General criteria
The model of the 3D printer should be as accessible as possible, both because cheap, and because in this FabLab. Critical elements for selection are:
- The size of the printing area,
- The resolution,
- Speed,
- The robust construction
- Being Open,
- The availability of software management,
- The price,
- Vendor support and user community
There are now a lot of 3D printers which differ according to these main criteria and others, which define a very broad spectrum of variability. In recent years they have added DIY printers opensource projects, which are even reproduced through other 3D printers (at least the parts made of plastic). An ancestor project in the area of 3D printers at low cost is the RepRap. The microcontroller system for the management of the whole mechatronics part is usually a version of the project Arduino, which has become a de facto standard.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on the identification of an initial list of all the printers in some way attractive for price, technology, support, localization, project maturity, …
It was used as a starting list the following List 3D Printers.
From this list it was then identified a short list of three printers.
The following table shows the characteristics of the three selected printers.
| Project | Open | Features | Construction features | Note | Price (VAT included ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MakerBot Replicator 2 | No | Print Area: 285x155x152 mm Resolution of the x-axis y: 0.011 mm, Z-axis resolution: 2.5 micron Print resolution: 100 microns, Extruder diameter: 0.4 mm, Maximum Print Speed: 80-100 mm/s |
steel frame powder-coated preassembled | Reliability, good speed, strength, LCD display | Euro 1700 |
| Powerwasp | Yes | Print Size: 260x200x210 mm Resolution of the x-axis y: 0.012 mm, Z-axis resolution: 0.4 micron Print resolution: 50 micron, Extruder diameter: 0:35 mm, Maximum Print Speed: 200 mm / s |
+ Marine plywood frame rails in aluminum and technopolymer | It can also work as a cutter | Euro 1090 |
| Galileo | Yes, derived from the RepRap | Print area: 200 x 240 x 150 mm, Resolution of the x-axis y: 0.2 mm, Z-axis resolution: N / A, Print resolution: 100 - 500 microns, Extruder diameter: 0.406 mm, Maximum Print Speed: 80 mm / s |
Plastic parts + steel bars | Reduction of components, higher speed compared to RepRap | Euro 660 |
Selected Printer
Based on the criteria mentioned above (cost, project open, versatility, strength, support, positivity of the reviews), the short list of printers was evaluated and the PowerWasp turned out to be the best. Was chosen o go for the printer already assembled and the team of PowerWasp has also taken steps to calibrate it for free, as part of the collaboration on the project.
In the following section the detail on the various criteria that justified the choice.
Specifications
The technical features of the printer are quite good, both from the point of view of the resolution and of the speed, well above the Galileo, but also significantly better than the more expensive MakerBot, which has now clearly opted for a Closed Source setting.
The construction gives the frame rigidity needed to support the performance of speed and resolution declared.
The Powerwasp comes with a very sturdy metal and laminated marine, suitable for use as CNC and even oversized for use as a 3d printer. It can bring a working head weighing up to 5kg. The motor for the feeding of the filament in the extruder is not mounted on the extruder itself as in many cases, but on the frame and the filament is pushed through a semi-rigid tube in the heating head of the extruder. This makes the head lighter and less prone to vibration, allowing greater speed and accuracy.
Price/Performance.
The price/performance ratio of the printer Powerwasp is the best among the printers on the short list.
Characteristics of the project.
It is a completely open project in the European and Italian context. Examination of user forums and reactivity test of the support team got an high score.
The opinion of others: reviews
We have performed research on specialized forums on the internet getting a good overall impression from users. A few examples:
Post by Gabriele Carloni published online forum on the RepRap user group:
Opinions on Wasproject - Powerwasp
…The printer has the group hotend/extruder as solid and efficient to ensure success of many prints. The assembly is not immediately easy and requires patience and experience, the development and calibration of the axes requires special care during assembly, but it promises stability of settings unique in the category. The attention to detail was the same of maniacs true lovers of DIY, some details are of a professional machine (aluminum parts, belt tensioner etc.). It is not a kit for beginners with no experience of complex assembly, but the Wasp staff and their willingness can help a lot. The ratio quality/price is excellent.
Article on Maker Faire English Edition by Lorenzo Mannella.
…This is an interesting tool because, in addition to creating objects made of plastic (26x20cm print area and up to 21 cm in height), it can also turn into a CNC milling machine. Simply mount a multi-purpose drill on the moving parts of the printer and you're done.