Published on Thu Jun 27 2024 06:12:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Solidoodle 3: A Deep Dive into a Classic 3D Printer

The Solidoodle 3, released several years ago, represents a pivotal moment in desktop 3D printing history. It aimed to bring affordable 3D printing to the masses, and while it had its quirks, it carved out a significant space in the early maker movement. This article provides a comprehensive look at the Solidoodle 3, exploring its specifications, offering usage tips, and dissecting its strengths and weaknesses.

Solidoodle 3: Specifications

Getting the Most Out of Your Solidoodle 3: Usage Tips

The Solidoodle 3, while relatively straightforward, requires some patience and understanding to achieve optimal print results. Here are some crucial tips:

1. Calibration is Key: Accurate bed leveling is absolutely vital for good prints. Spend the time to carefully level the bed using the adjustment screws underneath. Uneven bed leveling will almost always lead to adhesion problems. Consider using a piece of paper to ensure consistent nozzle height across the entire build platform.

2. Bed Adhesion: Since the standard Solidoodle 3 came without a heated bed, adhesion can be tricky with materials like ABS. For PLA, try using blue painter’s tape, hairspray (Aqua Net often works well), or a glue stick on the build plate. For ABS (with the heated bed upgrade), kapton tape or ABS slurry (ABS plastic dissolved in acetone) can improve adhesion. The correct temperature is also important (60 for PLA, 110 for ABS typically).

3. Temperature Tuning: Dialing in the correct nozzle temperature is essential. Start with the recommended temperature for your specific filament and adjust in small increments (5-10 degrees Celsius) until you achieve good layer adhesion and minimize warping.

4. Speed Considerations: The Solidoodle 3 isn’t known for its speed. Start with slower print speeds (e.g., 30-40 mm/s) and gradually increase as you gain experience. Faster speeds can lead to skipped steps, vibrations, and poor print quality.

5. Open Source Software: The Solidoodle 3 benefits from being compatible with open-source software like Repetier-Host, Pronterface, and Cura. Experiment with different slicer settings to optimize your prints.

6. Enclosure (Optional but Recommended): Building an enclosure around the printer helps maintain a stable temperature environment, particularly crucial for ABS printing. A simple cardboard box can work in a pinch, but a more robust enclosure made of acrylic or wood is ideal.

7. Filament Storage: Keep your filament dry! Moisture is the enemy of 3D printing. Store your filament in airtight containers with desiccant packs to prevent warping and bubbling during printing.

8. Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle to prevent clogs. Check and tighten belts and screws to ensure smooth movement. Lubricate the Z-axis threaded rod as needed.

Solidoodle 3: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Affordability: One of the most attractive aspects of the Solidoodle 3 was its low price point, making 3D printing accessible to a wider audience.
• Simple Design: The relatively simple design made it easier to understand and troubleshoot than more complex printers.
• Steel Frame: The powder-coated steel frame provided a robust and durable base.
• Open Source Software Compatibility: Works with a wide range of open-source slicing software.

Weaknesses:

• Small Build Volume: The 6x6x6 inch build volume limited the size of objects that could be printed.
• Unheated Bed (Standard): The lack of a heated bed in the standard configuration made it difficult to print materials like ABS without significant warping.
• Bed Leveling: Bed leveling can be tricky and time-consuming.
• Reliability Issues: Early models were known to have some reliability issues, requiring frequent maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Print Quality: The print quality was generally acceptable for basic prints, but not as refined as more expensive printers.
• Noise Level: The printer could be quite noisy, especially during rapid movements.

Solidoodle 3 Scoring:

Here’s a breakdown of the Solidoodle 3’s performance in various categories, rated on a scale of 1 to 10:

• Print Quality: 6/10
• Build Volume: 4/10
• Printing Speed: 5/10
• Material Compatibility: 5/10 (Limited without heated bed)
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 4/10
• Reliability: 5/10
• Ease of Use: 6/10
• Firmware and Software: 7/10 (Due to open-source compatibility)
• Connectivity Options: 4/10 (USB only)
• Build Quality & Durability: 7/10 (Steel Frame)
• Noise Level: 4/10
• Maintenance Requirements: 6/10
• Customer Support: 3/10 (Non-existent today, and historically weak)
• Upgradeability: 6/10
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7/10 (Considering original price point)

Average Score: 5.33/10

The Solidoodle 3, while a pioneer in affordable 3D printing, is showing its age. Its small build volume, unheated bed (in the standard configuration), and reliance on open-source software (which can be a pro or con depending on user preference) highlight its limitations compared to newer printers. However, its robust steel frame, simplicity, and affordable price point (when it was readily available) made it a valuable entry point for many into the world of 3D printing. With careful tuning, maintenance, and a bit of patience, the Solidoodle 3 can still produce acceptable prints for hobbyists and makers.

Written by Alex