FEATURES –
- Easy to use software for simple customization of 3D models.
- Onboard software permits standalone operation when needed.
- Pre-installed extruder provides fast, out-of-box use.
- Full color touch screen for optimal object preview.
- Large build platform for bigger projects; Maximum build volume: 9" x 5.9" x 5.5".
SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEWS –
1) Quiet, Compact 3D Printer Designed for Home Use--Builds Objects in Hours From PLA Filament Without Overwhelming Fumes - What an astonishing machine! Once it is unpacked, this compact DREMEL 3D20-01 IDEA BUILDER 3D PRINTER requires only 15-20 minutes to set up, then builds an object of your choice (as instructed by the included SD memory card) from thin layers of melted plastic filament in a few to several hours. It's quiet (the noise level is about the same as a bread machine or dishwasher), and the plastic fumes are acceptable (neither overwhelming nor toxic-smelling) when the build is done in a reasonably well-ventilated room. It even has a touchscreen (at the lower right front) that walks you through the steps of every build.
My 3D printer almost seemed to be humming a tune to itself as it worked! It built a pretty "hexagonal vase" (which I'll use as a pencil cup, because it will only hold artificial flowers) in just 4 hours, 40 minutes. (For some reason mine took longer than the 3 hours, 36 minutes build time stated in the project file.) The finished vase has a few minor imperfections, but most of the odd plastic bits pulled off easily, and I can use fine sandpaper to smooth out the rest.
Now that I've personally experienced 3D printing, I understand why so many are saying that 3D printing is the future of all manufacturing and fabricating! If you can create a computer-assisted design for an object, a 3D printer can fabricate the object by patiently laying down thin layers of plastic, or even metal (which is being used in the very newest, million-dollar, 3D printers that are now available to researchers).
Because I've always been mesmerized by software "progress thermometers" (yes, dumb), I was fascinated by watching the printing process as it added thin layer after thin layer to the emerging object. At the beginning, the extruder simply outlined the base, and filled it in with straight lines going across the base area, on top of the build tape and platform. But sometimes the extruder would build a little wall around an area, then go back and forth quickly across the area, in the way that a child uses a crayon to fill in a large area in a coloring book. At other times, the printer would add a layer with little bumps to the top of a growing wall. If there were empty places that needed to be bridged over, the extruder would lay a thin, spiderweb-like thread across the space, go back over it to strengthen it, and add more threads alongside it, until a solid "bridge" was paved and ready to be added onto in subsequent layers.
*** UNPACKING was the hardest part for me, because of the Styrofoam block packed inside the printer. The carton sides drop away when you remove the carton lid, which makes the printer easy to lift out of the carton base with its expected Styrofoam blocks. On top of the printer is a Styrofoam block that holds the Quick Start Guide, the instruction manual, the SD memory card, the unclog tool, the black Dremel build tape, the leveling sheet, the object removal tool, the USB cable, and the power cable.
But packed INSIDE the printer, underneath the non-removeable build platform support, is a huge Styrofoam block that turns out to contain the filament spool and the spool lock. To remove this Styrofoam, you must take out the plastic build platform, and then LIFT the build platform support (the black platform with the clip) that is attached to the columnar rail at the back of the printer. Reach into the printer, grip the build platform support on each side, and gently lift--there will be noticeable resistance, and a soft ratcheting sound--until there is enough space above the Styrofoam block to allow you to remove it through the printer door. You may find it easier to lift the build platform support if you reach in from the top, with the printer lid off. (Unfortunately the unpacking instructions do NOT explain this final step.)
*** SETUP is simple and easy. With the power switch off (or the printer unplugged), you put the filament spool on the holder (inside the printer at the left), then lock it in place by inserting the spool lock and turning it toward you 90 degrees. The filament feeds from the bottom to the back of the printer. You should check to be sure that the filament spool rotates freely.
Next you thread the filament end through the filament guide tube (which looks like a drinking straw attached to the back of the printer case). Finally you insert the filament end in the hole in the top of the extruder. There are clear drawings in the Quick Start Guide and instruction manual that help you to identify the parts and see exactly how to thread the filament.
Now you cover the plastic build platform with a sheet of build tape (the black sheet printed with the word "Dremel"). Remove the backing carefully and apply the adhesive side of the tape the same way you apply a transparent screen protector sheet, making sure that you don't end up with air bubbles under the build tape. (Air bubbles can cause an object not to build properly.) Then replace the covered plastic build platform on the build platform support, using the clip to secure it in place.
