Hi, I am brand new to 3d printing and I think it’s something I’d like to get more into. The only issue is I have extremely limited space, and I travel for work.

I am wondering if there are any 3d printers that would be practical for this type of lifestyle. I was eyeballing the prusa mini +.

Are there any 3d printers that pack/travel well?

  • @GompjeEnglish
    6•1 year ago

    I’ve experience with 2 printers: Ender 3 orig and the prusa mini. Of those 2 the prusa wins. It wins on every front but certainly space/portability.

    If you find a box that fits it, pad it a bit. I can see this totally working if handled with care. You can lift the thing with one hand steadily with the z motor. Spools with the holder are going in another box. 👌

    Don’t buy an Ender 3 or something of the same category. These are only good to thinker with and brute force learn stuff. They absolutely do not travel well and take a lot, A LOT of space/money/time/frustration compared to the mini.

    • @rustyriffsOPEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      I’m definitely eyeballing this one pretty hard.

      I am wondering how easy/difficult is the z axis assembly would be to take apart from the main unit?

      • @GompjeEnglish
        1•1 year ago

        Imho that axis is the backbone of the whole unit.

        Personally I would not do that: you will disable the whole thing. And while it then can be packed in a flat back I cannot image it will not come at a big cost of stability and loose thingies after doing this over and over.

        I would just put in one of those really useful boxes, make sure the bed and other axes cannot move to spare the stepper motors. I image myself using towels or clothes to do this, you know thing that I would have to move anyway.

        That said: it’s a great machine at a good price point. You’ll have lots of fun with it!

        • @rustyriffsOPEnglish
          1•1 year ago

          So, you’re suggesting to just put the whole thing in a box without disconnecting anything and it should be fine so long as I’m padding it appropriately right?

          Thank you!

          • @GompjeEnglish
            2•1 year ago

            Just my 2 cents but yeah that’s basically it.

            🤔

            … maybe drop Prusa Support a note with your question. Ask them what they would recommend. Just to get their opinion. Imho can’t hurt!

            If you can safely move it without disassemble, I think the re-calibration would be minimal.

            —- Disclaimer: I have never done this. Although I believe this is going to be ok, I’m not responsible.

            • @rustyriffsOPEnglish
              1•1 year ago

              No worries, friend. I’ll make sure I email them if I feel like I need to. I appreciate the help