For first 3d printer

[TommyDee]

Personally, I went with something that everyone hated... the Cube 3rd generation printer from 3D Systems.
The reason it is a hated platform is the closed architecture. You cannot use Cura or Simplify3D to slice files. It used its own proprietary slicer. And that is what people hate about these types of systems, although they keep cropping up.

Today, after 2 years of diligent work, we've cracked the cover of the closed system, but most people do not have the patience for. I for one feel rewarded as the advancements in the user community has unlocked a lot of possibilities with this printer. What is unique about this line of printers is the a two-decade long development and implementation based on the very same code that 3D Systems, rather Cubify started working with back in 2000. So the accumulated experience really does shine through in the software and the ease of use. Not only that, but backers like Microsoft and CocaCola (Ekocycle printer) forced a few bad habits to be set straight in the implementation. Cubify took all the knowledge from the past endeavors and rolled it up into what became known as Cube3. Now that I am working with their flagship product, CubePro, I can see the sins, and the redemption in these little 6x6x6 inch capable dual extruder 3D printers.

Cube3 went on clearance after Cubify basically gave up on it. They made a few boners in the design and really made a few people mad due to the original MSRP and cost of ownership. The effort never took off like they promised some 5 years ago. Just last year, they closed up shop and now even CubePro printers are starting to show up in clearance. Problem with them is that they weight 130 pounds to ship! That means freight. Big burden for a personal 3D printer. And I can honestly say now, the Cube3 is still a much better deal that can be carried with all its supplies in a box with a handle. I would ever have paid $999/MSRP... but these can be had for about $200. And if you know where to look, you will see things have improved a lot in the respect that we pried open the system. And we includes come very savvy developers from all over to focus on what would make this machine more tolerable.

This is not a spam for Cubify or 3D Systems... or even the Cube3. Without the resources, these are not the go-to printers. But they are a beginners dream... and/or nightmare. I found it to be my launch into the world of 3D printing, and I wouldn't have done it any other way knowing what I know now. But this is a case for open source v. proprietary systems. Closed systems are very difficult to bypass. I can tell you for a fact that it require 1 year to come to some level of openness with help from people around the globe. The reduced clearance price and the very cuteness of the printer really had a lot of people making effort including myself. So if you do go for any canned printer, know what you are in for. typically, you become the captive market and like regular printers... the printe ris cheap but over time, you spend much more than you expect. This is COO... cost of ownership. If the Cube3 stayed lock solid, I would not have gone more than 6 months... with advancements by the user community, I have 5 of these and they print every day! ...way beyond their expected performance levels. Do you think you can pick a winner in the field that will do this over time?

It is therefore that I close with expressing that open systems are for the bold and brave. You will be setting up recipes; you will be having failed prints... and you will have sleepless nights. But you will enjoy a lot greater freedom for the effort. Which printers are the most popular open source printers? I hear CR10/PRUSA/Ender... but don't overlook the little junket offerings for under $150 just to know if 3D printing is for you. it all depends on the level of risk you are willing to take.

Hope this helps.

[Jackie625]

Best begineer FDM printer is a Stratasys desktop printer