Anet A8 3D Printer.

[PhillipM]

It's a replicator clone but with 40mm ally reinforced frame and linear rails.

 

[decca]

I bought one of these printers and its really good. So far i have printed a few of the test files and downloaded a couple of things from thingyverse.

I want to try designing my own items but have never used cad. Anyone know an easy CAD software package thats easy to use and free????

 

[carbon]

Fusion 360 is free for personal use but not sure how easy to use as haven’t tried any others

 

[PhillipM]

I think the main thing with the A8 is to get all the mods for connectors and mosfets done ASAP, they have a propensity for going up in flames.

 

[130]

They've improved over the versions. The outer heat bed connections that take the heavy load are definitely an issue.
Trimming off the connector insulation, sliding them on then running solder into the joint on those two should sort it...……….(and is quick, easy and no weight added like cable chain solutions)

Mine is soldered for these two.

Mosfets are probably a good idea if you are going hotter like to try ABS but my board shows no signs of connector issues unlike earlier version. Power supplies used to pop too but at least mosfets protect the board, though not the power supply

 

[ukracer]

Just grabbed what i hope to be a bargain. But does my A8 use 1.75 filament?

 

[carbon]

Believe so by looking at a few ads and reviews for the A8

 

[ukracer]

Believe so by looking at a few ads and reviews for the A8

Yeah it all looks good 10 rolls for 100 quid.

 

[130]

 

[ukracer]

ALL ARE 1.75MM

New & Sealed.......

Filamentive Black ABS x1
Up Fila Red ABS x3
Cel Robox Hot Pink PLA x1
Cel Robox Highways Orange ABS x1
Cel Robox Hot Pink ABS x1
CEL Robox Amethyst Purple PLA x1
3DQF Purple PLA x1

Opened used.......

Unkown Black PLA
Unkown White PLA
Up Fila Red ABS

Sample pack of mixed ABS, ASA, PLA sold as it is.

Seems like cel robox is not cheap ebay stuff i guess....

 

[130]

Check your roll sizes, are they 10 of 1kg? If so unless it's a good brand it's not cheap, it's normal for cheap stuff.
If is a good brand maybe it's good value

 

[ukracer]

Check your roll sizes, are they 10 of 1kg? If so unless it's a good brand it's not cheap, it's normal for cheap stuff.
If is a good brand maybe it's good value

I only looked at the 1st roll which was 1kg. Sadly it seems its more haste less speed.

Some are 0.65 and some even 500grams.

 

[ukracer]

Although it does seem expensive stuff most of it.

 

[bigegg]

First model printed out.

Needs a bit of a clean up, but very happy with it.

8!!! Hours tho.
:-(

 

[PhillipM]

Add a bit of Z-hop, more retraction, and it looks like there's a lot ringing on the benchy upper - could be stepper noise though.

 

[130]

First model printed out.

Needs a bit of a clean up, but very happy with it.

8!!! Hours tho.
:-(

8 hours end to end or 8 hour print ?
What size?
What layer?
What fill?
And what shell?

I've found certain settings in Cura can vary a model print time by as much as a third without adjusting travel / layer / fill

 

[130]

Infact have you a link to the stl too?

 

[bigegg]

8 hours end to end or 8 hour print ?
What size?
What layer?
What fill?
And what shell?

I've found certain settings in Cura can vary a model print time by as much as a third without adjusting travel / layer / fill

Size is about 160mm long.
0.1mm layer
20% fill
50mm speed.

Shell???
Dunno

 

[bigegg]

Infact have you a link to the stl too?

It's the "nimitz" benchy from thingiverse

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2940437

I think it was this one...

 

[130]

Size is about 160mm long.
0.1mm layer
20% fill
50mm speed.

Shell???
Dunno

Ok so spin up Cura again if that is what you are using
0.2 layer will give you 4 hours
0.3 layer maybe 2.4 hours

Obviously courser finish

10% fill would be tolerable

Have a look at shell or wall thickness
I have seen a 0.8 or 1.2 take upto a third longer than a 1.0mm shell / wall thickness on hollow items