UNIcastings said:I have a low-end 3D printer. I will not mention the manufacturer, since I am very unhappy with the unit, and have had enless trouble with both the hardware an software.
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So in summary, I do not recommend a low-end 3D printer. If you really want a pattern, and cannot make it from balsa or other type woods, consider sending the part out to be printed on a high-end machine. If you forget or ignore the shrinkage, draft angle and machining tolerances, then your printer part will not be usable.
I do quite a lot of development work on your low-end 3D printers. I have them built to out-perform some of those $30K ones. The point being, it can be done, and without too much effort if you're careful and pick the right design to start with. But that's a side-note.
If you're interested, PM me and I'd be more than willing to help you make your printer perform better.