Velleman 3D Printer FAQs

Finally, we have print-off.

After many years of excitement about the technology, the Velleman K8200 3D printer is the first ever rapid prototyping machine to land in the high street. Rapid is delighted to be one of only two UK suppliers of the product, which gives users the opportunity to turn their CAD designs into plastic filament reality. Here are a few things you might need to know if you are considering investing in this sub-£700 (including VAT) dream machine.  

• How easy is the printer to build?

Assembling the K8200 involves some soldering, computer and mechanical skills, so you should allow a minimum of 3-6 hours, possibly more, depending on your level of experience.

• In which colours can I buy the plastic printing filament?

The ABS material is only available in black and white.  The PLA filament is available in black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, white, pink and natural. Both materials are available in 3kg reels.

• Is it true that the ABS is toxic?

No, ABS is non-toxic. However, when printing it does emit a smell similar to that of burning plastic. This is quite normal and not dangerous, but some people may experience headaches, respiratory and eye irritation as a result. In such circumstances it may be advisable to fit a fume hood to the printer.

• How many different colours can I use to print a design?

Printing can only be performed in one colour at a time. It is not possible to change a reel during a print job. If you want your design to be printed in different colours each element will need to be printed separately.

• How long does printing take?

This will depend on the complexity of your design. A case for a mobile phone will take around 30 minutes to print. It could take many hours longer to complete an intricate, dense or large design.

• How much printing material do I get with the K8200?

Five metres of PLA filament is supplied with each printer. This will be enough material to get you started but you will need a 3kg reel for any significant printing job.

• How big will I be able to make my products?

The maximum printable area of the K8200 is 20 x 20 x 20cm.

• Is the CAD software compatible with my operating system?

The Repetier software is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux and is easy to install and use.

Remember, the Velleman K8200 3D Printer is in stock now at Rapid for just £699.60 inc VAT - the best price you will currently find either online or in-store.

Another happy customer ...

Today's gift to myself. Thanks @Rapidonline for the super fast delivery, as I've become happily accustomed to. pic.twitter.com/cipPbZ9IfA
— Gavin Nesbitt (@m1bxf) August 12, 2013

Do we help make robotics fun for kids? Yes, WeDo

@robertprice @Rapidonline Many thanks, I'll look at this over the weekend whilst travelling to #yrs2013
— Donna Comerford (@DonnaComerford) August 8, 2013

Lego WeDo is a construction kit designed for primary school children to create their first robotics projects. The kit comes with 150 different parts, components and sensors which can be plugged into a PC and controlled using the bespoke software and programs like Scratch 1.4.

It is available from Rapid here - http://www.rapidonline.com/Education/LEGO-Education-WeDo-Construction-Set-70-6500 - along with software and activity packs.

Inspired by Clearance

Sometimes a cursory browse through the @Rapidonline clearance section inspires a new project! pic.twitter.com/PZcBmvyioa
— concrete dog (@concreted0g) August 5, 2013

But which component has he found? We are sworn to secrecy.

Have you looked on our Clearance section yet?

Find me an enclosure – and make it snappy. Or hinged. Or lugged ...

Alan Lewis, business development manager at Retex UK, explains what manufacturers must look for when specifying an enclosure for their application. 

From the internal layout to the overall footprint, there are a number of factors that you must consider when looking at the size and shape of your enclosure. 

The size of the enclosure defines the overall dimensions of the product; therefore it is important to consider the ideal size during specification. There is no point in specifying an enclosure which is too small, but ultimately you may reduce the product’s functionality and desirability by choosing an enclosure with dimensions that are too large. 

Enclosures are often called ‘cases’ and ‘boxes’. As this is the optimal design for maximum volume for internal wiring, many enclosures do match this rectangular box shape; however, a well developed product range should accommodate many varying sizes and profiles. Hand-held enclosures have become increasingly commonplace, as smaller devices are manufactured which can fit comfortably within the palm of the hand. Cases can be modified by rounding off the corners and producing edges with a slight curve; or reducing the width and height of the enclosure so as to allow the thumb to hold the device in a wider movement. 

Slightly more difficult to accommodate are desktop enclosures which may be required to sit in many different locations or offer varying viewing angles. Enclosure manufacturers have developed an extended range of desktop solutions to accommodate the majority of industry requirements. This includes instrument cases with retractable feet, so the enclosure can either lie flat on a surface or at an angle and sloping enclosures with a viewing panel raised at a second, steeper angle. 

Internal layout

Alan Lewis

Fixing points and other aspects of internal design ultimately determines the suitability of a product to any given application. There may be a requirement to fix a terminal block in place, securely mount a PCB or house a battery.

Suppliers like Retex and Hammond Manufacturing are able to offer a range of internal ‘maps’ for each of its product series, meaning that the majority of designs can be accommodated within the existing product range. PCB mounts can be integrated into the internal enclosure wall, allowing the card to simply slide into place, and battery compartments with separation walls for AA, AAA  and PP3 batteries. 

Then there is the lid - snap-fit, hinged, lugged? It will depend on the access you need to have to your device, the way it is mounted and the protection rating your enclosure demands.    

Enclosure buyers should find a manufacturer you can speak to about your requirements to suit your design. Bespoke designs are great, but a luxury only some can afford, so finding a standard housing which closely matches the customised process will save you time and money.

With many years experience at the cutting edge of enclosure design, Retex provides high quality protection and eye-catching styling for hand-held devices. Retex ABS enclosures are now available from Rapid.