Hi all.

My venerable ender 3 has likely printed it’s last benchy. Plus side, the tech has advanced significantly since I bought it. Down side, I’ve not kept track of the newer options.

Can anyone give me a rundown of which are worth looking at, and which to avoid?

I’m mostly concerned with reliability, but a speed boost would definitely be welcome. A heated chamber and/or multi material would also be very nice to have.

I would like to keep the costs closer to £500 ($680) but can stretch that, if there is a machine worth it.

I also have a complete no on bamboo printers. I don’t like what they’ve done regarding abuse of the open source movement.

Thanks all!

Edit to add. I’m not against non open source printers. I just have an issue with companies trying to burn the ladder behind them and lock their customers into a bubble.

Double edit: The snapmaker U1 seems like my best option. Ticks all the boxes, while remaining well in budget.

    • voicesarefree@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      10 hours ago

      That’s good to know. I have only seen the SV 08 mentioned, which I wasn’t sure of the value vs some of the 2.4 kits.

      I see there is a Soval Zero as well, that looks more compelling.

      • KryptonBlur@slrpnk.netEnglish
        1·
        9 hours ago

        I’m not sure of the value in terms of parts/capability. But since it comes as essentially a pre built or mostly built 2.4 and they donate to the voron team I can see why people would like it. That being said I’ve not tried one, so no clue how good it is.