Welcome to the SeeMeCNC Community

I sold my 2014 wooden printrbot simple because I didn't really like the replacement of belts for strings and the y-axis instability. However, I wanted to give Printrbot another chance considering they sold me my first printer (LC v1).

My latest purchase (which only cost me $50 after selling the other simple) is the Printrbot Simple Metal in White. I first saw the prototype of this printer at Inside3DPrinting NYC in February '14. Brook informed me that it was a higher build quality and addresses many of the faults and issues that the wooden/makers simples have due to their low cost. The increased rigidity due to the metal frame is one of the main reasons I bought this machine, along with the auto-leveling features.

note: this is not a plug/advert for printrbot. This is 'the build zone' and although I'm not building a SeeMeCNC machine in this thread, I am building a repstrap machine.

Status: [img]http://puu.sh/96YPa/58a11ced2c.png[/img]

I'll be curious to see what it is like in person for you.

This will be great! Of all the cartesians, the Simple metal has been the most attractive to me. It has a simple design and an open build platform which I've grown to love about the Rostock. Don't think I could ever go back to an enclosed box-style printer again.

Keep this thread going

Okay. I've been taking time-lapse photos all day long and got the thing assembled (I'll get a video up soon).

sitrep:

Very easy assembly. All of the pieces just fit together correctly. There is really no 'hassle' getting it put together, something I really am amazed with considering this kit is made by Printrbot (masters of building annoying kits).

Compared to my past 'Makers Edition/Wood' Simple, the metal one is much larger and feels much more sturdy. The aluminum frame is lightweight and the two metal reinforcements (Y and Z axis) are very heavy for the correct reasons. The belt tensioning mechanisms could use a little work but it is nothing to complain about.

They've addressed all of the issues people have been complaining about with the Makers Edition and made a larger build envelope while they were at it.


Still to do:
*Load Autoleveling firmware
*Test autoleveling functionality
*Test machine
*upload sample prints
*modify the crap out of it