On the touchscreen at the lower right, tap "Tools", then "Filament", then "Load Filament", and wait for the extruder to heat. When it's heated, the extruder will draw the filament through. You let the filament come through for about 10 seconds, then tap the return arrow to complete the filament loading process.
Next, you must LEVEL the build platform. You tap "Tools", then "Level". The touchscreen prompts guide you through the process. At three places on the build platform, you slide the leveling sheet (a thin plastic-coated paper) between the build platform and the extruder's brass tip. If the sheet won't go in, or if it goes in too easily, you adjust a knob beneath the platform until the leveling sheet goes in, but with some resistance.
*** BUILDING an object is now very simple. You insert the SD card in the slot alongside the power switch, then tap "Build" on the touchscreen. You use the up/down arrows to scroll and select an object. The SD card contains instructions for several objects (a tree frog, a toothpaste squeezer, a T-Rex head, a school bus, a rhino head, a reindeer puppet, a polar bear puppet, a hex vase, a Dremel logo, a chess set King piece, a game-playing die, and a tie bar). (Instructions for additional objects are available on the Dremel 3D web site). You select the item you want to build, tap "Build", and the 3D printer will begin to build the object as soon as the extruder reaches the proper temperature.
As the object builds, the touchscreen displays the progress (time elapsed, time remaining, percent completed). When the object is finished, the touchscreen will display "Object finished". When the touchscreen shows that the extruder is cool, you hit the checkmark to confirm. Then you remove the build platform with the completed object, and use the object removal tool to help peel it from the build tape. My object popped right off the build tape when I touched it, without requiring a tool.
(My 3D printer actually skipped the "object finished" screen--maybe I hit the touchscreen by mistake--and went back to showing the Build/Tools screen. It wasn't a problem, though. I waited until the extruder had time to cool, and then removed the object.)
*** RESULTS are immensely satisfying! As you can see from the accompanying video slide show, I chose to build the "Hex Vase". It built with only a few flaws, and the finished object looks great.
Surprisingly, I had quite a bit of filament left after building the vase. The filament spool has markings inside to show how much filament remains--apparently I began with 632 feet of filament, and ended with 532 feet. It's important to always have enough filament on the spool to finish an object. If you don't, you'll have to throw away the unfinished object and start all over again from the beginning. Usually you will determine whether you have enough filament to build an object by weighing the filament (be sure to subtract the weight of the spool) and comparing the weight to the weight of the finished object as stated in the build file. Weight, not length, is the best measure of adequate filament.
DREMEL 3D SOFTWARE that lets you build objects from object files downloaded to a PC or Mac is available free from the Dremel 3D site. After installing it on your computer, you connect your computer to the 3D printer with a USB cable (supplied).
The software can load model files (.STL or .3dremel) , and can save the files to your computer or to an SD card (no more than 32 GB). The software allows you to customize the build quality and build time, to view the object from six different angles, to rotate the object on the build platform, to change the object's position on the build platform, and to scale objects up or down. The software also allows you to update the firmware on the 3D printer as updates are issued.
I haven't had a chance to experiment with the software yet, but will add some comments on the software after I build something with it.
*** TECHNICAL INFORMATION that is worth having.
* Build Facts. The maximum build size is 9" x 5.9" x 5.5 " (230mm x 150 mm x 140 mm). The extruder operates at a temperature of up to 397 degrees F (230 degrees C). Each layer thickness is 0.004" (0.10 mm). The printer will work with SD cards up to 32GB in size. The printer should have 8" of space all around to allow for proper ventilation.
* Filament Facts. The 3D printer purportedly works ONLY with Dremel 1.75 mm PLA filament (see Dremel 3D Printer Filament, 1.75 mm Diameter, 0.8 kg Spool Weight). This filament is plant-based, and is biodegradable/renewable. The filament should be stored at room temperature, and shouldn't be unpacked until it is needed. (If you're adventurous, you can try other PLA filaments at your own risk. Of course you must make sure that the non-Dremel filament is wound onto a filament spool that fits your printer, so that the filament will feed properly.)
The instruction manual states that the PLA filament fumes may be irritating to the eyes and airways. I had no problems, though, and I'm very sensitive to the toxic-smelling odors that used to be emitted by computers and peripherals that would require "burn-in" time.
The PLA plastic is NOT suitable for food or drink preparation or food utensils; and you should NOT put PLA plastic objects into your mouth. Such uses may result in illness or personal injury. (Don't use the accessory tray found on the web site for a candy dish!)
* Inappropriate Objects. The 3D printer should NOT be used to create illegal objects or objects protected by intellectual property laws. It should NOT be used to create objects intended for use with candles, liquid fuels, or heat sources. It should NOT be used to create objects intended for preparation, decoration, storage, or consumption of food or drink. It should NOT be used to create objects intended to be used with electrical components or housings of electrical components. It should NOT be used to create objects intended for chemical storage.
