I havn’t found a specific section for this printer, so I decide to open one.
Im new on the field, and I’m thinking to buy a Velleman K8200 but I would like to hear some feedback from some of you guys.
I would like to know Pro and Cons of this printer and how you guys like.
Do you suggest one?
Thx a lot in advance
I got one about 2 moths ago and already did a lot of improvements.
I think the K8200 is a good (and reasonable priced) starter machine, especially if you want to learn about the whole range of technology involved.
I did so (and still do) by improving my printer.
pro: it is reasonable priced for entry level
you CAN improve al lot of things, learning while you do.
con : you pobably HAVE TO improve a lot … 
[quote=“ichbinsnur”]I got one about 2 moths ago and already did a lot of improvements.
I think the K8200 is a good (and reasonable priced) starter machine, especially if you want to learn about the whole range of technology involved.
I did so (and still do) by improving my printer.
pro: it is reasonable priced for entry level
you CAN improve al lot of things, learning while you do.
con : you pobably HAVE TO improve a lot … ;)[/quote]
Thx for the info man, I basically just want a reliable printer where to start some good 3d print in both PLA and ABS material for a little business with a friend.
I want something that last.
For the improovments, ok i get it but atm we cant afford to spend to much money so will have to start from 0 as non experienced 3d printers.
What are the upgrades that you think i will need at all cost?
Thx
I have been working with the K8200 for over a year.
I have noticed that the price has dropped
Back when I got my first machine the price was good (now it’s better)
You need to remember this is a entry level machine
Do not expect the prints from a 20,000 dollar machine.
Read through the instructions before you buy to make sure you are up for the assembly
Give yourself enough time to build and tweek it.
If you read through this forum you will find that others have broken the nozzle take care assembling it
You may also want to get a glass plate for the bed because it’s not flat.
I still don’t use one on the first one I built because it works very well.
Environment is everything to these machines.
Do do not try to run it in a room the is to cold, you will be disappointed.
If you search on thiniverse for the K8200 you will find parts that others have made to improve it.
To me this is a good machine to start with.
If you want to get good results without investing a lot of time, i dont think this is the right printer for you.
Take me, for example. I bought my K8200 second hand. I didnt need to build it myself. Since then i worked on it for about 4-6 weeks in my freetime. First to understand how all of it works, then to improve quality by hardware and software improvements.
Got a new Z-Leadscrew, a new hotend and improved the Extruder.
I had a lot of fun with it. Now, i got a Printer that can deliver high quality. I would say it can keep up with plug and play printers you can buy for about 1200-1500€.
However I wouldn’t use it, as it is now, for ABS prints. I would need a closed print chamber to keep up a high print-room-temperature and a better power supply to get the heated bed hot enough for ABS.
Its great to learn about 3D printing and you will get good results after a lot of work for a really good price.
But, i am not sure if its the right choice for starting a business with it. The 500-1000€ you safe buying the K8200 instead of a plug and play printer is bought by a lot of time you need to invest in it.
Thx everyone, really appreciate.
I think i have good manuality to build one, thats not the deal the problem is I dont have so much money to invest in it at the moment.
My budget is 500 600 $
For sure the experience will come, but this is the only full metal printer i was able to find with a robust look.
I will take a particular read to the nozzle issue, thx anyway.
If you have pther thought let me know
velleman 8400 ??
or vertex 3d pinter
[quote=“xnordz”]velleman 8400 ??
or vertex 3d pinter[/quote]
Whats the price of these 2 Printers? Whats the differences compared the 8200?
Don’t know about the price
8200 1 print head the bed does the X and Y and print head does the Z and has a heated bed and is very hackable
8400 1 print head out of the box optional 2nd head print head does X and Y bed does the Z no heated bed
8200 nozzle 0.5
8400 nozzle 0.35 I think
They are not in the USA yet
The vertex/k8400 is availabla around €700,- in Germany.
May i ask what kind of business you want to use the printer for?
hello.
