Ultimaker, makerbot, lulzbot ao100, taz, makergear m2, rostock, mach3. The makergear m2 is one of the best 3d printers in its class for its price on the market. Remember that my intent is to get the m2 working with its moreorless stock hardware and firmware, make some straightforward improvements, then transition to linuxcnc for better control and measurement. The quick start software, stepbystep user guide, and tutorial video will take you from unboxing through your first prints. Aug 17, 20 a quick guide for getting started and preparing for your first print on the makergear m2.
For industrial, educational, engineering, design and architectural applications, makergear 3d printers exceed across the board for excellent, precise 3d prints. Every m2 is manufactured and tested at the makergear factory in. The reprapbased printers can use several different software available online and can be tweaked by the user, but require more technical savvy. The higher grade material and precision of the m2 does mean. This plugin provides general setup and configuration interfaces for control of the makergear m3 single and independent dual extruder printers. Compatible with 3d cad software that produces stl files. But not to be discouraged, printhubs list of best 3d printers had the makergear m2 as one of the best intermediate level printers with high marks.
Our machines are built with leading quality components so you can enjoy worryfree precision printing for years. Nov 03, 2016 the quick start software, stepbystep user guide, and tutorial video will take you from unboxing through your first prints. Therefore a 3d model must be made in an autocadlike software and sliced into layers with a separate program. It includes a copy of slic3r and pronterface two free, opensource applications. Makergear product revision history m2, m3, and ultra one 3d printers. Contribute to makergearm2 development by creating an account on github. The m2 also uses opensource electronics and firmware providing the versatility and flexibility you need to accomplish your project your way. This article remains on this site as a reference and record of the makergear m2 project and should be cited accordingly. This page is a guide to getting started on your m2 using free and opensource software. Their first 3d printer changed into a plywood version but now they moved on to a miles better steel answer for the makergear m2. Slic3r slic3r is the tool you need to convert a 3d model into printing instructions for your 3d printer. Including how to update the drivers for your printer on your windows machine, installing our updated. Your contact information, including email and phone number.
Having been in the 3d printing industry since 2009, the m2 has reached its 5th generation and has gained some decent experience in producing quality products at decent prices. It would enable us to make full renders featuring the makergear. The motherboard that powers the m2 is an arduinocompatible board called rambo. All documentation and resources for the makergear m2 external link makergear forum. Aug 12, 2019 all m2 printers ship with the most up to date, correct firmware you do not need to update or change it. The m2 is one of makergears flagship 3d printers and is currently available in both kit and fully assembled versions. Makergear is compatible with a number of open source software, which are not only free. Hey makergear, im designing a full printer setup and id like to use a large set of makergears. If you believe your printer has the incorrect firmware, please contact support before changing anything. Both the software and the hardware on the makergear m2 are open source, giving more advanced users the ability to tweak every aspect of the printer and print anything the user. When youre dependent on someone elses software, they can change it at any time and break all your code. Here is my makergear m2 printer profile file that i created to use cura 2. Makergear support prior to contacting makergear support, please have the following ready. The large build area allows you to create models youd previously only dreamed of and measures a comprehensive 8 x 10 x 8, while the open source software.
Octoprint for makergearwe have taken the very popular opensource printer control software and added functionality specific to makergear printers. A hallmark of the quality and industriallevel construction of the makergear m2 is its solid steel frame and precision machined, cast aluminum gantry structures. They recomend purchasing simplify3d as the printer software although it is open source friendly. The m2 also uses open source electronics and firmware. Originally released in 2012, the m2 is now on its fifth generation. Dec 20, 2017 the makergear m3 is the latest 3d printer being offered from makergear, a manufacturer of industrial grade 3d printers and equipment located in beachwood, ohio. Open lab fellows have two 3d printers to use heres why we chose them and what weve found. The makergear in the past came bundled with open source software and it is the consensus among owners this never was a good idea. Update of various parts single v4 filament drive, spool holder and initial commit of m2 hardware revision e printed parts. Makergear is also a vendor of repraps, originally selling a prusa mendel kit. Dec 19, 2019 this is a clear tie between the two, as both the ultimaker 2 and the makergear m2 are using open source software and hardware, so they both can use the same slicing software and be tweaked on the hardware level.