* Software. The 3D printer comes with free Dremel 3D software for Windows (Vista or later) and Mac (OS 10.8 or later). The software is downloadable from the Dremel3D web site. The 3D printer works ONLY with the Dremel 3D software, for converting 3D digital files into buildable files.
* Support. The Dremel 3D web site is amazingly well-stocked with helpful videos, with answers to many, many Frequently Asked Questions, and will have firmware updates as they are issued. There is also live chat support available on the Dremel site.
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UPDATE 10/9/14:
Basically, the Dremel 3D Software loads model files (.3dremel, .obj, .stl, .g3drem) and converts them to the .3dremel format that the 3D printer understands. It saves the converted files to your computer or an SD card (no more than 32GB). The Dremel 3D software also allows you to change the build quality and build time, to view the object from six different angles, to rotate the object on the build platform, to change the object's position on the build platform, and to scale objects up or down. In addition, the Dremel 3D software allows you to update the firmware on the 3D printer (as updates are issued), or to restore the firmware if a build goes so badly that the printer motors end up out of sync.
There are many, many free, downloadable model files available on the Internet. I was successful in using the software to convert an .stl file from Thingiverse (Paste Pusher Animals) and build a cute animal toothpaste squeezer.
The Sketchup site has model files and free downloadable software for designing your own models. The Dremel3D site also has suggestions and links for 3D model design software.
CAVEAT: It's important to follow directions very carefully with the 3D printer. When I tried to abort a leveling operation by telling the printer to "home", the extruder ended up stuck in the upper right corner, vibrating rather heavily. After trying the reset button, and reinstalling the firmware--with no luck--I fixed the problem by turning off the printer and then gently moving the platform down and gently pulling the moving controllers forward along the rails. Afterwards, I was able to print the Dremel "Tree Frog" with no difficulty.
TIP: If you run out of Build Tape before Dremel has it available, you can substitute wide blue painter's tape, applied without overlapping, with seams close together, to the top of the platform only. And relevel after applying the tape. (This is information received by email from a Dremel representative.)
Happily, the 3D printer does NOT use a lot of electricity. Even though it may take hours to build an item containing a lot of filament, it only heats the extruder to a few hundred degrees. It doesn't take a lot of heat to melt plastic filament.
If you want to make objects that use more than one color, you can. You pause the model, change filaments, and continue. (I haven't tried this yet, but there is a soccer-ball pencil holder model on the Dremel 3D site that uses two colors.)
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UPDATE 10/26/14:
I haven't experienced the "spaghetti" issues that other reviewers have mentioned. However, I always level the build platform before starting a build. I use two fingers to push the leveling sheet between the extruder tip and the platform, then adjust the knobs so that there is some resistance when I pull the leveling sheet out. This places the platform at a minimum distance from the extruder tip.
Some of my models have so stuck tightly to the build platform that I had to peel the build tape sheet away from the plastic platform to pop the models off. But they did come off (without any damage), and I was able to replace and reuse the build tape. The tree frog and platypus that I built would probably benefit from sanding to remove some circular lines on the creatures' backs, but they're pretty good toys "as is". I've read that it's quite normal for 3D-printed objects to require finishing.
The Dremel 3D software has worked fine for me (on a Win7 PC). It has imported files without difficulty, and has converted the imported files to files that the 3D printer could read. Something I was a little surprised at, is that some (if not all) of the models on the Dremel site (e.g., the platypus) require you to use the software to convert the downloaded files to "build" files before the 3D printer can use them.
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Update 11/3/14:
Still using the original roll of filament, I built a Klein Bottle today. I found the .stl file on Thingiverse (Wireframe Klein Bottle by Gnietschow, published Nov 2, 2014), and used the Dremel 3D software to build a .g3drem file for the SD card.
About 15% of the way into the build, the center part of the bottle turned into spaghetti. To verify that the file was okay, I tried again, and the build failed at the same place. Because I was watching, I could see that the extruder wasn't able to handle the very thin, small details at the center. The lattice foundation threads were skipped or too thin to support the next layers.
To fix this, I used the Dremel3D software to scale up the Klein bottle, and create a thicker lattice in the center. The strategy worked beautifully--the finished object looks exactly like the photo on Thingiverse. (Something I didn't get a chance to try, was to redo the file at the original scale but with a high resolution (slower speed) build, to give the extruder more time on each layer.) The scaled up build took just under 4 hours to complete.
