was 3D printed (it can not compete with mold injection).
Many times however, a model is printed and then cleaned up for casting. That way many parts can be made quicker then if you printed them all.
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There are many members here that have been printing along time and have seen the advancements made in the process.
That being said and as mentioned earlier, the ENDER 3 printer by Creality is a good choice for someone getting into "hobby" for the
first time. I am know different.
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The CR10S was my first printer (I cut my teeth on it, so to speak) and I found I needed another which fit my budget.
Since my CR10S worked so well for me, I decided on the ENDER 3 as my 2nd printer. It has a small foot print, fairly compact and
uses virtually the same components as the larger printer (accept runs with 24V power supply).
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When I got the ENDER 3 sometime ago, it came as a partially assembled kit and took a bit more time to set up.
But as an "open frame" style, it gave me a chance to learn about the "machine" and how to maintain it.
A 3D printer is just another tool in the arsenal and it has no clue what it is printing or how well it is doing.
The user makes those decisions before each print and sets it up in such a way, so that it can "trowel down" the filament
on each layer to end up with a thing of beauty.
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We are looking forward to finding out what you decide and what you ultimately print.
Below are a few links to items I have done and shared here with other members and hope it gives you some idea of how
the ENDER 3 does as the choice in printers. These are just examples and I hope it shows what the potential is.
For me, the print quality is good and suits my needs and may have room for improvement in my settings.
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At this particular stage of my life, with a new found hobby, 3D printing and plenty of time to waist, it's never to late to create some unique stuff. A while back, I thought I would design and print what I call the VAYPO (Vape and Hypo) made to resemble the Voyager Hypospray from Star Trek to...
www.therpf.com
I've been posting off and on in various threads about things I have 3D printed and the great luck I have been having with my CR10S and both my ENDER 3's. One of the subjects I have been reading about here on the RPF and elsewhere on line, is the information posted about the replica prop "Deep...
www.therpf.com
A few weeks ago, I began watching Enterprise. . When it first came out, for some reason I never put much effort into watching the entire series clear though but managed to get around to making my own pop-up scanner, modified the Phase Pistol and purchased one of the Cabin lighted viewing box's...
www.therpf.com
This is another prototype I am working on. I made 2 "Pop-out Thingies" back when the series first aired, but did it the old school way.........By Hand. Since I recently got a 3D printer, I thought I would try my design hand at making this prop using current tech. I still have a ways to go, but...
www.therpf.com
I was wondering if this Alliance Prop weapon could be modeled and 3D printed? Since the Psycho Ballistics Silver Bullet LCD Paintball Gun with the rubber grips that it was created from is no longer available and getting harder to find, it occurred to me that maybe it could be printed already...
www.therpf.com
As usual, I am always up for a challenge to give my E3 and the knurled (checkered effect) handle looks like it would be a good one to attempt with my current settings and .4mm nozzle. I will have to split the handle up as well to give the printer the best orientation for the printer to complete...
www.therpf.com
I pulled the plug and ordered my first 3D printer. Cant believe I waiting THIS long. My Creality Ender 3 is on the way and Ive watched quite a few you tube vids on its set up. I read all kinds of things on the best tweaks and upgrades and I thought I would see if anyone here has some advice and...
www.therpf.com
