The Lab's 3D Printer is on its way

Technology Grade 7

After envisioning a 3D printer in The Lab early last year and setting a goal of having one by the summer of 2014. I have delivered on that promise Ladies and Gentlemen. With less than 24 hours of spring remaining I finally hit the ‘place order’ button on the first 3D printer for DRSLevy Labs Incorporated.

The printer that I decided to purchase was the Asterid 1000HB3D Printer. The final deciding factors were build volume and the heated printing bed made of Borosilicate glass. Along with the form factor, which was a boxed design vs an open build platform design were the deciding factors. I went over budget by $12 but that was primarily because of the $42 shipping fee. Can’t account for everything unfortunately.

I went over the details of my short short list which was basically the Asterid and the Solidoodle models based on price, print volume, form factor and feature set. There were two things that really stood out that allowed me to be comfortable with the decision I made. One was the heated bed. The fact that it was heated and was made of a material that would reduce the overall maintenance and calibration of the unit was a huge plus. Another was that the maximum build volume was over 100% greater than the comparable Solidoodle model. That being said or written, I can undoubtedly say that I know that the correct decision was made based on the criteria that I set for purchasing the printer. I will be posting updates once I receive the printer and start printing.

I want to thank the following people in no particular order except for my wife, Thato Levy, who has always encouraged and allowed me to do what I love most, Technology and always has words of encouragement or wisdom when needed. She above everyone else reserves my love and everlasting Thanks. Julian Stephenson, Nathaniel Stephenson, Nestor Galvan, Daniel Robles and Marco Miranda. Thank you all for your direct contribution and your future endeavors within The Lab.  This is the beginning of another chapter in my life that I hope will conclude in a book that everyone will one day want to read. 

3D printer short list (Tech grade 7)

3D printer short list (Tech grade 7)

I have short listed the 3D printers that I am considering. Some of the limiting factors that I have adhered to is low cost, largest print volume per dollar spent on printer and ease of setup. Since this is my first 3d printer, I didn’t want to go all out and get a $3,000 unit that I would end up using maybe once or twice a month depending on how things go. Over the last year the entry level 3D printer selection has grown to the point that there are multiple options for anyone to choose from based on what their needs are. 

We are truly on the edge of a new hardware revolution here. Similar to the PC revolution where computers went from these exorbitantly priced room filling devices that did things the everyday person didn’t understand to must have devices that people can’t do without today. Will 3D printers get to that level!!! Only time will tell but I am getting started now and here is my short list of 3D printers, of which I will be getting one this weekend:

1.       Asterid 1000S Desktop 3D Printer – I found this one recently. The price point and build volume is good and even though, the features are very basic, upgradable parts are readily available to add value and functionality when needed.

2.       Solidoodle 2nd Generation Pro – This is one of the front runners for my choice, The print volume is in the middle of the range that I have seen but the solidoodle printers have a good reputation from what I’ve seen online and the build quality looks very mature. To be honest, any of the solidoodle printers are a viable option, it really depends on how much I will be willing to spend.

3.       RigidBot 3D Printer – What I really like about this one is the fact that it was designed with expandability in mind. The print volume can be increased by swapping out specific parts, I found this one recently as well, it is on the short list but availability might be the deciding factor with this one as it is a new comer and currently not available.

4.       PrintrbotNew Simple Maker’s Kit – Last but not least is printrbot. It has the smallest print area but the price makes up for this fact. It’s also one of the more popular entry level 3D printers available and is definitely on the short short list.

These are the most viable units for me right now. What are your thoughts, suggestions and concerns? I would love to hear from everyone what they think of the printers/short list or the future of 3D printing in the comments section. 

Starter Blog Technology Grades

I came up with the idea to grade my blogs based on a 1-10 range that would indicate how tech savvy you would need to be to follow along. I am doing this because I will still be posting the higher level  tech stuff and want it to be clear that I don’t expect everyone to know what I’m talking about. The range is self-explanatory and if you get to a number that you don’t understand, then the previous one is your Tech Grade, so here we go:

Tech Grade 1 - What is Android and what can I do with it? (If you don’t know the answer to this question, you’re grade 1)

Tech Grade 2 - The tools I own consist of a flat head screwdriver and that other one that’s shaped like a plus or a cross. (If this is you then you’re a 2)

Tech Grade 3 - I click yes/accept to everything that pops up on my screen when I’m using my computer. (If you do this, you’re in trouble. I’ll do a post for this one really soon and you’re no more than a level 3)

Tech Grade 4 - When I bought my laptop/phone they said it would last {Insert manufacturers estimated run time here} but it never lasts that long. (If you don’t know why, you’re a 4)

Tech Grade 5 - If you know what net neutrality is how much it can affect you on a daily basis within the next few years then you belong here.

Tech Grade 6 - I've logged into my wireless router and setup my network ID and password a few times. (Welcome to Level 6)

Tech Grade 7 - I don’t call anyone to fix my technology issues unless I don’t have the time or I know a professional/colleague that can do it better than me. (I’m somewhere between 7 and 9 depending on the time of day)

Tech Grade 8 - I've corrected a few repair techs or product specialists in my lifetime. (I've actually did this a few times)

Tech Grade 9 - I used an Arduino micro controller to design my own lighting system for my desktop computer.

Tech Grade 10 - I got bored with the 3D printing software that was available for my printer so I created/designed my own. (Yeah, if you know how to do this, then what are you doing reading my Blog!!!! Seriously???)

Disclaimer: This list is not a singular universal range to determine how tech savvy everyone is but is just my interpretation of what I think that readers/followers of my blog would know in relation to their knowledge of technology.