Category Archives: 3D Printing

In this post, we utilise Google’s LM Notebook to create a Deep Dive into this article.

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This article explores the surprisingly captivating experience of watching a 3D printer at work, delving into the perspectives of both the creator of a 3D model and casual observers. It questions whether this act is genuinely satisfying or simply hypnotic, examining the emotional, practical, and psychological elements at play.

Key Themes and Ideas:

Dual Perspectives: Creator vs. Viewer:

The Creator: For those who have designed a 3D model, the act of watching it print is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. It’s likened to watching a sculptor carve marble and it’s directly tied to their creative vision and anticipation of the final product.
Quote: “For those of us who have spent hours—sometimes days—designing a model, watching it come to life can feel akin to witnessing a sculptor carving marble. The experience is deeply personal, tied to the creative process and the anticipation of seeing your vision materialise.”
Practicality for Creators: Beyond the emotional aspect, watching a print can also provide invaluable insight into potential design flaws, allowing for refinement of the process. The creator can observe issues like poor filament flow or miscalculations.
The Viewer: For those not involved in the design, watching a 3D printer can be a mesmerising experience due to the rhythmic movement of the print head and the slow transformation of filament into a physical object. This is often compared to watching a campfire – soothing and meditative.
Quote: “For the uninitiated, the spectacle of a 3D printer at work can be downright mesmerising. There’s something hypnotic about the rhythmic movements of the print head, the hum of the stepper motors, and the slow but steady transformation of raw filament into a tangible object.”

The Element of Satisfaction:

Creator Satisfaction: For creators, satisfaction can stem from witnessing the culmination of their design efforts and from the troubleshooting and learning aspects of observing the print. It is also admitted that the novelty of watching a large print wear off and can become monotonous after a while.
Viewer Satisfaction: Viewers find satisfaction in the precision of the printing process and the visual transformation, often condensed into time-lapse videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The real-time experience is described as relaxing, if not always engaging for long periods.
Quote: “These videos are undeniably satisfying, combining the visual appeal of precision engineering with the gratification of seeing a project completed in record time. But is the live experience equally captivating?”

The Role of Time:

Patience vs. Anticipation: Watching a print in real-time requires patience, and the article compares this to “watching a pot boil” where anticipation can sometimes outweigh the actual event.
Time-lapse vs. Real-Time: Time-lapse videos significantly enhance the viewing experience for casual observers, condensing hours of printing into seconds or minutes, therefore providing an instant gratification. The live experience, while relaxing for some, might not hold the same level of engagement.

Remote Monitoring and its Impact:

Convenience: Remote monitoring via webcams or software like OctoPrint allows creators to oversee the printing process without being physically present. This is a practical benefit but potentially removes the immersive aspect of watching in-person.
Enhanced Time-lapse: Modern printers often feature built-in cameras and time-lapse functions, and open-source tools like OctoPrint enhance the quality of time-lapse footage by homing the print head during capture. This also allows for cleaner and engaging footage to be shared.
Connecting Creators and Viewers: Remote monitoring and live streaming open up opportunities to share the process with a wider audience, bridging the gap between creators and viewers.

The Subjective Nature of the Experience:

No Definitive Answer: Ultimately, the article concludes that whether watching a 3D print is satisfying or not is subjective. It depends on individual perspectives, personal interests, and the context of the print.
Quote: “So, is watching a 3D print satisfying? The answer, unsurprisingly, is subjective. For creators, the process can be a blend of satisfaction, anticipation, and anxiety. For viewers, it’s often a mix of curiosity and relaxation, with the level of engagement varying based on personal interest.”
A Shared Appreciation: The real value is perhaps found in the shared appreciation for the technology, whether you’re a maker looking for flaws, a viewer enjoying the process, or someone enjoying the condensed versions of the prints online.

Conclusion:

Watching 3D prints is a multi-faceted experience that engages different emotions and interests depending on whether you are a creator or a viewer. While creators find satisfaction in seeing their design come to life and spotting potential issues, viewers are captivated by the precision and mesmerising process. The use of time-lapses and remote monitoring adds another layer to how individuals experience the act of 3D printing. Ultimately the article concludes that appreciation for the process lies in the intersection of art and engineering and is down to the individual viewer.

3D Printing

Title: The Art of Watching 3D Prints: Satisfying or Simply Hypnotic?

January 16, 2025 Matt Porter Leave a comment

As 3D printing continues to weave its way into our lives—from prototyping and manufacturing to hobbyist creations—there’s a unique phenomenon that many of us in the maker community have either experienced or pondered: the act of watching a 3D print come to life. Whether you’re the creator of the object or a casual observer, the sight of a nozzle meticulously layering molten plastic can evoke a surprising array of emotions.

