The Solidoodle 4th Generation
Introduction
We wanted a 3d printer to create parts that we could not normally create with hand tools. The Solidoodle was just right for us with its low price and exceptional performance. It costed us about SGD1400. Over time we made some minor modifications based on what we have learnt and encountered. We learned a lot through the many prints we had, research and even talking to fellow users of 3d printers at a makers event! Let us talk about our trusty plastic extruding friend!
Features
The specifications for this printer can be found at http://www.solidoodle.com/Solidoodle4. But we would like to highlight a few features we liked:
- Heated Build Platform
- Enclosure
- Able to print parts up to 8″ x 8″ x 8″
- Ease in setting up
- Simple tools provided
1. Heated Build Platform
The Solidoodle came with a very useful aluminium heated build platform. It also has a layer of kapton tape to help the print stick well onto the build platform. These together proved super useful for ABS prints. We tested ABS prints without the build platform heated and it didnt go so well; the corners warped since the base did not stick well to the platform and due to the layers contracting.
Unfortunately, we did run into some problems with the heated build plate after some time. We found it odd that prints were warping and suspected that the build platform may not be flat. True enough, it was not.
Bent Heated Build Plate
We placed a ruler to confirm this. Thankfully, the awesome team at Solidoodle were understanding and agreed to do a 1-for-1 exchange for the heated build plate. However, we had to pay for the shipping cost for the defective build plate to be sent back to Brooklyn, NY(We live in Singapore!). The new build plate was sent back to us rather quickly. As you may have noticed in the first picture in the post, we are using the acrylic build platform. We made the acrylic build platform ourselves to allow us to continue printing while the heated build platforms were exchanged. We will talk more about the acrylic build platform later.
2. Enclosure
The sleek, black enclosure made the 3d printer very presentable and cool. On the functional side, it was useful for the following reasons:
- Keeping dust out
- Trapping heat within the 3d printer: This helps the ABS prints stick better onto the build platform.
- Keeping itchy hands away from the print and the extremely hot extruder nozzle.
3. Able to print parts up to 8″ x 8″ x 8″
We never had to worry about the printer not being able to accomodate any of our prints so far and were able to fit as many prints within the build platform at the same time. ‘Nuff said.
4. Ease in setting up.
The Solidoodle 4 was surprisingly easy to set up and use. To quote the guide on the Solidoodle support page, it could be done in 6 steps:
- Unboxing the printer
- Installing the drivers and software
- Connecting the Solidoodle to the computer
- Installing the filament
- Calibrating the Solidoodle
- Printing with the Solidoodle
Software and drivers downloaded without a problem at all. When the Solidoodle was plugged in it was detected by my computer in no time, unlike other devices i have used which required me to manually download the drivers again until i get the right one . Installation of the filament and calibration for the Solidoodle were made easy with the cmprehensive video guide by Solidoodle. Printing was easily done through the Repetier Host Software. We were able to get that all done within 2 hours.
Tools
Tools. Note that it did not come with the UHU glue stick.
The Solidoodle came with the following tools:
- A hex driver: For adjusting and calibrating certain parts of the Solidoodle.
- A scraper: To pry prints away from the build platform
- A pair of tweezers: Handy for handling the extruded filament in my opinion. It tends to get messy sometimes!
- A toothbush: To clean the printer and build platform.
We added the UHU glue stick to the tools as we apply it on the build platform occasionally.
Modifications
Over time, we improved the Solidoodle with modifications after encountering problems or simply coming across interesting ideas.
1. Cooling fan for the extruder assembly
After talking to some experienced users during the makers event, we were really convinced about the advantages of having a cooling fan to cool the print as it is extruded. We 3d printed a simple bracket to mount onto the front of the extruder assembly and modified the current wiring of the cooling fans in the Solidoodle. Prints became sharper and much better. It was an easy modification which produced outstanding improvement to the Solidoodle
2. Acrylic Build Plate
In the absence of the heated build plate, we made our own acrylic build plate to allow us to continue printing. We followed the dimensions and fittings of the heated build plate. We went for a layered aproach for the design; The top layer can be replaced and secured with clips(as shown in the above picture) while the bottom layer is secured to the Z axis platform with the original screws. This allowed up to tr out different build platform surfaces such as glass and glue. The glass surface did not work as well as the acrylic surface. The glue used was the UHU glue stick.
3. Dump Tray
Cardboard Dump Tray
Modifications dont have to be complex to be useful! This dump tray was a re-purposed cardboard tray from some packaging and it serves its purpose really well. When the extruder is heating up, some run-off filament is formed a droops down onto the base. This dump tray catches the run-off and also any other unwanted extrusions formed on the platform which I pick out using the tweezers.
4. USB Cable Management
USB Cable Management
Another simple but useful improvement to the printer. We dont always keep the Solidoodle connected to the computer and the cable is usually lying around on the table. We installed two stick-on hooks to the side of the Solidoodle to allow us to wind up and keep the USB cable neatly.
Conclusion
The Solidoodle has brought us many new experiences, from 3D designing, to making modifications to improve the performance of it. We have been told by many others that we should have gotten other brands of 3d printers but have still been happy and proud of the Solidoodle 4th Gen. Despite facing some problems, we were able to overcome them with help of the online community and support from Solidoodle. We would encourage anyone who has the interest in 3d printers to get a 3D printer. Not only will you be able to learn more about 3D printing technology, but also 3D designing, parts design etc. We feel that it is a one-of-a-kind equipment that one can grow and learn with.
Leave us a comment if you would like to know more of our experience with the Solidoodle and 3D printing. Or you could drop us an email.
Make.Share.Learn
make.share.learn 