Simple questions before getting started.

Hi!

I've done a lot of reading. And would like to get started. But i have a few basic questions that I'm not sure about.

1.75 vs 3mm - Obviously I know one is bigger, but am I correct that as long as you use the same tip (say .5mm) the end result would be the same. 3mm with a larger tip could put out thicker walls?

Bed Size - What is the size of the bed? I keep reading how thick aluminum it is 4-5mm, but not the dimensions.

Yellow film on the bed: What is the clear film I see on many Reprap beds? Where do I get it?

Heated bed - What are the problems when I don't have a heated bed?

Thanks

Mitch

I think 1.75 allows for two benefits: 1) finer control of the extruded plastic amount and 2) you can build a smaller and lighter extruder so your x-axis will have less chance backlash issues at higher speeds.

Mendel's are usually 20x20 cm, I am building a Prusa Mendel myself.

The yellow film is Kapton tape. It's a heat resistent tape and works really well as a print surface. If you use a heated bed (PC, you may not need the aluminum plate. I'll be applying the tape directly to the PCB and printing on that. I'm ordering my tape from Amazon.

If you don't have a heated bed, you'll have more issues with larger prints warping as the lower layers cool.

I'm a noob myself, so if anyone sees something wrong, please call it out.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2011 09:29PM by hardtoe.

Thanks!

I was going with the Prusa, then saw the Orca, and the new Orca v0.30 which looks very stable. But I have a first project based on an Epson Ink Jet printer, I just separated the carriage from the paper roller. Now I have 2 axis. And a a scanner to move the X or is it Y axis.

Good luck with you build. I can't wait to design something in Z-brush and be able to print it out!!!!

Thanks

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2011 11:19PM by disneytoy.