I know this topic has probably been posted more than ever but as a brand new person to the 3D Printing space this is absurd and abuse. Here is what I did and where I ended up.
I have been researching 3D printers for a while now and one I never considered was a resin printer. So two weeks ago I have been researching printers to narrow it down to what I need.
So I went to AI and leveraged several AI engines and input the same prompt.
PROMPT
I need to narrow down which 3D printer I should buy. Here’s what’s important to me and the weight each item holds. I will measure the weight between one and 10 one bean doesn’t matter at all 10 meaning that it is very important number one item to watch out for.
1. Printer type is unknown, I’m open to resin and filament type printers.
2. Smell and noise reduction is important to me. I will be running this in my basement and I have people living in bedrooms in the basement. Weight is 8.
3. I do not like the lines that are seen on the side of 3-D printed objects. I’m not a huge fan of that but I can deal with it if I need to. Weight is 6.
4. Speed and quality of the print is very important. Weight is 6.
5. Easily switch between colors or materials. Weight is 7.
6. Build volume is very important. The larger the better, weight is 8.
7. Print precision is very important. Weight is 7.
8. Reliability and support are very high on my list. Weight is 9.
9. Very wide range of filaments or materials printing with is very important. Weight is 9.
10. Reviews I’m looking for something that has several high reviews from several sources. Let’s say 4.5 starts or 9 out of 10 score is very important. Weight is 10.
11. My budget is around from $2,000 to $10,000.”
END PROMPT
The #1 printer that was returned is the FormLabs Form 4 which I went in on 100% and was ready to purchase until I came across the “Resin Tax”. This is absurd and as bad as paying taxes on a bonus I’ve already been taxed on.
So two days ago I was ready to buy the Form 4 but every time I looked at the $2,400 price tag to use someone else’s product really got me.
Imagine buying a brand new car and right when your in finance ready to sign they hit you with “Oh BTW if you use our gas “Lexus Fuel” it’s $9.00 a gallon but if you want to go across the street to Maverik which is $2.24 a gallon you MUST pay a fee of $2,400 in order to use their fuel.
This more is ANTI Community, ANTI-Customer Friendly and makes you look like you’re so GREEDY that you are going to rob your customers.
I was looking at the Form 4L and after looking at the prices and there’s a RESIN TAX of $5,000?!!?! Are you kidding me?? So if my income is a higher I have to pay more??
Whats the reasoning for this tax? I’d love to hear this justified. This is simply just wrong in every way. It’s the same process for the Form 4 so why is it 2X the price?
This is just disgusting and I wish I could add my receipt for my new 3D printer that I wish was the Form 4 but it’s not and the ONLY reason I didn’t buy the Form 4 was 100% due to the RESIN TAX.