Sumpod Mega

[wishful]

Sorry to start my Sumpod mission by talking about newer products when I understand that some users haven't even received their original orders yet but the Sumpod Mega fits my needs exactly.

Are any of these printers in the wild yet?

The spec page is quiet low, but it doesn't say (End April/May 2013) like the Delta's so I assume it's a finished product.

If anyone has got their hands on one, does it have a heated bed?

I understand Richard has missed deadlines by far, but I'm willing to work with him if I'll be able to pay on collection. That's something I'll be discussing with him in due time.

[highcooley]

Hi

So far, I haven't heard about anyone buying a sumpod mega. I guess, you would be the first one (at least on this forum) :-)

As you say, there is not much that is known about this printer. However, from the pictures I would guess, that it is more or less an upscaled version of the sumpod aluminium. So, you would at least end up with the same hot-ends, which unfortunately don't work very well. Then there are the extruders, which are a bit different to the ones we have on the mdf sumpods. Nobody reported any problems with the aluminium extruders so far, but the design is similar and I would assume that you get about the same problems there. Last but not least, I doubt, that the moving z-platform is sturdy enough, as long as it is an upscaled version of the aluminium sumpod. However, as I don't know anything more than you, I can't say for sure. These are all assumptions only.

You say, the specs fit your needs. Out of curiosity, what huge objects do you plan to print with this machine? I don't know how much experience you have in hobby 3D printing. But the chance that such big prints fail is quite high. I'm printing with a Rostock max which I have tweaked for hours and spent quite some money for self made upgrades. And, although I could print 350 mm high objects, so far my biggest print was only 150 mm high. It took about 12 h to print. Unfortunately, there where about 10 layers mid print, which didn't bond correctly. 12 h printing time for nothing (and that's not the first object in this height category). By the way, even if you manage to print super fast, such huge prints will still take days to print.
It is not impossible to print in this scale, as a couple of prototypes (like the sumpod mega) by 3D printer manufacturers have proven. But unless you are a pro in hobby 3D printing, I would recommend to go for a smaller, proven to work machine until you feel saddle-fast to go bigger. 400 mm more way to zero your x,y&z axis will add up in trial and error time, as you will zero your machine thousands of time during the calibration process...oh yes, it is still annoying every time you have to wait for your machine to zero.

I don't want to say you shouldn't go for this printer. But since it is more in a prototype state (no proven to work machines out there) and many people have issues with their sumpod delivery anyway, I would think twice before buying a sumpod mega. Unless of course, you live close to Richard, have a broad know-how in hobby 3D printing, desperately need such a big printer and really like to develop a working sumpod mega together with Richard. Then I would recommend getting in touch with him and agreeing on a collaborative development.

I hope, I was able to help although I neither have any sumpod mega nor sumpod aluminium experience.

Cheers