Behind the Scenes: How to Run a Print Farm
Added 2025-01-25 12:00:06 +0000 UTCFriends:
We're still getting back to normal video production around here, but we're not going to leave you hanging. Today, we've got a look inside our little 3D Print Farm. Here's the day-to-day of running and maintaining these machines in a small-batch production environment. It's interesting; I promise.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
My son would like to start a print farm, but doesn’t have a sustainable way to cover costs. Would you like to explore offloading some of your printing to him? Once you had a product in production mode he would be able to run and maintain the process, and send product to you for quality checks. Feel free to delete this if it is not appropriate here.
Bruce McDonald
2025-02-06 15:36:44 +0000 UTCWe're glad you're here! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:07:27 +0000 UTCWhen I do that, all the Vise Blocks tend to break free and fall off. Lifting them out one at a time works better. (Believe me; I've had a lot of opportunity to experiment.)
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:07:08 +0000 UTCYou're so welcome!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:05:54 +0000 UTCI'm glad you enjoyed it. These are fun to share!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:05:46 +0000 UTCYou're right; we could totally do that.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:05:28 +0000 UTCWe've only used the Bambu software, but we'll have a look!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:05:04 +0000 UTCThanks for ordering one! I hope you like it.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:04:28 +0000 UTCMan, it's been SO cold in Ohio recently. The coveralls are a necessity.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:04:14 +0000 UTCGlad you liked it!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:03:42 +0000 UTCIt's crazy; I'm a total 3D printing noob but I've run close to a 100 parts on these machines. Lucas taught me a lot but I've had many small problems that I've been able to work through on my own. It's a real testament to ease of use.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:03:29 +0000 UTCI was so skeptical of selling anything 3D printed, but these new Bambu printers made me a believer. The quality is excellent.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 18:01:56 +0000 UTCWe looked at ALL the materials these printers can handle and PETG seemed like the best choice. Glad you approve!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 17:58:52 +0000 UTCI don't know the answer, but I bet it's faster than printing feels! There's a lot of waiting.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 17:58:19 +0000 UTCI respond to comments in the bathroom. #toomuchinformation.
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 17:56:30 +0000 UTCI'm going to watch that video! I'm a big fan of SED!
Rex Krueger
2025-01-28 17:54:48 +0000 UTCPS: here's the box. This is what finally got me interested in woodworking... https://ruby.social/@geeksam/111258612418381993
Sam Livingston-Gray
2025-01-28 01:32:21 +0000 UTCFun view on the process! I went through something similar with my two printers when I was making a ridiculous box—weeks of printing, and a lot of just hitting "redo" on the printer screens. :) If you ever feel like branching out into custom metal fab, Smarter Every Day had an interesting view into a process that sounds like it would work fairly well at your scale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCXu8Ju_fdY
Sam Livingston-Gray
2025-01-28 01:31:31 +0000 UTCI got into 3D printing about ten years ago, and the quality of [at least some of] the machines on the market today is just vastly better. I also had to learn about filament being hygroscopic the really hard way—by giving up on the hobby, selling the printer, and then hearing from the guy who bought it that he got WAY better results with fresh filament than with the stuff I'd just chucked in a bin for a couple of years. Oops. Anyway, I'm personally Team Prusa, because it bugs me that Bambu doesn't share their improvements back to the open-source community that enabled them to build their printers—but you definitely pay a premium for that principle, so I don't hold it against anybody else who just wants to print a thing and get on with their life. :) If you do want to get back into it, I'd go with one of those two companies. Just don't forget to buy a filament dryer, too.
Sam Livingston-Gray
2025-01-28 01:29:11 +0000 UTCYou are the most amazing time manager. I bet you somehow turn your bathroom breaks into a business opportunity.
Richard C von Brecht
2025-01-26 21:54:45 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing this view with us. I had to go admire the craftsmanship on my vise block. I've used it several times, but didn't pay much attention to its nice finish. It also reminded me of the old brain teasers like this one. You are living your own version of this math problem. Riddle: If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen hens lay in half a dozen days?
Bob Templeton
2025-01-26 18:27:26 +0000 UTCThanks for posting this. I got one of the originals, but I know this is one of those perfect items for 3D printing. And PETG with its strength but also a little give should give the product a really good feel which holding up to the long term use. Very cool!
John Erjavec
2025-01-26 09:52:17 +0000 UTCI totally hear you. I've been 3D printing for a while now, but it wasn't until my Bambu X1C (and now the P1S like Rex has in the video) that I didn't feel like I was spending more time trying to figure out issues vs. actually using the tool. Some other companies are getting closer, but the Bambu printers are as close as I've ever seen to "it just works". It might be time to upgrade and give it another shot. I know I've had a bunch of stuff I've printed to help with my woodworking. :)
John Erjavec
2025-01-26 09:50:19 +0000 UTCI typically fall into the "I'll just print it myself" camp, but I would have zero reservations about paying for this again. The initial version was good, but these final ones really are excellent in terms of fit and finish. The care taken in design and dialing n the settings shows. They're a fantastic example of how FDM prints can be a proper retail product.
Joshua Blanchard
2025-01-26 00:37:51 +0000 UTCI got into 3D printing a few years before I got into Woodworking. I've got some severe ADHD though, and the huge enthusiasm and interest I had in 3D printing ran out at some time and it because difficult to do anything. That said, I still have my 3D printer and maybe I'll get back to using it.
Marty Kay
2025-01-25 23:33:41 +0000 UTCCool
Dave West
2025-01-25 18:37:32 +0000 UTCI had to smirk at the bib overalls it helps complete the image of print farmer Rex out in his field ... um shop. Also +1 on the flexing the plate.
Stuart
2025-01-25 18:18:59 +0000 UTCYou were right: it was VERY interesting! And it reminded me that I haven’t ordered a vise block yet! (Sorry!) I’ll get on that pronto. Thanks for the video, my good man!
Russell Gough
2025-01-25 18:09:55 +0000 UTC+1 for flexing the plate. I got into CAD and 3d printing last year because my wood shop is too hot or too cold half the year. I do not run a print farm, but many that do use the Orca slicer to manage theirs, check it out Rex if you have not already. Thanks for the content, I’m enjoying it!
John M
2025-01-25 15:24:17 +0000 UTCYou could get e-paper setup or even chalkboard paint for your bin labels to keep track of quantity. I think the e-paper would be more friendly in not getting erased easily compared to chalkboard.
Bradley Barth
2025-01-25 14:43:28 +0000 UTCThanks, Rex. I really like the quick shop updates for Patreons!
Helge
2025-01-25 14:24:31 +0000 UTCReally interesting to see the setup and what's involved. Thanks Rex
Mike Smith
2025-01-25 12:22:42 +0000 UTCHi Rex, why don't you just lift the print plate and bend it a little bit. That should release the prints much easier...
Gwynfor
2025-01-25 12:20:49 +0000 UTCLooks great! Glad I joined the community. Happy weekend!
Mike Welker
2025-01-25 12:12:32 +0000 UTC
