What should a desktop 3D printer look like?
I saw a post on LinkedIn from Amir Sanatkar about this question. With an image of an ABB robotic arm configured as a 3D printer from Massive Dimension , he writes:
“This is what a desktop 3D printer should look like! Six-axis free movement, non-planar and multi-angle printing, 500°C all-metal hot end, 555550cm large build space, intelligent torque sensing, touch-and-stop, safe and reliable. The most important thing is that it has strong scalability and is not limited to 3D printing.”
I considered this proposal for a while and have some thoughts.
I don’t think this is what a desktop 3D printer should look like. I think a desktop 3D printer should look like the function required for the operator’s application.
For example, if one was printing gaming miniatures, then the MD configuration described above would be total overkill, and all that extra function would be wasted. On the other hand, if you were printing large-scale functional prototypes of fluid connectors, it just might be the right configuration.
This is the concept: 3D printers are not a single thing. They are a category of devices with many variants. Those variants exist to serve the needs of many different parties.
While the MD configuration above provides a large build volume, ability to print complex geometries without support structures and use exotic materials, not everyone needs those abilities.
I believe desktop 3D printers are a balance of many factors:
- Build volume
- Safety considerations
- Print speed
- Range of usable materials
- Material products compatibility
- Ease of initial setup
- Ease of operations
- Ease of maintenance
- Manufacturer support
- Community support
- Spare parts availability
- Durability
- Reliability
- Network connection
- Remote / Cloud operation
- Product availability / shipping time
- Aesthetics
- Software compatibility
- Open or closed design
- Product cost
Think of it like this: for any given situation, you might adjust the sliders for each of the above factors to arrive at a rough approximation of the characteristics of the most desirable machine. What’s important to you when buying a machine? These are the factors to consider.
When I see someone suggesting that this particular machine is the “best”, they’re really saying it’s the best FOR THEIR APPLICATION. If they have the same application as you, then it’s true. If you have a different application, then it’s back to the sliders to select a different machine.
These machines are just tools, and you should always choose the right tool for the job.
Via LinkedIn
