by nerdburn on 10/4/12, 6:20 PM with 44 comments
by pxlpshr on 10/4/12, 7:18 PM
Regular 2D printing isn't something that's been easy for most people after 20 years of modern computing. It's a toss up whether or not software, hardware, or user error.. For that reason, I think 3D printing will be a hobbyist thing for another 5 years at least. The delta between a PandaBot and a high-quality MakerBot 2 with a good reputation is only about $1,000. Thats not much for a die-hard hobbyist, or rich geek wanting a new tech toy to fiddle with.
The MakerBot 2 is on its second iteration, designed and built by a thought leader, and looks really fucking impressive compared with the 2-tower and unprotected print head design of the PandaBot.
When people want to bring devices to the masses, they need to consider what that means. How many kids may stick a pencil or finger into the moving parts when Dad isn't paying attention? Or what about my maid who's spraying dust repellant around my desk? How are you going to fight warranty issues on things nearly impossible to prove, and for which you're not protecting against via thoughtful product design?
In effect, you've reduced costs to make the PandaBot accessible to a class of people who aren't really your customer, and that cost-cutting meant the removal of key parts that truly make a device ready for the masses. Like protecting the 'auto calibrating' head.
I think it's great you're working on that goal but expectations seems a little disconnected from reality (from my perspective).
by braum on 10/4/12, 7:59 PM
It's based on the original Makerbot Cupcake but upgraded and improved from trial and error. And there is a version with a larger build area (8x8x8"), which is the one I've pledged to receive. And with the heated build platform you can run ABS or PLA.
The thing that bothers me about the PandaBot is the lack of details on the build area size (update: 11x11x11" Print Envelope" and heated platform). Also the price isn't that great compared to other fully assembled 3D printers with the same tech. Also I'm not a fan of the base moving instead of just the print head. I can't think of any wide format printers that move the base instead of the entire head assembly/gimble.
I do love the snap together setup process and the look of the machine. It looks like something you would buy in a store and almost anyone could setup and start using immediately.
by taskstrike on 10/4/12, 7:08 PM
by srlake on 10/5/12, 5:30 AM
3x the price and 10x the machine.
by stephengillie on 10/4/12, 7:08 PM
by aidenn0 on 10/4/12, 10:42 PM
by melvinng on 10/4/12, 7:53 PM
by TheAmazingIdiot on 10/5/12, 12:15 AM
1. What is your firmware based upon?
2. What computer software do you use to assist PandaBot? Slic3r?
3. Do you need a computer hooked up via USB to facilitate printing?
4. Do you publish schematics and/or physical part dimensions for repair
and replacement?
5. What makes your product better than a RepStrap?
6. A MendelMax full kit costs $699 USD. The kit is complete with full build
instructions and fully repairable if/when something goes wrong. What makes
your printer better than this model?
7. How do you handle inertial jerk when you have a partially printed model due
to the moving table?