Hi,
I am looking for advice. I am trying to make a good decision for my patrons. 3D printing at my library is new. I did my best to read as many post related to my questions as possible. Here is where I am at. I am purchasing accessories for a public library users, so there will be a range of printing needs. We have a Taz 6 and a Printrbot Play. We have the grant money now and won’t really have it for sure in subsequent years. Basically our budget on going will be for basic maintenance and filament (which depends on use).
I am looking to definitely provide Dual Extrusion and also Flexy filament options. I had been prepared to fork up the money out of Grant money to buy the Dual extruder, FlexyDually, and Flexy - about $1,300. However, after reading some posts here I see that there are people that are printing their own extruder heads or attaching a single Extruder to the FlexyDually (swapping out the Flexy Extruder) I am unsure what is the best approach. Also, I believe I read that a best practice is - if you want to offer different types of filaments you may want to have a dedicated Extruder for each - not just a nozzle? We have only printed with PLA and nGen so far, I am not sure how ABS will print, we do not have an enclosure. So if printing parts with ABS is necessary that may matter.
So my question is should I –
A) Just buy all three - You’re over thinking it, this opportunity won’t happen again.
B) Buy just the Dual Extruder and Single Flexy (with the idea I can put the Flexy on the Dual for a Dual flex and non-flex extruder) - spend the rest on filament.
C) Buy just the FlexyDually and Single Flexy (with the idea I can put the single non-flex extruder on the FlexyDually to make a Dual non-flex extruder) - Aside: Can the Flexi Extruder from the FlexiDually become a single Flexy?
D) Find the money - Just buy all three and add another Single extruder for “exotic” or metal filaments.
E) If I were to buy just B or just C - would you buy a second single Extruder for “exotic” or metal filaments.
Other info:
Taz 6
.5 nozzle
I am planning on getting a set (maybe two) of http://www.matterhackers.com/store/printer-accessories/e3d-v6-extra-nozzle-fun-pack-3.00mm
Filaments looking at providing: PLA, MOLDLAY, T-GLASE, NGEN, HIGH TEMP PLA, NinjaFlex, SemiFlex WoodFill, SteelFill, possibly ABS, possible PVA, possible HIPS
We have no enclosure
I hope to participate in Enable the Future
Considering purchasing Simplify3D
Thanks for you collective wisdom and advice,
Sarah