The best 3D printer for a figurine designer?

[Super Stonegiant]

I have noticed that sometimes when the printer is printing in a small spot for to long, the standard temp that works for everything else can actually be too hot. Almost like it is just re-melting the piece and pushing it around. That's why I like to have a little temp control, while printing. Repetier allows for this, Makerware doesn't. It just takes a little experimenting with temp. I will admit I haven't done much on printing figurings, but I have seen a difference of small print area to large print areas. Maybe, try printing two of those small prints, on the same print, to see if it helps.

[Dargonfly]

I have noticed that sometimes when the printer is printing in a small spot for to long, the standard temp that works for everything else can actually be too hot. Almost like it is just re-melting the piece and pushing it around. That's why I like to have a little temp control, while printing. Repetier allows for this, Makerware doesn't. It just takes a little experimenting with temp. I will admit I haven't done much on printing figurings, but I have seen a difference of small print area to large print areas. Maybe, try printing two of those small prints, on the same print, to see if it helps.

Thank you for your reply, will try this as soon as I got some other stuff fixed! Makes sense that allowing the material to cool after each layer might prevent warping.

[chekming1225]

I am also looking for a 3D printer doing the same task of jobs as you do. Your final product seems a bit non-smooth. How would you overcome this issue? Polish it?

[Dargonfly]

I am also looking for a 3D printer doing the same task of jobs as you do. Your final product seems a bit non-smooth. How would you overcome this issue? Polish it?

First off; check out this entire topic; somebody here already makes a lot of figurines and paints them, you can see the result that a FDM printer can have there.

Then it depends on what kind of models you want to make; with FDM you will keep having these small lines; but with the right settings they can be not that noticeable / easily filled with some primer. - OR in the case of smooth 'ceramic'-like statues you can use ABS and use the acetone vapor chamber.
If you want models right out of the printer that resemble the PVC figurines then you should probably look into a SLA printer... but I'm not 100% sure since I don't have experience with it.

The reason I went with a FDM printer even though SLA delivers higher quality finish is because FDM printer are cheaper, and allow for more prototyping/testing (because of the lower cost) - and I love to keep testing different things. If I really need a high quality print I can always send it to Shapeways/3D hubs. My printer is for prototyping and other in-house usage. + it's also quite fun, and the lower cost allow you to keep having fun.

If you have any more question please ask; but know that I've only recently started this and there are many more experienced people out here.
Regarding the products I showed here; these are still tests, I'm not sure if I will ever show a finalized product here, but I'll probably show better test-products in the near future (still learning.)

[ShareMind]

I tested about 180 different FDM printers. I definitely got the best results printing figurines with the Zortrax M200 (best closed source solution) and with 3NTR A4 (best open source, dual extruders solution).

[Dargonfly]

I tested about 180 different FDM printers. I definitely got the best results printing figurines with the Zortrax M200 (best closed source solution) and with 3NTR A4 (best open source, dual extruders solution).

Do you have a review comparing all these printers with similar prints after gaining similar familiarity with each printer?

[ShareMind]

Do you have a review comparing all these printers with similar prints after gaining similar familiarity with each printer?

No, I am sorry, I do not have a document about the comparison. The different printers have been tested during a quite long period (about 6 months), both in my workshop and in other places. To make a real benchmark, it would be needed to test all the printers to be considered in the
same period (hardware, software and firmware are upgraded within time). Also to have a really significative result it should be needed to test all the printers with the same models, filaments and in the same environmental conditions, and so on.
The "rough" thought expressed in my previous post is just a kind of "juice" of what I have seen using different printers models.

In other words, if I should print small figurines with a medium budget, and I should buy today, I would choose a Zortrax. A good alternative (in terms of quality and capability to print small details) is the Afinia, but for figurines the handling of support removal is very important, and from this point of view (and considering the overall mechanical and electronics features) I definitely prefer the M200.

[djcowit]

Hey, how was the response on this? What was your decision?

Hello 3dprintboard, I've been lurking this board for quite some time and finally decided to bother you with this age-old question:
"Which 3D printer is the best for me?"
I design figurines; highly detailed plastic models that are approx. 15cm/6inch tall.

I have seen many people make these kind of products with 3D printers, I know about the options of vapor bathing ABS and of course spray filler and a lot of sanding for a smooth final surface. But this still requires the printer to create high detail with as much accuracy as possible.
I understand that the quality of the print is dependable on a lot of factors including experience of the end-user, but I am willing to keep testing other settings and even willing to mod/hack the printer myself.
So, for the first (and foremost) requirement:
#1 Highest possible detail & accuracy print (!at all costs!)

Since I want to have good quality models that can withstand falling, heat, and the strong grip of many people that will touch it it has to print ABS. But I also want to experiment with other materials, and some parts will probably work better in other materials:
#2 Print different materials including ABS

I mentioned that the figures will be 15cm/6inch so it would be great to print that in one go. But sometimes parts need to be split up anyway and glued together later on (to prevent large amounts of supports)
#3 Large building platform is preferred, but not required

I don't care how long a build takes. If it takes four complete days to print something that is fine by me. As long as the quality is the most perfect quality it can be! (Because having a non-perfect models means I need to spend all that extra time on post-processing the print.)
#4 Print time/speed is irrelevant. Quality >>>>> speed

Also, because there is a large community for some printers, but not for others, I prefer to have access to a large community that can potentially help me when the printer has issues. Also, I will be able to give something back to that community. Open source allows for greater communities since multiple printers use the same technology/software/parts.
#5 Open source software/hardware/filament is preferred, but not required

I don't have infinite money, so the max price is €3000 or $3000 (will be approx. same as €3000 with shipping and tax.)
If it is better to have different printer for different materials and they still fit in the price range that is fine too (I have infinite space) - though they have to excel in the material they print in detail & accuracy.
This price is including all the hacks/mods that will need to be done to get the most perfect quality prints. Also; I don't mind spending €1000 more for just a tiny increase in quality.

Now, I have already done some homework, so here are all the printers that I'm keeping watch on. If you can tell me anything about one of these printers or show me the quality they can produce; please do. If one of these printers shouldn't be on my watch-list please tell me why. If another printer should be added to the list please tell my why.
(I'm not interested in kickstarter/non-existing printers - I plan to have a printer in my house before the end of this year.)

Figurine printer watch-list:

• Type A Machines - 2014 series 1

Saw some good quality prints coming from these.

• Wanhao - Duplicator 4

This one is on the list as a Makerbot variant.

• PP3DP - Up Plus 2

Can't remember why this one was on the list.

• Ultimaker 2

Saw some good quality prints coming from these, but also really bad ones. I'm from the Netherlands, so these guys are close by - good for support and such.

• Fusion 3 Design - F306 Generation 1

This one seems to do superb quality prints AND has a large build volume... but I don't completely believe fairy tales. Need more proof.

• Flashforge - Creator Pro Dual Extrusion

Dual extrusion won't be used by me except for using the different heads for different materials. But not mixing materials in a single model... (probably)

• B9 Creator

Again; seems to produce superb qualities but need more proof.

• Zortrax - M200

A nice image of a print was provided by Trhuster

• LulzBot TAZ 4

Have seen good quality figurines come from these.




Please enlighten my with all your knowledge, I will watch this thread closely and give more information if required.
Also, I will keep searching myself and update as soon as I have more answers.
Thanks in advance!

[curious aardvark]

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