By Lynne E. TOP 50 REVIEWER on October 8, 2014
2) Very easy to use, had a few issues but was able to easily fix myself, Dremels customer service also very good. - I had the opportunity to try this printer out and let me tell you, this being my first experience with a 3D printer I wasn't sure what to expect.
The printer showed up in a large brown box, the packaging was well done. Simply remove the inner box, lift the lid off and the sides fold down on their own, when they do it exposes some really slick marketing items for this printer to inspire you. It's really clever packaging and it gave me hope the printer itself would be great.
I set the printer up on my counter, I started removing the shipping tape and Styrofoam packing inside the printer, I had a little trouble getting the foam out below the table, but it came out, just be careful!
Loading the filament into the printer is VERY easy, put the spool on the plastic arm and lock it into place on the left hand side. Then slide the filament through the tube in the back and then slide it into the print head. Plug the printer in, and go into filament and choose load and follow the directions. Couldn't be easier for a first timer like myself.
Then it comes to calibrating/leveling the platform. That confused me at first because I turned the dials the wrong way, oops. Once I realized my mistake I was able to take the leveling slip and get it adjusted in a matter of seconds. Very easy once again had I followed the directions.
Once I was done I popped the included SD card into the side and did a build of a plastic toothpaste squeezer, there are a number of options to choose from but I sort of needed one of those so I figured why not use that as the test print. It fired up and about 47 minutes later I had my first successful print!
This printer is built well, the filament is easy to load and the directions are super easy to follow. Being able to download build files from the makerbot site and yeggi and a few others was fantastic. I have a nexus 5 cell phone so I found a bumper case for it and am actually printing one of those now. It's so cool being able to find nearly anything you want and make it yourself with the push of a button.
Overall I am VERY happy with how this printer works. I was impressed from the moment I unpacked it to the moment I had my first print done. Very easy to use, dremel hit a home run on this printer when it comes to ease of use. I am giving this 5 stars because of everything I listed. The only note I will make is in the some of the pictures it shows a spool of blue filament, one of the pictures shows a white spool, in the actual box I received white filament. There are a number of colors including blue that you can purchase. This does use 1.75 mm PLA filament.
==== UPDATE ====
Ok, I'm rewriting my update. Initially The first printer I received was awesome, it worked perfectly and I got to about 25 hours in and all of a sudden it broke. I followed the troubleshooting tools on Dremels site and nothing worked. In fairness their support = using the clog tool and pushing through the hole to try to clear any blockage. Well that didn't work. Dremel wound up sending me a replacement printer and I hooked it up, started using it and about 11 hours in the same thing happened, it suddenly stopped. Is it possible I really don't know what I am doing? Sure, but the exact same issue on 2 printers seems like a design flaw. I started doing research and found that other 3d printers like makerbot are designed to come apart, Dremels while screws are visible aren't without possibly voiding a warranty. Since I had 2 broken printers with the same issue I decided to try to repair one so I grabbed my tools and started to unscrew the fan on the front of the print head to see if I could access the filament feed. I had a lot of tools and it wound up only taking one hex style screwdriver to remove the 2 long screws, the plastic spacers and the black heatsink, it sounds like a lot of parts but it all comes off really easy just by undoing 2 long screws that you see on the front of the print head fan. Once that is removed it exposes the filament feed cavity and instantly I saw the problem, In the first printer there was a tiny piece of filament dried and the unclog tool wasn't able to reach it. I used a little knife and just popped it out, reassembled the printer and I was back up and running in no time. I was curious so I still had the second printer that UPS hadn't picked up yet so I did the same thing to that one, removed the fan, etc and found the same thing. Only on the second printer the filament was really stuck, I had to remove the actual feed unit itself which was simple to slide back and then I popped the filament out, reassembled and suddenly that printer came back to life.
I think there is a design flaw seeing how I had 2 printers have the exact same issue. Yes I was following the directions, yes I was using Dremel brand filament, yes I was careful but still I had the exact same issue on 2 different printers. The good news, it is extremely easy to resolve yourself just by popping out these 2 screws and then reassembling. My view is it's annoying it happened, but if you don't mind tinkering a little bit this is an awesome, budget friendly printer. And in fairness the only people that really are going to own 3d printers currently are those that like to tinker so it isn't that big of a deal.
I am rating this as 4 stars. Regarding clogged print head, the fact this one can be resolved by removing 2 screws is similar to having to remove the print head nozzle on the makerbot and other printers, they all suffer the same "clog" problem. All in all, this printer is pretty slick, it's very easy to "fix" when it does clog and Dremels support initially was really good by overnighting a new printer when I reported the first one broke and filament wouldn't feed through it anymore. I've also heard others called dremel for other questions and they too had good service.
