this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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Hi, I am brand new to 3d printing and I think it's something I'd like to get more into. The only issue is I have extremely limited space, and I travel for work.

I am wondering if there are any 3d printers that would be practical for this type of lifestyle. I was eyeballing the prusa mini +.

Are there any 3d printers that pack/travel well?

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[–] Gompje 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I’ve experience with 2 printers: Ender 3 orig and the prusa mini. Of those 2 the prusa wins. It wins on every front but certainly space/portability.

If you find a box that fits it, pad it a bit. I can see this totally working if handled with care. You can lift the thing with one hand steadily with the z motor. Spools with the holder are going in another box. 👌

Don’t buy an Ender 3 or something of the same category. These are only good to thinker with and brute force learn stuff. They absolutely do not travel well and take a lot, A LOT of space/money/time/frustration compared to the mini.

[–] rustyriffs 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm definitely eyeballing this one pretty hard.

I am wondering how easy/difficult is the z axis assembly would be to take apart from the main unit?

[–] Gompje 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Imho that axis is the backbone of the whole unit.

Personally I would not do that: you will disable the whole thing. And while it then can be packed in a flat back I cannot image it will not come at a big cost of stability and loose thingies after doing this over and over.

I would just put in one of those really useful boxes, make sure the bed and other axes cannot move to spare the stepper motors. I image myself using towels or clothes to do this, you know thing that I would have to move anyway.

That said: it’s a great machine at a good price point. You’ll have lots of fun with it!

[–] rustyriffs 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So, you're suggesting to just put the whole thing in a box without disconnecting anything and it should be fine so long as I'm padding it appropriately right?

Thank you!

[–] Gompje 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Just my 2 cents but yeah that’s basically it.

🤔

.. maybe drop Prusa Support a note with your question. Ask them what they would recommend. Just to get their opinion. Imho can’t hurt!

If you can safely move it without disassemble, I think the re-calibration would be minimal.

—- Disclaimer: I have never done this. Although I believe this is going to be ok, I’m not responsible.

[–] rustyriffs 1 points 1 year ago

No worries, friend. I'll make sure I email them if I feel like I need to. I appreciate the help