Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

adam1mc 03 Aug 2012 21:49

I'm finally printing the way that I had hoped to print a year and a half ago and now my Cupcake is obsolete. What are the differences between the Cupcake and Replicator?

MK8 vs MK6
1.75mm vs 3mm filament
Gen4 vs Gen3 electronics
Bigger Box
Bigger Build platform

Is that it or am I missing something else? Has anyone tried to upgrade their cupcake to be more in-line with the current model? Bigger, Faster and Better is what I'm thinking about here… and I think I could do that without another huge investment.

Re: Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

Bluemetal 03 Aug 2012 21:55

You need to add:

Completely different Z-axis movement
Integrated LCD panel
Ready to use out of the box
Two color capability

I believe even the jump from a TOM with MK6 to a Replicator may be too big to be survivable (economically speaking). From a Cupcake to a Replicator I would imagine to be bordering the impossible, but don't let my "realism" (a pessimist never recognizes it) dissuade you from trying. :)

Re: Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

adam1mc 03 Aug 2012 22:27

It's $1750.00 for a new one.

I could probably build a new box. The Z-stage is taken care of with the Z-rider. Maybe I could just use the HBP that I'm currently using and throw a larger (maybe copper) plate on the top of it and achieve the same results. I'm not sure why I would need an LCD display.

I can't order an MK8 from the store, but the MK7 is available.

MK7 = $199
Gen4 electronics = $370

If that's all that I need, that's like 2/3's price difference of a new one.

I can't believe no other cupcake owners have tried this yet.

Re: Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

Bluemetal 06 Aug 2012 15:48

If you do the MK7 and Gen 4, what you have is a TOM and several Cupcacke owners have done that, not without some effort.

You cannot fit the Replicator's build platform inside the Cupcake frame.

Last edited on 06 Aug 2012 15:48 by Bluemetal Show more

Re: Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

adam1mc 06 Aug 2012 16:19

I've been thinking about it all weekend. You're right. I can't fit the build platform inside the case. But I could totally build a new wooden box.

And what about throwing 4 heated build platforms together to make 1 super large surface (I mean if I'm going through the trouble of building a new box anyway— might as well make it large!).

Think the stepper motor could actually move the platform if there were 4 heated platforms all attached? And I'm wondering if the electronics could hold if I daisy-chained several of the HBP's together…..

Last edited on 06 Aug 2012 16:19 by adam1mc Show more

Re: Difference between Cupcake and Replicator

Bluemetal 06 Aug 2012 16:31

If you want the extra build platform area you may be better off building something from the ground up like a Prusa (or the many new versions thereof). Buying 3 new platforms is just not economical.

I have a TOM and a Prusa (build area 200mm x 200mm here http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_metal/sets/72157629172057944/ ) with all parts build on the TOM. I have modified my TOM to build taller things (up to 160mm as here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10103 ).

Today I use the TOM with ABS and the Prusa with PLA.

If you go through the whole effort of building a new box and buying more platforms you may end up using a lot more money and not getting something that useful.