The printer showed up in a large brown box, the packaging was well done. Simply remove the inner box, lift the lid off and the sides fold down on their own, when they do it exposes some really slick marketing items for this printer to inspire you. It's really clever packaging and it gave me hope the printer itself would be great.
I set the printer up on my counter, I started removing the shipping tape and Styrofoam packing inside the printer, I had a little trouble getting the foam out below the table, but it came out, just be careful!
Loading the filament into the printer is VERY easy, put the spool on the plastic arm and lock it into place on the left hand side. Then slide the filament through the tube in the back and then slide it into the print head. Plug the printer in, and go into filament and choose load and follow the directions. Couldn't be easier for a first timer like myself.
Then it comes to calibrating/leveling the platform. That confused me at first because I turned the dials the wrong way, oops. Once I realized my mistake I was able to take the leveling slip and get it adjusted in a matter of seconds. Very easy once again had I followed the directions.
Once I was done I popped the included SD card into the side and did a build of a plastic toothpaste squeezer, there are a number of options to choose from but I sort of needed one of those so I figured why not use that as the test print. It fired up and about 47 minutes later I had my first successful print!
This printer is built well, the filament is easy to load and the directions are super easy to follow. Being able to download build files from the makerbot site and yeggi and a few others was fantastic. I have a nexus 5 cell phone so I found a bumper case for it and am actually printing one of those now. It's so cool being able to find nearly anything you want and make it yourself with the push of a button.
Overall I am VERY happy with how this printer works. I was impressed from the moment I unpacked it to the moment I had my first print done. Very easy to use, dremel hit a home run on this printer when it comes to ease of use. I am giving this 5 stars because of everything I listed. The only note I will make is in the some of the pictures it shows a spool of blue filament, one of the pictures shows a white spool, in the actual box I received white filament. There are a number of colors including blue that you can purchase. This does use 1.75 mm PLA filament.
==== UPDATE ====
Ok, I'm rewriting my update. Initially The first printer I received was awesome, it worked perfectly and I got to about 25 hours in and all of a sudden it broke. I followed the troubleshooting tools on Dremels site and nothing worked. In fairness their support = using the clog tool and pushing through the hole to try to clear any blockage. Well that didn't work. Dremel wound up sending me a replacement printer and I hooked it up, started using it and about 11 hours in the same thing happened, it suddenly stopped. Is it possible I really don't know what I am doing? Sure, but the exact same issue on 2 printers seems like a design flaw. I started doing research and found that other 3d printers like makerbot are designed to come apart, Dremels while screws are visible aren't without possibly voiding a warranty. Since I had 2 broken printers with the same issue I decided to try to repair one so I grabbed my tools and started to unscrew the fan on the front of the print head to see if I could access the filament feed. I had a lot of tools and it wound up only taking one hex style screwdriver to remove the 2 long screws, the plastic spacers and the black heatsink, it sounds like a lot of parts but it all comes off really easy just by undoing 2 long screws that you see on the front of the print head fan. Once that is removed it exposes the filament feed cavity and instantly I saw the problem, In the first printer there was a tiny piece of filament dried and the unclog tool wasn't able to reach it. I used a little knife and just popped it out, reassembled the printer and I was back up and running in no time. I was curious so I still had the second printer that UPS hadn't picked up yet so I did the same thing to that one, removed the fan, etc and found the same thing. Only on the second printer the filament was really stuck, I had to remove the actual feed unit itself which was simple to slide back and then I popped the filament out, reassembled and suddenly that printer came back to life.
I think there is a design flaw seeing how I had 2 printers have the exact same issue. Yes I was following the directions, yes I was using Dremel brand filament, yes I was careful but still I had the exact same issue on 2 different printers. The good news, it is extremely easy to resolve yourself just by popping out these 2 screws and then reassembling. My view is it's annoying it happened, but if you don't mind tinkering a little bit this is an awesome, budget friendly printer. And in fairness the only people that really are going to own 3d printers currently are those that like to tinker so it isn't that big of a deal.
I am rating this as 4 stars. Regarding clogged print head, the fact this one can be resolved by removing 2 screws is similar to having to remove the print head nozzle on the makerbot and other printers, they all suffer the same "clog" problem. All in all, this printer is pretty slick, it's very easy to "fix" when it does clog and Dremels support initially was really good by overnighting a new printer when I reported the first one broke and filament wouldn't feed through it anymore. I've also heard others called dremel for other questions and they too had good service.
By J. Haggard TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on September 30, 2014
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