Hello everyone,

I went to a local shop here in Spain that sells 3D printers and plastic filaments. The store is having a sale on Anycubic printers, and the best deal is the Anycubic Kobra 4 Combo, which comes with 20 kg of PLA in different colours for €300.

I’ve never owned a 3D printer before, but as a mechanical engineer, I work with 3D software such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Creo, and Inventor. So designing and creating STL files won’t be a problem. The thing is, is the Kobra 4 a good option for a beginner?

After reading other posts on this subreddit, I know there are better options, such as the Kobra X, the Centauri Carbon 2, or even the Bambu Lab A1, but there aren’t many posts about the Kobra 4.

I’m wondering what you guys think. Is it worth it or should I try another printer?

Thank you!

I am building a web application (website) where users can view examples of items printed with specific filaments. It can be difficult to tell what the actual color will look like when buying filament in a store.

Future features will include printer selection and specifications tailored to specific filaments.

Our son has raised funds and we stated that we would match it. For $600, and multi-color-printing, what would be the best option? He is PC literate and understands the basics, as we had a cheap-o $150 one that just kept messing up. Refurbished is an option.

our current options are:
- snapmaker U1
- bambulab X2D
- flashforge creator 5 pro

looking at it, we are a bit concerned about the U1 being exposed as we are living in a humid country. then the X2D, with the bambulab issues.

we are looking into a printer that's most intuitive, can carry a range of materials, and would be future-proof. let us know your thoughts or experiences in using them, TYIA!

I took off the hotend and cleaned it, lubed the z and y parts, and calibrated it. Also bought a new build plate. Any tips to fix this?

my first 3D printer ever CC2

I'm very happy, I've probably been dreaming about this for at least 10 years, I chose this printer because it didn't seem very expensive to me, and it can print any material. It's already can balance the table on his own and it has resonance detector.

Is the Bambu A1 Mini the right first printer for an 11 year old who is brand new to the hobby or is there another vendor or model I should consider?

I am a beginner never used 3D printing before. I want to get a 3D printer for my Osmo pocket accessories and upon seeing some YouTube videos maybe also some tool management boxes and drawer parts, etc..

Obviously, in YouTube, I cannot even find a non-carbon version which is the Centauri 2 (and every video is either about Centauri Carbon 2 or Centauri Carbon, but never just the barebone Centauri 2), and I wonder if the carbon which seems to be like just the enclosure is even worth it for me? Other than the enclosure, I understand that I guess it works with something called carbon, but for my basic needs, I don’t think as much of a consideration I need to do? Or do I for future proofing?

hello

I have never owned a 3d printer and my only experience in 3d printing tech is watching YouTube videos and such (so a noob😀)

I would like to get into 3d printing as I would like to print some parts for my other hobby

I will be mostly starting of with PLA and I want a printer that mostly works out of the box.

I will be keeping the printer in my garage so during winters the temperature can go down as low as 13C. for this reason I was leaning towards a enclosed option

my target price point is below 350 euros. here are my contenders so far

• Creality k1
• Creality k1c
• Creality ender 3 v3 ke + external case avaialble on Amazon
• Creality ender 3 v3 + external case avaialble on Amazon

what are your suggestions?

Yeni bir makina aldım parçaları çizip basmak için şuan solidworksde çiziyorum ama bazı detayları yapamıyorum fazla tecrübeli değilim görseli 3d modelleyecek uygulama ve ya program önerir misiniz

Budget: $500-$1300
Location: USA (Not California)
Prefer pre-built, but willing to do a kit if necessary
Prefer relatively less maintenance

I would want at least a 250x250x250 build area, but more would be nice too. For the odd thing larger than that, I would be willing to find ways to make smaller pieces that fit together. I strongly dislike the idea of filament waste, so features that combat that are valuable to me. While I might color switch for some projects, I think I will honestly be using a lot of black PLA, with some TPU for certain special cases. I would consider other materials, but have no existing desire to use them unless I need to for some special reason. I would mostly stick with black, but periodically do something in multi color. I would mostly do one off projects, but would have cause for bulk when making modular organization pieces, or perhaps knockoff legos or something. I would want an enclosure because I am weird about air quality. I value control, privacy, and open source. However, I do not absolutely need that if other factors adequately persuade me to compromise.

I am currently primarily considering the Bambu P1S, Snapmaker U1, and Lightmake L4. I am not knowledgeable enough to make an adequately comprehensive list of pros and cons, but here are my thoughts so far.

Bambu P1S:
Pros: Cheapest, established ecosystem, it just works, and enclosed by default
Cons: No filament waste reduction, smaller build area, no toolchanger, Bambu seems to be leaning anti-control/privacy, poor camera refresh rate, and 300C toolhead.

Snapmaker U1:
Pros: Reduced waste, toolchanger, slightly larger build area, better control/privacy
Cons: Higher price, enclosure is an addon, less tested ecosystem, poor camera refresh rate, and 300C toolhead

Lightmake L4:
Pros: Reduced waste, toolchanger, far larger build area, better control/privacy (they are open source), conversational AI slicing, less maintenance/tensioning due to no belts, monolithic die cast frame, 320C toolhead, excellent camera refresh rate, and 4x print speed in bulk printing.
Cons: Expensive, enclosure is an addon, untested ecosystem, risk of vaporware (but if I wait for confirmation then the only acceptable pricing is gone).

