About a month ago I decided to build a 3D printer. This only left me with the task of deciding what kind of printer to build. While I had dealt with the Makerbot we have at school, I did not want to shell out that kind of money for a prebuilt, so I decided to go the RepRap route. After consulting with a friend that has a RepRap and searching around online, I came up with a few options to decide between.
Eventually those options narrowed to two. I would either build an
OB1.4 printer. Or I would buy a full Prusa i3 rework kit. With Christmas break fast approaching and not wanting to forget a screw and have to wait until next semester I decided to go with the
full kit from Replikeo. At the time I couldn't find too many reviews on it, so I decided now that I have it up and running I would post a few things about how it went. I would encourage others that buy the printer to do the same.
Long Story - Short
I would recommend this kit to anyone with a little electronics and mechanical knowledge (the basic knowledge needed to build any RepRap). I got it up and running in about 4 days. Maybe 25ish hours. While I have some improvements planned, it had everything I needed to get it going. I really like the injection molded parts. The electronics look genuine. I am glad I purchased the kit instead of sourcing my own.
Long Story - Long
I ordered the "iron" 1.75mm Replikeo kit for $350. Shipping from wherever to my house in Southern Tennessee (USA) was $90. Addtionally I ordered $23 of Hatchbox PLA filament from Amazon and a Full Graphic Smart Controller from Ebay for $25. Everything came for less than $500.
Shipping took exactly how long they said it would. 3-5 days via DHL. I think I got mine in 5 days including a weekend. Mine was not beaten up like
another post I saw. I was irritated that there was no parts list but
HERE is the wiki page. Now here are some unboxing pictures.
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| All my purchases together. Replikeo box is one the right. |
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| Removed from the cardboard |
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| Top removed exposing the frame |
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| Steppers and Power Supply |
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| ABS filament, electronics (in cardboard box), and rods protected below. |
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| Threaded rods and smooth rods protected in packaging |
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| I thought this was interesting. Apparently this kit was made just for me (that is my name). |
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| Hardware and Electronics removed. |
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| Electronics in anti-static packaging |
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| All small parts laid out. |
After getting it unboxed I took inventory of all the parts. While I did not bother to count all the small screws I estimated that I had enough of each. All the electronics were included. The one thing I would recommend is getting a longer USB A-> B Cable. The one included is tiny and inconvenient. I had one sitting around from my Arduino projects. The Arduino appears to be a "real" Arduino (or else a pretty good clone).
The
injection molded parts are really nice. I don't see any of them breaking anytime soon, and it makes assembly very easy. While I would probably have used higher gauge wire on some components I am more or less pleased with it. The heated bed works well and the carbon fiber build plate is working well so far.
That is all I have for the unboxing section. Look for the next part (
HERE) soon when I post pictures of the build.
-Matthew
I recently purchased this kit. Did you have any problems with the trqcking. It says that it departed China and its bean like that for 4 days. USPS has no knolage of this tracking number either. The tracking is. I also played 90 bucks for 3-5 days shipping. Its the 4th day right now.
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I had no problems. It got here very quick, much faster than other things I've ordered from China. I don't remember if the tracking worked or not, but mine came DHL not USPS.
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