I have a K8200 I made a double extruder.
but I do not know to change Marlin worked double extruder.
I use a card from one RUMBA years.
can you tell me how to change Marlin.
thank you for helping me.
[quote=“ichbinsnur”]The vertex/k8400 is availabla around €700,- in Germany.
May i ask what kind of business you want to use the printer for?[/quote]
Selling something online basically, I have some ideas I want to realize.
[quote=“Bigskill”]
Selling something online basically, I have some ideas I want to realize.[/quote]
Well, if that “something” is actually printed parts i’d suggest to go for a K8400 or mor business grade printer.
[quote=“ichbinsnur”][quote=“Bigskill”]
Selling something online basically, I have some ideas I want to realize.[/quote]
Well, if that “something” is actually printed parts i’d suggest to go for a K8400 or mor business grade printer.[/quote]
I cant afford to buy the other printer, I need a starting printer to get experience and grow.
Thx for the suggestion btw
I wouldn’t say the K8200 isn’t a good printer.
It has just more room for improvements and hacking and needs some mor time to get really good results.
If you have the time and skills just buy it, it’s price is quitle low by now.
I just thought you’d have to get high quality prints fast and immediately.
[quote=“ichbinsnur”]I wouldn’t say the K8200 isn’t a good printer.
It has just more room for improvements and hacking and needs some mor time to get really good results.
If you have the time and skills just buy it, it’s price is quitle low by now.
I just thought you’d have to get high quality prints fast and immediately.[/quote]
Well immdediately no, i need to practice with the printer and the 3d program first, but yes i hope to reach a decent level of quality, of course.
BTW do you have any suggestions regarding the software to use?
Thx in advance
And Merry Xmas
Well, then get it, i’d say.
I bought it just to learn by improving it.
I did all my design work with Autodesk 123D Design (the desktop variant)
It is free Software, and relatively easy to learn.
As Slicer i mostly use cura engine, which is included with repetier 1.0.6.
If you are interested in testing some of my parts, let me know.
The extruder inlay is already on thingiverse.
The Hanging Z mount for the K8204 Trapezoid leadscrew needs a little tweaking, then i will release it there too.
Same is with the X/Y GT2 Belt upgrade related parts.
The ones i found on thingiverse didn’t turn out very rigid, so i decided to rework them.
The x idler has an included tensioner (2 3mm screws) now.
Next i will make an Y idler holder with tensioner and a new Y belt clamp, the original is horrifying.
I tried Autodesk 123D Design on my PC. It is so slow, can’t work with it. Feels like 5fps and lags at almost everything i do. I think it’s because i just got an onboard grafics-card. What kind of PC specs do you got?
Well, i am using tinkercad.com at the moment. Works good, but you probably need to use chrome browser.
[quote=“ichbinsnur”]
Next i will make an Y idler holder with tensioner and a new Y belt clamp, the original is horrifying.[/quote]
You can use this tensioner for the y axis: thingiverse.com/thing:87023
Its slim enough to pass the crossing x-belt on my K8200. Check this by hand before crashing it with a stepper.
Works fine for me. You probably need to scale it. For stock belts (not gt2) i scaled it to x=24mm X y=12mm X z=12mm. scale on the inled shouldn’t be that much higher.
My favourite slicer is cura: software.ultimaker.com/
The gcode out of repetier with cura engine should be the same as the one cura (standalone) produces.
To the original poster, what are your skills? I ask because it is not a simple kit. Having done this kind of work before helped me figure out things with the assembly and calibration (electronics assembly, prototyping, basic mechanical design), and was frightened at the thought of a beginner without good mechanical aptitude and soldering skills getting the kit and trying to make it work. It takes a lot of work and some ambition to get it together and working right.
That being said, this forum is one of the best reasons to buy this printer. There is documentation on how to fix most of the problems the printer can have. Also, the assembly and calibration manual is unusually thorough. Try getting that kind of support with an off brand chinese printer off ebay.