In general, the IAP RigidBot is a good base unit with an excellent build volume. The Regular hosts a 10 x 10 x 10" BV while the Big covers a massive 12 x 12 x 16" volume.
Mechanically, the 3/4',(19mm) square steel tubing which comprises the sturdy mainframe, along with the published STL files for the plastic parts lends itself to easy modification to increase build volume. Or, if you desire, build a second in true REP-RAP style.
Electronically it misses the mark when it comes to the glitchy Rev1 Main Board (with a Rev2 due to be released), and borders on hazardous with the very poorly manufactured Power Supply. Being an Electronics Tech, the first thing I did was open the PWS after reading of the continual problems, and the sight of it's quality (or lack thereof) made me order a Meanwell 450 without ever plugging the IAP unit in.
The extruder hot end is also problematic with reports of frequent clogs, jams and failures, though the current Rev2 hot end has diminished the failure rate to some degree. Thankfully IAP chose off the shelf Steppers which have proved to be very reliable and have performed flawlessly with no reports of failures to my knowledge.
Unfortunately, one of the greatest failings is in IAP's support...It is nearly non-existent. On the up side, the Rigidbot Google Group is world class with unbelievable support with many techs and engineers as members and a wiki that is to be envied by others. https://plus.google.com/communities/...16225488251038
In conclusion, the Rigidbot is an affordable start into 3D printing on a large scale with the suggestion that you get the Bare Bones Heated Bed kit which does not include the Main Board, Display or Power Supply, but does include the steppers and extruder hot end. Then build it with a RAMPS 1.4 or similar board and good 400W PWS, to get you going. And again, all the source info and help you need can be found in the Google Group.
After that, check the Group posts to find the mods that work for you, or design your own and make the RB even better.
Your only limit is your imagination.
Mechanically, the 3/4',(19mm) square steel tubing which comprises the sturdy mainframe, along with the published STL files for the plastic parts lends itself to easy modification to increase build volume. Or, if you desire, build a second in true REP-RAP style.
Electronically it misses the mark when it comes to the glitchy Rev1 Main Board (with a Rev2 due to be released), and borders on hazardous with the very poorly manufactured Power Supply. Being an Electronics Tech, the first thing I did was open the PWS after reading of the continual problems, and the sight of it's quality (or lack thereof) made me order a Meanwell 450 without ever plugging the IAP unit in.
The extruder hot end is also problematic with reports of frequent clogs, jams and failures, though the current Rev2 hot end has diminished the failure rate to some degree. Thankfully IAP chose off the shelf Steppers which have proved to be very reliable and have performed flawlessly with no reports of failures to my knowledge.
Unfortunately, one of the greatest failings is in IAP's support...It is nearly non-existent. On the up side, the Rigidbot Google Group is world class with unbelievable support with many techs and engineers as members and a wiki that is to be envied by others. https://plus.google.com/communities/...16225488251038
In conclusion, the Rigidbot is an affordable start into 3D printing on a large scale with the suggestion that you get the Bare Bones Heated Bed kit which does not include the Main Board, Display or Power Supply, but does include the steppers and extruder hot end. Then build it with a RAMPS 1.4 or similar board and good 400W PWS, to get you going. And again, all the source info and help you need can be found in the Google Group.
After that, check the Group posts to find the mods that work for you, or design your own and make the RB even better.
Your only limit is your imagination.
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