Thank you to everyone who responded to my 3D printer inquiry. As promised, here is a brief recap of what I heard: * A recommended resin printer (not typical filament) was the Elegoo Mars at about $300 or the newer Saturn at about $500. Without the Mercury curing machine, the curing process is slow but both machines can be had in a bundle at about $600. * Several recommended Prusa machines, including the Mini and the I3 Mk3 (the one I'm currently looking at). They were considered fast, reliable and not too noisy, though an enclosure is recommended. * For inexpensive, the SCULPTO2 is said to work okay for $200 but it was recommended to spend more. * Lulzbot mini for $1500 (3 yrs ago) was recommended but it needs a computer connection A good tip I got was to be sure of what requirements any included software have. Do you need a Windows PC? Does it use an app only? Can you just plug in a USB drive or SD card with plans? Take care, David From: David Edelman Sent: Friday, October 22, 2021 3:54 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Cc: David Edelman <dedelman@hastingspubliclibrary.org> Subject: 3D Printer Suggestions? Hello, We are considering a 3D printer for programing, as well as to potentially let patrons print their own items on (with supervision). I am new to this and see tons of reviews that can help guide me, but wonder what other libraries are successfully using. Budget is being determined but likely will be under $1,000. We might swing up to $1,500 for the "perfect" machine. I'd like something on the quiet side with the ability to print with multiple materials using standard filaments, nothing proprietary. If anyone has suggestions and can provide any insight, I would appreciate it. Please respond directly to me and I'll consolidate responses back to the list. dedelman@HastingsPublicLibrary.org<mailto:dedelman@HastingsPublicLibrary.org> Thanks! David Edelman Circulation Supervisor Hastings Public Library 227 E. State St. Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 945-4263 [1566481112914_HPL_Green-smaller.jpg] This e-mail and any attachments are intended for the sole use of the addressee listed. It may contain confidential and/or legally protected information exempt from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete all copies of the message and any attachments. Please note that e-mails are susceptible to change and we cannot be responsible or liable for the proper and complete transmission of the information contained in this e-mail, any delay in its receipt, or damage to your systems. We cannot guarantee that the integrity of this e-mail has been maintained or that this e-mail is free of viruses, interception, or interference.
