First 3D printer initial assessment
If you’re looking to buy an affordable 3D printer you can opt in for the chinese wanhao printer with a starting price of £400 delivered to the door of your home.
Be prepared to spend initially quite some time learning the trade secrets of 3D printing and spend long after hours in front of your computer at home.
SolidWorks is the program that works the best so far but is also the most expensive to buy. But don't worry, there are plenty of alternatives open source to choose from the web, all you need is time and patient to learn.
Some modifications are required for this printer: to start with, the filament spool holder that require bearings, a filament guide at the top as well one at the nozzle loading.
Remember that you need to print on a temperature controlled room but it does not cost to add also some acrylic covers to the side and a front panel door just to make sure
Total modifications costs: a painters tape and a bycicle chain plus a month equivalent of work hours
Don’t let results like the one on the right demotivate you and keep fine tune all the parameters of the printer software until you reach good results. Nowadays good tips can be found on the web specially DIY on youtube as well as the traditional google searches for filament optimal temperatures or nozzle cleaners.
Don't forget to contribute and help us grow as a free open project @ AeonLabs webpage