But the question remains: is it truly satisfying to watch a 3D print? And does the experience differ for the person who designed the print versus a general viewer? Let’s explore this fascinating intersection of technology, creativity, and psychology.

The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo offers an internal camera for both viewing live print job via the mobile app or slicing software along with a time-lapse function (which you can see above featuring the construction of a ‘poop-bin’).

The Creator’s Perspective

For those of us who have spent hours—sometimes days—designing a model, watching it come to life can feel akin to witnessing a sculptor carving marble. The experience is deeply personal, tied to the creative process and the anticipation of seeing your vision materialise.

There’s also a practical aspect: watching a print unfold can provide critical insight into potential design flaws. The layers reveal everything, from the perfect flow of filament to those dreaded moments when a miscalculation results in spaghetti-like chaos. For the creator, this isn’t just satisfying—it’s a vital part of refining their craft.

But let’s be honest: once the novelty wears off, even the most enthusiastic maker might find the process a tad monotonous. After all, watching a large print can take hours, if not days. Remote monitoring via a video link often becomes a preferred alternative—practical, yes, but does it carry the same visceral satisfaction?

The Viewer’s Perspective

For the uninitiated, the spectacle of a 3D printer at work can be downright mesmerising. There’s something hypnotic about the rhythmic movements of the print head, the hum of the stepper motors, and the slow but steady transformation of raw filament into a tangible object.

Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are filled with time-lapse videos of prints, condensed into seconds or minutes. These videos are undeniably satisfying, combining the visual appeal of precision engineering with the gratification of seeing a project completed in record time. But is the live experience equally captivating?

Casual viewers often find the real-time process relaxing but not necessarily engaging for extended periods. Much like watching a pot boil, the anticipation can sometimes outpace the actual event. Still, there’s a niche group of enthusiasts who liken the experience to watching a campfire—soothing, meditative, and strangely addictive.

The Role of Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring adds an interesting layer to the debate. For creators, tools like OctoPrint or a webcam setup allow for constant oversight without being tethered to the printer. This practical solution can also serve as a bridge between creators and viewers, enabling live streams of prints for a global audience.

Most modern printers now come equipped with built-in cameras and the ability to create time-lapse videos. Open-source tools like OctoPrint have even enhanced this experience by homing the print head during time-lapse capture, resulting in cleaner and more engaging footage. These advancements not only make monitoring more practical but also elevate the viewing experience for creators and audiences alike.

However, the satisfaction derived from remote monitoring often depends on the context. Is it a high-stakes print with intricate details? Or a simple functional piece? For viewers tuning in remotely, the experience can feel less immersive but still enjoyable, especially when paired with commentary or a clear narrative about the object’s purpose.

The Verdict

So, is watching a 3D print satisfying? The answer, unsurprisingly, is subjective. For creators, the process can be a blend of satisfaction, anticipation, and anxiety. For viewers, it’s often a mix of curiosity and relaxation, with the level of engagement varying based on personal interest.

Perhaps the real magic lies in the shared appreciation for the technology. Whether you’re a maker checking for flaws, a viewer marvelling at the process, or someone enjoying a time-lapse on social media, 3D printing offers a unique window into the intersection of art and engineering.

So, next time you find yourself mesmerised by a print—either in person or remotely—take a moment to reflect on what it is that holds your attention. Is it the satisfaction of creation, the joy of discovery, or simply the hypnotic beauty of precision in motion? Whatever your answer, one thing’s for sure: 3D printing continues to capture our imagination, one layer at a time.

3D Printing, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, Review, Technology, The Gadget Man

From Manual Filament Swapping to Automatic Colour Changes: Ender 3 vs Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo

January 15, 2025 Matt Porter Leave a comment

From Manual Filament Swapping to Automatic Colour Changes: Ender 3 vs Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo

As someone who’s had the opportunity to tinker with various 3D printers over the years, I’ve experienced both the joys and frustrations of colour swapping during prints. My journey started with manual filament swaps on the Ender 3, and now I’ve moved on to the seamless (albeit not waste-free) world of automatic colour swapping on the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two approaches and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Manual Filament Swapping on the Ender 3

The Ender 3 is a fantastic workhorse for beginners and enthusiasts alike. However, when it comes to multi-colour printing, you’re limited to manual filament swaps, which can only be done at specific layer heights. While this technique is simple in concept, it comes with its own set of challenges:

How It Works

Design the model with clear layer divisions for each colour.
Use your slicer software (e.g., Cura) to insert filament change commands (commonly M600 G-code) at the desired layer height.
Monitor the printer closely and manually swap the filament when prompted.
Restart the print after the filament is loaded.

