Hi everyone, I am looking for opinions on whether I should build a mini Kossel or a 3DR. My goal is to have a reliable, easy to use delta printer that is as simple as possible to build, but must have certain features such as an enclosure and a heated bed. I understand this will be a mod to both of these models.
With either model, there are pros and cons. Can you think of any that I have missed? I will be adding a heated bed and E3D hot end regardless of which one I go with. I may eventually try and upgrade to a dual extruder system. I have a Solidoodle 2 modified with a RUMBA and E3D that I can use to make the printed parts for either.
3DR:
Pros:
• It is based on a RUMBA, which I am familiar with.
• Simple carriages. It is just a 6mm bearing mount that gets zip tied to the rod. I see no reason to complicate the carriages with multiple wheels and various configurations that are needed to run on the open rail like the mini Kossel.
• Spectra line looks like a lot less hassle and less prone to backlash than belts, although I have also seen some mini kossels modded to run on spectra line.
• Less open rail to buy than with the mini Kossel because the base is entirely printed.
Cons:
• I have decided I must have an enclosure and the RUMBA board is mounted to the top inside of the printer, which will make it hard to get to and will complicate the enclosure design because I think it would be a bad idea to have the board inside the enclosure, which would get very warm. I would have to find a way to relocate the board, which could make my wiring messier.
Mini Kossel:
Pros:
• I have been told that a mini Kossel is much easier to enclose than a 3DR, can anyone confirm this? I am hoping some has designed a clip that can slide into the rail to mount a basic sheet of plexiglass. Even better if there is a hinge for the front.
• There seems to be a larger community and knowledge base for the 3DR.
• Board is placed under the heated bed instead of in the top of the machine, so less issues with the enclosure. However, This does seem to mean that all wires going into the hot end will have to be run all the way up to the top, and back down to reach the bottom of the build plate. I guess it’s a trade off.
Cons:
• More complicated carriage system required to run on open rail sliders than on smooth rods and bearings.
• Usually based on RAMPS, which I am not familiar with, but could probably be converted to run a RUMBA but I imagine this would be fairly painful for a relative beginner like me.
I appreciate any feedback, thanks.
With either model, there are pros and cons. Can you think of any that I have missed? I will be adding a heated bed and E3D hot end regardless of which one I go with. I may eventually try and upgrade to a dual extruder system. I have a Solidoodle 2 modified with a RUMBA and E3D that I can use to make the printed parts for either.
3DR:
Pros:
• It is based on a RUMBA, which I am familiar with.
• Simple carriages. It is just a 6mm bearing mount that gets zip tied to the rod. I see no reason to complicate the carriages with multiple wheels and various configurations that are needed to run on the open rail like the mini Kossel.
• Spectra line looks like a lot less hassle and less prone to backlash than belts, although I have also seen some mini kossels modded to run on spectra line.
• Less open rail to buy than with the mini Kossel because the base is entirely printed.
Cons:
• I have decided I must have an enclosure and the RUMBA board is mounted to the top inside of the printer, which will make it hard to get to and will complicate the enclosure design because I think it would be a bad idea to have the board inside the enclosure, which would get very warm. I would have to find a way to relocate the board, which could make my wiring messier.
Mini Kossel:
Pros:
• I have been told that a mini Kossel is much easier to enclose than a 3DR, can anyone confirm this? I am hoping some has designed a clip that can slide into the rail to mount a basic sheet of plexiglass. Even better if there is a hinge for the front.
• There seems to be a larger community and knowledge base for the 3DR.
• Board is placed under the heated bed instead of in the top of the machine, so less issues with the enclosure. However, This does seem to mean that all wires going into the hot end will have to be run all the way up to the top, and back down to reach the bottom of the build plate. I guess it’s a trade off.
Cons:
• More complicated carriage system required to run on open rail sliders than on smooth rods and bearings.
• Usually based on RAMPS, which I am not familiar with, but could probably be converted to run a RUMBA but I imagine this would be fairly painful for a relative beginner like me.
I appreciate any feedback, thanks.