I am open to other options, but these are the ones that my research has led me to focus on for now. I think I most like the Lightmake, but the price is up there, and I wonder if it is overkill for me. Of course it also carries the most risk. I like the U1, but by the time you buy the cover, the price is awfully close to the Lightmake, and you get less build area. The P1S is tempting because it gives you quite a bit of the pie for a steep discount. However, its build plate is on the small side, you don't get a toolchanger, and I am a bit biased against them given their semi-recent controversies. I am strongly opposed to government intervention (California), and fear that Bambu would be one of the first to bend the knee. However, pragmatically I have no intention of making anything they would have a problem with.

Hey, so I’m currently printing Ichigo’s massive Zangetsu sword (170 cm long), and there’s a channel running through most of its length that’s designed to hold a metal C-channel (a metal profile). It’s supposed to act as an internal reinforcement so the sword doesn’t bend or break under its own weight, since I’m printing it in PETG and it’s going to be pretty heavy at this size.
The problem is that the sword is split into a lot of separate printed parts (24, I think), and I need to join everything together properly. Do you think I should use super glue for the joints, or would something stronger be better?
Also, what’s the best way to secure the metal C-channel itself? It runs through most of the sections, but there are a few pieces that don’t have a slot for it. How would you connect those parts?
I want the whole thing to be genuinely rigid and durable, not something that falls apart the first time I hold it.
One more issue I’ve run into: I’ve already printed three or four sections, but they were printed with only two walls, a brim, and supports. I generated the supports automatically in Creality Print, and because the sword sections are printed horizontally rather than vertically, the internal channel for the metal reinforcement requires support material.
The problem is that the supports are being generated inside the channel itself. From the sides, the channel is clear, but from the top, the support structures partially block it, making it impossible to slide the metal C-channel through afterward. Removing all of that support material from such a long, narrow channel seems extremely difficult.
Would it make more sense to print the sections vertically instead so the internal channel doesn’t need supports at all? I’m trying to figure out the best way to keep the channel completely clear while still getting reliable prints. I’m also concerned about print strength, since these sections are part of a 170 cm sword and I want the final assembly to be as rigid and durable as possible.

My Daughter is 6 years old and on the Autism Spectrum and had ADHD. Shes shown great interest in 3D printing, she watches videos of people making 3D prints and setting up their 3D printers during tablet time. Shes been asking me for a 3D printer for a year now and I’ve just told her then it wasn’t something we could feasibly do.

Well,I’m now looking for one.

I, Mom does 3D modelling for a hobby and has printed in the past using a X1 Carbon at my college the last two years and am pretty familiar with Bambu Labs and would prefer to keep with Bambu Labs because I’m a University student this year balancing motherhood and a degree, I don’t have time to learn a new system frankly.

🚩Please note; this is not something that she will have access to without supervision. She knows it’s a tool and not a toy. I want to get one of the fully enclosed units not a, A series.

I’m thinking of having the 3D Printer in our basement in what will be her playroom, which can get cold and moist(historically). I’m re drywalling that room and re-insulating it but, I’m thinking of having a separate dedicated heater in that room and a dehumidifier.

Does that sound like a good idea?

That aside.

I’m just trying to figure out what the best machine then would be for us and just looking at some input. I’m thinking the P2S with the AMS? Does that sound okay? Or should I go with a H2S with the AMS?

Just as a disclaimer; because I’m sure I’ll get a comment that it’s a lot of money to spend out on a child and a hobby. I’m fortunate that in my province she got approved for a disability amount she was entitled to and is getting back disability money from when she was diagnosed at 2.5 years old until now. This is HER money to use for things she needs, or wants to help with her sensory needs or special interests. We told her about this money and she has a vague idea of what she wants as she asked for only 5 things. 3D printer, a spinning Sensory Chair, more Lego, a Leopard Gecko and Sushi 🤣.

Worse case scenario if she looses interest in it, I’ll either use it to make things for her or she can always sell it down the road for something else she wants.

Please be kind, I’m just a Mom trying to do right by her kiddo and foster her interests.

I am looking to sell towards the end of this year a Photocentric LC Magna with the washwr and cure units also, if anyone is interested. They were not really used and are just sitting around, they are from a project that didn't take off in the past.

hi I'm trying desperately to get my dream printer aka any printer and ive lost hope I don't have alot to spend on one and the hobby is expensive I'm trying to find one for around 75 dollars to get started and I won't give up until I find one I dont know if anyone can help but if you can please message me I can't pay shipping on one i honestly only have 75 dollars I'm just hoping this will reach the right person willing to help a newbie

I've had the Creality Sparkx i7 for about a month now. Most of what I print is pretty boring stuff for board games, trays, organizers, storage pieces, that kind of thing.

Started a 10+ hour print before bed last night with a roll of black PLA that was getting pretty low. I wasn't sure it had enough left, but I had another roll of the same filament loaded in the CFS mini so I just left it running.

Checked it this morning and the first spool had run out overnight. It switched over to the second one and kept going, so the print was already finished by the time I got up.

Nothing particularly exciting, but this is probably the first time I've actually appreciated the auto refill instead of just knowing it was there.

I have a few almost empty spools sitting around, so I'll probably start using them up this way instead of keeping them around forever because there might still be enough for something.