Advantages

Cost-Effective: No need for additional hardware or upgrades.
Straightforward: Simple to set up with basic slicer adjustments.
Customisation: Allows for precise colour placement, as long as changes align with flat layers.

Challenges

Time-Consuming: You must stay near the printer to swap filament, especially for prints with multiple transitions.
Limited to Layers: Colour changes are restricted to flat transitions between layers, making it unsuitable for gradient or complex designs.
Risk of Errors: Improper filament loading or extrusion can result in print failures or layer inconsistencies.

The Ender 3 is a simple “bed slinger” design, where the print bed moves along the Y-axis during printing. This makes it easy to understand and maintain but limits its speed and precision compared to more advanced designs. Manual filament swaps on the Ender 3 are a rewarding challenge, but they’re not ideal for prints requiring frequent or intricate colour changes.

Automatic Colour Swapping on the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo

Enter the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo, a machine that takes the hassle out of colour transitions with its automatic colour swapping capabilities. This feature is a game-changer for multi-colour printing, but it’s not without its quirks.

How It Works

Load multiple filaments into the system’s multi-material module.
Use your slicer software to assign colours or materials to specific parts of the model.
The printer automatically purges and swaps filaments as required during the print.

Advantages

Full Automation: No need to monitor the printer for manual swaps.
Flexible Design: Supports intricate, multi-colour models and even gradient effects.
Time-Saving: Once the print starts, you can walk away and let the machine handle transitions.
Advanced Features: Comes with a four-reel filament holder, filament drying capabilities (ACE Pro), and a completely enclosed design with a self-levelling bed for precision and consistency.
Core-X-Y Design: The Kobra S1 uses a core-X-Y motion system, where the print head moves along the X and Y axes, while the bed remains stationary in those directions and only moves along the Z-axis. This design allows for faster and more precise printing.
Speed: Prints significantly quicker than the Ender 3, reducing overall production time.

Challenges

Purge Waste: Automatic colour swaps generate significant purge waste, especially for frequent transitions. This waste can be a mix of materials and colours, making it harder to recycle.
Material Costs: Increased waste also means higher filament consumption, which can add up over time.
Complexity: The Kobra S1 Combo’s advanced features and capabilities make it a more complex machine to operate and maintain, compared to the hands-on simplicity of the Ender 3.
Calibration Required: Achieving perfect transitions may require fine-tuning slicer settings and calibration.

Despite these challenges, the Kobra S1 Combo excels at delivering high-quality multi-colour prints with minimal effort compared to manual methods.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Ender 3 (Manual Swaps)	Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (Automatic)
Ease of Use	Labour-intensive	Fully automated
Print Complexity	Limited to layer changes	Supports gradients and intricate designs
Material Waste	Minimal	Significant purge waste
Time Investment	High (requires supervision)	Low (set and forget)
Cost Efficiency	More cost-effective	Higher filament consumption
Learning Curve	Simple to learn	Requires slicer and printer calibration
Features	Basic setup	Four-reel holder, filament dryer, enclosed design, self-levelling bed, Core-X-Y system
Speed	Slower print times	Significantly faster

Which System Is Right for You?

The choice between manual and automatic filament swapping depends largely on your needs:

Ender 3: Ideal for budget-conscious users who don’t mind putting in extra effort to achieve basic multi-colour prints. It’s a hands-on machine that’s perfect for learning and tinkering.

Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: Perfect for users looking for convenience and the ability to create complex, high-quality multi-colour designs with minimal manual intervention. Its advanced features make it a powerful tool but with added complexity.

For me, moving to the Kobra S1 Combo has been a revelation. The convenience of automatic colour swapping far outweighs the challenges of purge waste and calibration. That said, the Ender 3 taught me valuable skills and patience, which I still draw upon when troubleshooting more advanced systems.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from manual to automatic colour swapping is like moving from a bicycle to a car—both get you to your destination, but the experience is vastly different. The Ender 3 is a great starting point for learning the fundamentals of 3D printing, while the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo opens up a world of possibilities for complex, multi-colour creations.

If you’ve been hesitant to make the leap to automatic systems, consider this: while there’s no substitute for learning the basics, automation can free up your time to focus on what really matters—creating amazing prints.

What’s your experience with colour swapping in 3D printing? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

If you are thinking of buying a Anycubic printer, use the discount code MATTPORTER when you check out to receive a £20 discount.