The makergear m2 3d printer is the third generation of 3d printers produced by makergear, one that reflects the improvements they have made in their design and the general quality. The m2 prints with gcode files like most 3d printers. Other off topic other stuff you would like to discuss. Plugin manager is where the power of open source collaboration and the beauty of octoprint really shines, as it contains a library of communitydeveloped plugins that offers users the ability to customize their 3d printing experience. Makergear 3d printers are compatible with multiple open source tools. Learn about different materials that you can use with your makergear 3d printer. I am an open source software developer, so i know this routine very well. For the m3 series, we have modified an excellent open source program called octoprint for use with your printer. To make downloading faster, these files have been compressed using 7zip and will need to be decompressed before putting them on your sd card. If you are not printing with an m3 independent dual extruder and are looking for a free option, slic3r is an opensource gcode generator for 3d printing. The software listed on this page is free and opensource. A portion of all makergear printer sales goes to keeping this open source community strong. Makergear designs, engineers and manufactures highquality desktop 3d printers in beachwood, ohio. The original prusa i3 mk2 is the best open source 3d printer you can find in 2017.
Using simple, open source standards also allows the code to give the printer specific parameters that are set up by the slicing software. Dec 08, 2018 the m2 is designed for use with open source slicing software. This software allows you to control your printer from any webenabled device desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Slic3r is free software, developed by alessandro ranellucci with the help of. The printer can be controlled via a usb cable included using the. The software listed on this page is free and open source. Download and unzip the driver mapping inf file from the reprap site here. Are there any 3d models of the entire machine available. These printer designs use low cost accessible parts and open source software.
Makergear 3d printers are created for every user to achieve amazing results for professionals and innovators. Trusting the list, i soon ordered one and its been a joy ever since. Makergear recommends slid3r and also offers simplify3d as an upgrade. Github is home to over 40 million developers working together. Simplify 3d software is an excellent tool to use with our printers and is included with our m3id available for purchase here for other models. On the makergear m2 the build area is 8x10x8 200mmx250mmx200mm quality makergear has a reputation for quality and i can see it in the product. Lots of software for linux, mac and windows software is compatible with the makergear m2 desktop 3d printer. Makergear s open source design means you can turn your 3d printer into any hybrid of your choice with ease. The first step to starting your printing project is ensuring that everything is right and finetuned for use.
Octoprint setup on gihub this setup plugin is an addon to octoprint that allows for setup of the m3 through octoprint, as well as features to better control octoprint and the raspberry pi marl. The software will convert your 3d model into printing. I am sure the settings in the profile file could be refined further. That has mostly changed due to the development of projects like the reprap 3d printer series and other open source projects. Unfortunately, the m2 requires you to use multiple programs unless youre willing to pay for premium software. Both the lulzbot taz 5 and the makergear m2 are able to read simple g code generated by any slicing software available. As far as i understand, you can not use original xyz software xyzware after flashing repetierfirmware. Contribute to makergearm3firmware development by creating an account on github. With numerous upgrade options and a highly rated support community, you can be confident that youll be delighted with your m2 and its performance. Thanks to the opensource compatibility of makergear 3d printers, you have the ability to run any nonproprietary 3d design, slicing, and hosting software. They all agree that having such a beautiful and powerful printer with less than professional software. There, make sure that arduino mega or mega adk is selected in the boards submenu, and that the com port relating to your m2 is selected in.
For the m2 series, we recommend this open source software. To add additional functionality using the plugin manager, visit the makergear forum for recommended plugins. Industrialgrade performance, longterm reliability and toprated value, made in the usa thats makergear. Plus, its dramatically easier to lash hardware together than to get hard real time software. In this head to head makergear m2 vs replicator 2 comparison, i look at the key features to see which is a better buy. The m2e is ready to print with a range of filaments including pla, abs, pet, flexible, polycarbonate, composites and various others.
