Creality Ender-3 V2 3D Printer - $231USD [~ $329NZD] with Free Shipping @ Creality3D

Related Stores

Creality 3D

• 

  Plug on 27/11/2020 - 10:43

  What do you make with it?

  • 

    TheDealMan on 27/11/2020 - 10:48

    I typically print other peoples makes from Thingiverse; things like figurines, toys, sculptures etc. I've also been trying my hand at CAD recently using Fusion 360 (which is free for personal use) to create my own models. So far I've made a stand for my PS5 controller, a remote control holder, a couple locks, brackets for around the house, a phone stand etc. I'm fairly new to it all (the V2 is my first printer) and it's been a lot of fun.

  • 

    Slogan on 27/11/2020 - 16:14

    People who use them a lot usually make figurines for tabletop gaming, or have engineering/artistic hobbies.
    I like to design my own stuff and I've 3D printed components for a lightweight camera tripod as well as other camera gear that doesn't exist to be purchased, so if I didn't make it I couldn't have it.
    Common things you see are practical items like headphone stands, clothes hooks, lightswitch covers, replacement parts for washing machines/RC cars/broken things.

    If you're not sure you'll get much use out of one, check if a public library near you has a 3D printer that you can book some time with.

• 

  NeM2k2 on 27/11/2020 - 11:24

  +2

  How much does it cost roughly in filament to print something small? (maybe if you can give an example of a thingiverse thing you printed and what it cost in filament) And what is the final product quality like? Texture, brittleness etc

  Thanks in advance, been thinking about getting into 3D printing for a while now but haven't pulled the trigger

  • 

    ross on 27/11/2020 - 12:06

    Interested to know this as well.

  • 

    TheDealMan on 27/11/2020 - 12:14

    +2

    I get my filament for around $35 a roll incl. shipping (1kg of PLA) on TradeMe. Here's what I buy.

    One of the most common prints (used for calibration) is a 3DBenchy. It is 61mm * 31mm * 48mm. With standard print settings and infill of 20% (the amount of filament inside the model to give it strength and weight - 20 is fairly typical) takes 1hr 46mins using 11g of filament at a cost (assuming $35 a roll) of $0.37.

    For comparison, a large print like this popular headphone stand with standard print settings and infill of 20% takes ~11 hours to print using a total of 97g at a cost (assuming $35 a roll) of $3.40.

    I've put 'standard' print settings above which is a bit vague as there are a heap of variables you can configure when setting up for a print. Think of this as the middle ground between slower and more detailed prints and faster less detailed prints.

    • 

      CheapAzChips on 27/11/2020 - 13:13

      +2

      To those new to 3D printing: Don't forget to take into account failed prints. Incorrect scale, layer delamination, and just getting to know your printer's capabilities by printing things multiple times with different settings. I'd at least double the cost TheDealMan gave above, if not more, for a beginner. As you get to know your machine better the failed prints will reduce and productivity will increase.

      • 

        ross on 27/11/2020 - 13:37

        Even if TheDealMan's cost estimate for the filament will double or triple because of lack of experience, I'd still say it's worth it and still probably cheaper than getting something of similar use from the market. Not to mention that you could customize the prints according to your own needs which is one of the big reasons why I am considering getting a 3d printer.

        The only other thing that's keeping me from getting one though is the lack of knowledge of other factors that might up the total cost of producing prints. Like say for example, power usage, but a quick search in google says that 3d printers don't consume that much power at all. I'd say the next thing would be maintenance but not sure about how you can maintain one as of the moment so I will need to do more research about that.

        • 

          TheDealMan on 27/11/2020 - 14:51

          +1

          @ross: Yeah the costs were based on a successful, good looking print. You'll of course spend a little more getting started in calibrating the printer, trying different settings, poor bed adhesion etc. But as you say, still a lot cheaper than buying something off the shelf, even if you do bugger up a print here and there. For example a comparable headphone stand that I listed above would probably set you back $25+. Plus you get the satisfaction of actually making something yourself :)

          Maintenance, in my experience, has been minimal. After every other print I use a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol to clean the print bed. This just keeps the surface tidy and aids good bed adhesion. A bottle of that is about $10 from Bunnings and lasts for a really long time. You've also got nozzles which are about $7-$8 for a bag of 10 on AliExpress - I have changed mine twice in 4 months (probably more frequently than necessary too). That really is about it for maintenance. You'll likely be spending more on upgrades. The two that I've done so far is an upgraded metal extruder (the thing that feeds the filament) which is a slight improvement over the plastic one Creality provides, and then some upgraded bed springs to keep the bed still/level for longer. They aren't a necessity either - you get really good prints with the printer straight out of the box.

          Other things to consider:
          General Tools
          -Mini files for cleaning up prints
          -Hobby knife and/or trimming tool for cleaning up prints
          -Wire brush for cleaning the nozzle

          Painting
          -Sandpaper for cleaning up prints and prepping for paint
          -Filler primer for filling in gaps of prints
          -Paintbrushes
          -Acrylic paints
          -Spray paints

          • 

            NeM2k2 on 28/11/2020 - 00:16

            +1

            @TheDealMan: Thanks for the info, very helpful. I went in for one. Looking forward to it's arrival!

            • 

              TheDealMan on 28/11/2020 - 13:12

              @NeM2k2: Nice one! You are very welcome. Hit me up any time if you have questions. Enjoy the printer :)

      • 

        TheDealMan on 27/11/2020 - 15:46

        Good point! I should've mentioned those prices are based on a successful print from the first attempt. When starting off, it may take a few tries to get consistent prints from the first time you tell a print to 'start'. After a while you'll get the hang of it and more than likely get things printing well on your first try. You'll inevitably have the odd (well, hopefully odd) issue where things just muck up (filament gets stuck, loose belt) so you stop the print and try again. Most issues also happen on the first layer so as long as you are watching the print put down the first layer of plastic you will avoid a lot of issues and waste. The last thing you want to do is start a print and walk away immediately.

    • 

      NeM2k2 on 07/12/2020 - 07:57

      Documentation suggests the V2 takes 1.75mm filament but the trademe link you gave us for 3mm. Will the 3mm filament work in the V2?

      • 

        TheDealMan on 07/12/2020 - 08:28

        Oh shoot I'm sorry, it looks like that TradeMe store have recycled that listing for some 3mm filament instead of the 1.75 that was originally listed. Yes 1.75mm is the correct filament for this printer :)

  • 

    Slogan on 27/11/2020 - 16:21

    If you're thinking of printing something bigger than your fist, that's getting up to $5+ per successful print.
    Almost everything I've printed uses 10c-50c worth of filament, because my attitude is that 3D printing is more for special custom components of something rather than the entire thing — plastic isn't very strong and often existing things like stainless steel bolts, fiberglass rods, or regular old wood are better for the larger pieces of a project.

• 

  Rabid on 28/11/2020 - 08:56

  It's not the money , it's the time spent tuning and tinkering with the printer EVERY print because they all have different properties so often require some tuning of the settings. If you are not technically minded and a tinkerer I'd just outsource 3d prints to someone who is setup for it. It's dirt cheap plastic wise.