Printers
My name is Nicholas and I got into 3D printing back in 2016 when my robotics team got their own printers. The first two printers that I was introduced to were the Flashforge Creater Pro and Makergear M2. Along with these, the software I used was Simplify3D. We mainly used them to make parts for our robot. Since then I gotten 2 printers to call my own. My first printer was a Maker Select Plus and my second was a CR-10 V2. I mainly use Monoprice filament along with Cura to slice my parts. If I'm not using Thingiverse or Do3D to find parts, I'm using Solidworks to make my own. I like Solidworks because I can make my own parts but the downfall to using it is that if you're not a student or have a code, its a very heavy on the price for the subscription. Otherwise it's a good program to use especially for me because I'm typically making moving parts.
I have made small little trinkets here and there but the big thing I am currently making is a First Order Stormtrooper using files from Do3D. Work in progress but I'm excited to see it complete.
What I have created using Solidworks.
https://www.makergear.com/products/m2
https://flashforge-usa.com/products/new-creator-pro-dual-extrusion-3d-printer?variant=5344998326310
That's a great introduction, Nicholas. It is awesome to see how your journey with 3D printing started on a robotics team and evolved into a personal passion with your own machines. The Maker Select Plus and CR-10 V2 are solid choices, and it sounds like you have built a really practical workflow with Cura and SolidWorks. For anyone working on functional, moving parts like you do, material quality is just as important as design and slicing. I have found that using a reliable 3D Printing Powder for SLS or high-detail applications can really elevate the strength and precision of complex components. Thanks for sharing your setup, it is always inspiring to see how others are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with additive manufacturing.