The SmartrapCore 3D printer is another in the continuing trend of affordable, open source printers that offer an easy process for building and adding on. Touted to be a “true RepRap printer,” it can print its own upgrades and its own plastic parts. With a focus on building and reconstructing, it’s easy to work with in assembly, and in line with its complete open source concept, manufacturer Smartfriendz will offer online plans, instructions and help, and helpful videos for installation.
As the latest model from the Smartfriendz lab, the SmartrapCore kit is now available for sale to public, and files are also available on Thingiverse and Github, following all the same procedures they did with their Smartrap, hoping to have the same success.
With the SmartrapCore, the Smartfriendz team started with a coreXY base. The 3D printed parts are simply put on top of the simple, wooden box uncomplicated by any need for drilling or cutting (with pieces for that easily attained at any hardware store) and screwed with simple wood screws. The Smartfriendz team states that it is expandable from 20 x 20 cm to around 50 x 50 cm.
Written in openjscad, with all the source code available on YouMagine, they offer multiple options, like:
- Nema size
- Rods size
- Printable size
- Wood thickness
Still in development by Smartfriendz, print plates will soon be automatically generated. Integrated assembly in the openjscad file will soon be available, as well as the assembly video on their YouTube channel.
As development of the SmartrapCore has been progressing, in open source fashion, their following has been very helpful with giving tips and feedback to the Smartfriendz team as they’ve been downloading files and building the 3D printers, asking questions, tweaking, and offering helpful ideas — even patch files which have been integrated. It’s a testament to their promise that when you are buying a Smartfriendz 3D printer you are doing more than just acquiring new technology, you are becoming part of a whole new, unique ‘dynamic community.’
The team has also just recently made updates to reorient the ztop on ‘new plate2,’ as well as reorienting the Jhead attachment with the inductive sensor.
The kit is priced at €320, if all you need is the base kit. This does not include 3D printed parts or any of the pieces needed to build the wooden box. For slightly more, you can purchase the kit with a completely constructed box, and for €480, you get the ‘plug and play’ version.
Have you checked out this 3D printer, and are you interested in building it or purchasing it turnkey? Have you used any of the other Smartfriendz 3D printers? Tell us your thoughts in the SmartrapCore 3D Printer forum thread over at 3DPB.com.