3D Printing, AI, Anycubic, Artificial Intelligence, Batteries, Broadband, Business, Casey Neistat, Datacentres, Electric Cars, Fully Charged, Gadget Man, Midjourney, Money, Technology, TV

Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: Founder’s Price Launch at £499!

January 2, 2025 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Exciting news for 3D printing enthusiasts! Anycubic has unveiled the Kobra S1 Combo, a cutting-edge addition to their renowned lineup of 3D printers, and they’re offering a special Founder’s Price of just £499. This exclusive pre-order offer is only available from January 2nd to January 5th, so don’t miss out!

Pre-order Details

Founder’s Price: £499
Pre-order Period: January 2nd – January 5th
Pre-order Page: Click here to pre-order

Do forget to use the code MATTPORTER when order to get an additional discount!!!

Why Choose the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo?

The Kobra S1 Combo is packed with features that redefine convenience, speed, and versatility in 3D printing. Here’s why this new model is making waves:

Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: Founder's Price Launch at £499! — Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: Founder’s Price Launch at £499!

Fully Enclosed CoreXY Construction: With a print size of 250 x 250 x 250mm, this sturdy design ensures precision and reliability for every project.
Vibrant 8-Color Printing: Add dazzling multicolour effects to your prints with ease.
Broad Filament Compatibility: Supports all major filaments, making it a versatile choice for diverse projects.
Simultaneous Drying & Printing: A built-in drying system keeps your filaments in optimal condition while you print.
Ultra-Fast Printing at 600mm/s: Boost your productivity with one of the fastest printing speeds available.
Ultra-Quiet Performance: Operating at just 44dB, it’s perfect for home or office use.
320° Hotend: Enjoy hassle-free, clog-free printing with a high-temperature hotend that’s easy to disassemble.
Free Multicolor Model Downloads: Get started immediately with ready-to-print designs!

Exclusive Launch Campaign

Anycubic’s launch campaign offers a series of exclusive perks for early adopters. Here’s the schedule:

January 2nd – January 5th: Founder’s Price £499 (Unlock 5 Exclusive Perks)
January 6th – January 20th: Super Early Bird Pre-sale £549 (Unlock 4 Exclusive Perks)
January 21st – February 10th: Early Bird Pre-sale £579 (Unlock 3 Exclusive Perks)
February 11th onwards: In-stock Sale Starts £599 (Unlock 3 Exclusive Perks)

Why Pre-order Now?

The Founder’s Price offers you the lowest entry point into the Kobra S1 Combo experience, along with 5 exclusive perks that won’t be available later. It’s an opportunity to be among the first to own this groundbreaking printer while saving money and accessing early adopter benefits.

Don’t wait too long—this special £499 offer ends on January 5th. Visit the pre-order page to secure your Kobra S1 Combo today and start creating in 2024 with speed, style, and precision!

2024, 3D Printing, Gadget Man, Gadget Man Projects, Midjourney, Technology

Unlocking the Future of 3D Printing: Anycubic S1 Combo Pre-sale Review

December 27, 2024 Matt Porter Leave a comment

STOP PRESS Our review unit has arrived!! Earlier than expected!!!

The 3D printing world is buzzing with excitement as Anycubic announces the pre-sale of its groundbreaking S1 Combo—a fully enclosed multi-color CoreXY 3D printer. At an enticing introductory price of $549/€549, this innovation promises to set new standards in precision, versatility, and user-friendliness.

The S1 Combo isn’t just another addition to Anycubic’s impressive lineup; it’s a bold step forward. With its fully enclosed CoreXY structure, the S1 Combo ensures stable, high-speed printing while accommodating a variety of materials, including ABS and ASA. This design minimizes temperature fluctuations, a game-changer for anyone seeking consistent, professional-grade results.

Unlocking the Future of 3D Printing: Anycubic S1 Combo Pre-sale Review

Advanced Features: The ACE Pro Advantage

A standout feature is the ACE Pro filament drying system, which ensures filaments remain in optimal condition throughout even the longest print jobs. This smart device doesn’t just feed color; it actively dries filaments using dual PTC heating modules and a 360° hot air circulation system. Moisture? Forget about it—your PLA, ABS, or PETG will be print-ready and pristine.

With its anti-tangling design and the ability to pair two ACE Pro systems for eight-color printing, this is an innovation that expands creative horizons while making 3D printing more reliable than ever.

