Makerbot Replicator 2

[ubermanx]

I run an IT firm that supports small to midsized businesses in our area. A couple of my manufacturing clients have inquired specifically about purchasing a Makerbot. So I got in touch with Makerbot and I can become authorized to sell the units. Not relevant to Mego but a bit of background because ...

... all authorized resellers of Makerbots can purchase a Replicator 2 as a not-for-resale demo unit at 40% off MSRP. Any experience with a Makerbot Replicator 2? Does it have the resolution to make anything cool Mego-wise or is the most I'll get out of it is making phone cases and replacement remote control doors?

- Marty

[samurainoir]

no matter how fine, the things you print are going to have little lines on it with the makerbot, but it depends on what you can live with personally as a customizer. I've currently got a bunch of heads out to different folk who are doing paints and trying to come up with solutions for a smoother finish on the resin cast of the printout, we'll see how they come back.

There are resin printers out there now that are slightly more expensive and complicated to output, but this is my current solution of choice given the smooth finish and resolutions you get without all the little lines.

I haven't tried it yet myself, but I've been chatting with folks about ways to get smooth finishes with acetone vapour. There is a small loss of resolution, but again I think there is a great deal of trial and error and experimenting no matter what with 3-D printing tech. at that discount, I say totally go for it!

Neolani and "the boy" are really the experts 'round these parts to ask. Hopefully they will be by shortly.

if you get a 3D scanner, I'm coming to Peterborough!

[noelani72]

Legend of Link and myself have lots of info on this throughout these boards.
That is the printer we've been using for over a year now - I love it...as an extrusion printer.
The machine was rather difficult to dial in, required mods to make reliable - but Makerbot has made some leaps and bounds and the three new machines they revealed on their site a couple weeks ago fix a great many things.
I have become partners with somone quite high in the food chain there - and I get R&D materials to try.
My bot has almost 700 hours on it now and prints perfect every single time.
40% off aye? That is a pretty good deal.