Slic3r is open source software, licenced under the agplv3 license. I am new to 3d printing, but i come from a programming background. On the makergear m2 the build area is 8x10x8 200mmx250mmx200mm quality makergear. Compatible with many open source and commercially available modeling, slicing, and printer control software available for windows, mac, and linux. The software will convert your 3d model into printing instructions for your 3d printer.
The top 5 best open source 3d printers for 2020 total 3d. However, the company recommends simplify3d for usage with this design. The m2 provides the versatility and flexibility you need to accomplish your project your way. Source code octoprint setup on gihub this setup plugin is an addon to octoprint that allows for setup of the m3 through octoprint, as well as features to better control octoprint and the raspberry pi. We know it can be difficult to decide which 3d printer to buy, which is why we created our 3d printer pages. It provides the versatility and flexibility you need to accomplish your project your way. Compatible slic3r, simplify3d and other open source and proprietary slicing software. Both 3d printers have support for a wide range of exotic materials.
Slic3r configuration what you see here represents a stake in the ground, rather than the beall and endall configuration. The machine is upgradable and has a lot of other perks being from the open source community. They all agree that having such a beautiful and powerful printer with less than professional software just doesnt do the printer justice. Slic3r is the tool you need to convert a 3d model into printing instructions for your 3d printer. The place to discuss your hardware and software firmware modifications. Simplify 3d software is an excellent tool to use with our printers and is included with our m3id. The best 3d printers on the market what is the best 3d. It also has an immense library of plugins designed by the communityatlarge that enable features like remote video monitoring. Makergear m3se 3d printer with v4 hot end power supply with adjustable input voltage 115 v or 230 v power cord compliant with your countrys power outlets 1 kg spool of pla black 8 inch x 10 inch borosilicate.
Users can add upgrades to the existing design and share it with others to enhance the user experience. Dec 23, 2019 with the makergear m2 a user will have the most success printing with pla and abs but its nice to know that other filament options are feasible. While makergear filament is recommended, you are free to use the filament of your choice. They recomend purchasing simplify3d as the printer software although it is open source. Every m2 is tested at the makergear factory in beachwood, ohio and is ready to use out of the box. Since this article has been written there have been many advancements in 3d printer technology.
Find links to 3d model repositories and 3d modeling software. Jun 05, 2018 its software is designed to work with a variety of software, including open source and commercial programs for slicing, printer control and modeling. Open source hardware and software is always a nice thing to see on consumer and prosumer products. The build platform i just wanted something a bit bigger than the typical, and i didnt want to be forced into an enclosure for part size reasons. Makergear is an open source company, but they do recommend using the simplify3d software as it appears to have the best compatibility.
As with all smart devices, the 3d printer is no different. Setup we strongly recommend only using full release. Say hello to the makergear m3 independent dual m3id, the smarter, faster answer to advanced desktop 3d printing needs. This page is a guide to getting started on your m2 using free and open source software.
There, make sure that arduino mega or mega adk is selected in the boards submenu, and that the com port relating to your m2 is selected in the serial port submenu. This board acts, and can be communicated with, just like an arduino. This page will help you get up and running with your new makergear 3d printer using the allinone 3d printing software by simplify3d. Makergear 3d printer orders will ship the week of 1620 please note. Sep 23, 2019 contribute to makergearm3firmware development by creating an account on github. New, easy to adjust yet more rigid four point leveling system. I saw that simplify3d is the suggested software for the makergear but being in software development and having almost 20 years experience using 3d software professionally i am very picky about what i use. To add additional functionality using the plugin manager, visit the makergear. Makergear software options and compatibility makergear. The m2 also uses opensource electronics and firmware. Generally, highend printers come with free professional software, or at the very least, a discount, so this is a bit of a letdown. The equipment used in this article may be outdated and unavailable in the current market. Did you know you can manage projects in the same place you keep your code.
It cuts the model into horizontal slices layers, generates toolpaths to fill them and calculates the amount of material to be extruded. The makergear in the past came bundled with opensource software and it is the consensus among owners this never was a good idea. The former software engineer and chief visionary, rick pollack, founded the company in 2009 with a primary purpose. The m2 is one of makergear s flagship 3d printers and is currently. Join them to grow your own development teams, manage permissions, and collaborate on projects.