Precision at Its Best

Built on the CoreXY platform, the S1 Combo delivers unmatched speed and precision. Equipped with Anycubic’s LeviQ 3.0 technology, it offers automatic bed leveling and precise Z-axis adjustments. Combine that with resonance compensation and flow correction, and you get exceptional model quality with reduced waste.

The newly upgraded aerospace-grade hotend supports a range of nozzle sizes, making it perfect for both intricate designs and large-scale builds. Whether you’re printing with ABS or exploring ASA, this hotend can handle temperatures up to 320°C without breaking a sweat.

Designed for You

User convenience is clearly a priority with the S1 Combo. Arriving 95% pre-assembled, it’s ready to go out of the box. The 4.3-inch touchscreen interface is intuitive, and features like quiet mode (just 44 dB) and an AI monitoring system make operation smooth and stress-free.

Additional perks? Automatic resume printing after power loss, belt tension monitoring, and a dedicated cleaning channel to simplify maintenance. The S1 Combo is truly designed to keep you creating, not troubleshooting.

Pre-sale Details You Don’t Want to Miss

Available for pre-order starting January 2, 2025, the S1 Combo launches with an exclusive founder’s price and extra gifts for early buyers. Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

Founder’s Price: January 2-5 (5 additional gifts)
Super Early Bird Pre-sale: January 6-20 (4 additional gifts)
Early Bird Pre-sale: January 21-February 10 (3 additional gifts)
In-stock Sale: Starting February 11 (3 additional gifts)

After making waves at Formnext Frankfurt, the S1 Combo has garnered attention from both enthusiasts and the media. Anycubic continues to prove its dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering reliable, innovative tools for every household.

Our Take

We’ll be reviewing the Anycubic S1 Combo in the coming days, and excitement is an understatement! Stay tuned as we put this promising device through its paces. If its specs and features are anything to go by, the S1 Combo is set to be a disruptor in the 3D printing world.

3D, 3D Printing, Anycubic

Upcoming Review: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max Resin 3D Printer – A Game Changer for Large-Scale Resin Printing?

November 5, 2024 Matt Porter Leave a comment

I’m excited to share that I’ll soon be getting hands-on with the brand-new ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max Resin 3D Printer, one of the most anticipated launches in the world of 3D printing. Known for their innovative approach to resin printing, ANYCUBIC has truly upped the ante with this model, and I’m thrilled to see what it can do.

A Closer Look at the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max

This machine boasts some impressive specifications, especially for those of us who love pushing the limits of 3D printing. Here’s what sets it apart:

Huge Build Volume: With a massive print area of 298mm × 164mm × 300mm, this printer allows for the creation of large-scale models in a single print. Whether you’re into cosplay props, intricate game terrains, or detailed full-size masks, the Mono M7 Max seems designed to take on any project without the need for cutting or assembly.

Upcoming Review: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max Resin 3D Printer – A Game Changer for Large-Scale Resin Printing?

Advanced Light Source: The LighTurbo 3.0 system, featuring a COB light source and Fresnel lens, claims to provide exceptional light uniformity (90%+) and precision. This combination promises to minimize layer lines and aliasing, resulting in smoother and more refined prints.
Speedy and Convenient Design: Time is of the essence, especially in large-scale printing, and the Mono M7 Max is built with efficiency in mind. With a top printing speed of 60mm/h, it’s twice as fast as the previous model, the Photon M3 Max. The flip-open cover design makes it easier to access prints, allowing for single-handed operation and a hovering angle feature.
Smart Resin Management: For anyone who has dealt with resin printing, the management of resin can be a bit of a hassle. This machine’s dynamic temperature control keeps the resin at optimal print temperatures, and it also includes an auto-fill feature to automatically refill the resin vat and recycle remaining resin with just one touch. It’s promising features like this that could make a real difference in daily use.

What to Expect in My Review

As soon as the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 Max arrives, I’ll be diving straight in to test its capabilities. From its speed and print quality to its ease of use and resin management features, I’ll be putting this printer through its paces. Expect detailed print tests and an honest assessment of how it performs on projects both big and small.

Stay tuned for my full review coming soon on The Gadget Man! If you’ve got questions or specific things you’d like me to test, drop a comment or reach out – I’d love to include your input in the review.

You can now preorder the ANYCUBIC Photo Mono M7 Max and use the coupon code of MATTPORTER to avail of a £25 discount at checkout.

Matt Porter, The Gadget Man – AI, Technology News and Reviews

Category Archives: 3D Printing

Title: The Art of Watching 3D Prints: Satisfying or Simply Hypnotic?

From Manual Filament Swapping to Automatic Colour Changes: Ender 3 vs Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo