Q3D OneUP 3D Printer Kit - Version 2

Just to echo what most of the reviews have said here: It's a great device for the money, but has some serious design flaws due to the low cost.Two things I'd like to call out.First, I really appreciate the staff at Q3D. My package shipped on time, but was missing the belts when I received it. I contacted Q3D through the Amazon portal and they responded within 2 hours. On a Saturday. Belts shipped out on Tuesday (Monday was a holiday), and I got them on Friday. Sure the belts should have been in the package in the first place, but they definitely made it right.I appreciate how they've been gradually improving the OneUp. They've added a flexiable Z-axis connector, instead of the original bolt the threaded rod onto the motor. They've improved the mountings for the belt pulleys. They've changed from the original brass Z-axis nut to a plastic one which isn't exactly a positive move, but that's probably a tradeoff for the other changes, and one I'm fine with.Second, this is not for the non-technical person who just wants to print stuff. This is a model kit. It takes time to assemble, care, and some knowledge. You have to learn how the software works to be able to remotely use it properly. It's somewhat fragile, and you can potentially make it destroy itself.It's essentially a masterclass that teaches you how 3D printers work, how to build them, and a tool to start making your own improvements or even a new printer. This is exactly what I wanted, and it fills that role perfectly.Final Notes:- The build area is advertised as 100mmx100mmx125mm. For me, it's actually closer to 80mmx125mmx110mm (X, Y, Z)- Like everyone else has said, the X gantry (the crossbar that the print head rides on) sags, unless you superglue the bearings on. Not a good long term solution. One of the first things to do is either install a pully mod (search google for 'oneup pully mod') or print out an entirely new gantry.- I do not like how the extruder is attached to the feeder. The screws just don't seem to hold it well.- Be VERY careful when attaching the bearings with the wire ties. The tie holders on the MDF board are not sturdy enough, and easily ripped through.- There is no fan bracket, but the system really needs one. The first thing you should print is a fan bracket. Until then, put a desk fan on your print after the first layer is put down.- Use the filament they give you to work out the system, but buy new filament to use on day 1. What I got in the box.w asn't very good, and it wasn't until I started using the new plastic that my started looking nice.

I was curious about the best selling 3D printers on amazon so as I was searching through the list this printer showed up in the top 100. There are not many printers on the list but when I saw the price I had to buy it. Shipping was lightning fast from the manufacturer and everything was well packaged. I printed out the instructions to assemble the printer and discovered that I was missing washers needed. I didn't bother contacting them since I had the washers needed from another 3D printer build that I did. I spent about 3 hours in total putting the printer together, the MDF pieces seemed to be well made and fit together nice and snug. The electronics board is a clone of the Printrboard but seemed to be well made despite the power connections being the complete opposite of the official Printrboard. The Power Supply itself seems to be well made but the power connector from the electronics board to the power supply is extremely short. I had plenty of wire in the house so this was not a problem for me. Once everything was connected I fired up the printer to test movement. Keep in mind that there are no limit switches in this kit. If you define the print area in the software this is not a problem but I recommend that you add your own limit switches, the electronics board has inputs for these switches. One thing to note is that the Z-Axis sags quite a bit. I don't feel comfortable running the printer like this so I plan on printing out pulleys to keep the right side of the Z-Axis level with the left side. There are plenty of improvements that can be found online. Also the X-axis has no way of attaching to the belt to move the extruder carriage. This can be solved using double sided sticky tape but I recommend that you print some sort of teeth to connect the X-axis to the belt. This is not a printer that you can put together and use right outside the box. If you want one of those purchase a Printrbot Makers Edition. I was going to pull the trigger and buy one of those but for nearly 43% less I was able to get a printer that has the same build area. For the price you get decent electronics, stepper motors, and a decent extruder. With a few improvements however you will have yourself a decent printer that doesn't cost much money. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the printer soon before and after modifications.