What is the difference between 3mm and 1.75mm plastic

[ian 32]

I was shopping around for prices of plastic and keep finding both 1.75mm plastic and 3mm plastic.

does that mean that the extruder has a 3mm nozzle, only the 3mm will work and the same for 1.75 nozzle.

what size does the ultimaker take ?

and does the user get a better resolution from the 1.75 ?

also one last associated question.

If i get once of these 2.4kg reels, how many models can i make from that ?

just trying to work out loosely material cost ?

thanks guys.

Ian

[Daid 306]

The UM requires 3mm filament.

I think I'm half way trough my 2.3kg spool. With many objects, but I print a lot of small things. So it's kinda hard to say. The 2.4kg will last you more then enough time to figure out how fast you spend the filament and when you need to order more.

[ian 32]

thanks daid.

any good soruces for cheap 3mm plastic ?

also is there a benafit to using 3mm over 1.75?

thanks.

Ian

[joergen 2]

any good soruces for cheap 3mm plastic ?

http://reprap.org/wiki/Printing_Material_Suppliers

http://reprap.org/wiki/Filament_supplier_reviews

http://reprap.org/wiki/Mendel_Buyers_Gu ... _Suppliers

also is there a benafit to using 3mm over 1.75?

the difference between 1.75 and 3mm is fundamental. if you have a 3mm filament printer, you can't use 1.75 and the other way around.

you can change your setup, but it requires changing the extruder mechanics, and the hotend, in other words, it's a lot of hassle.

[prather 0]

I've used ultimachine.com and they seem pretty reasonable, with a fair selection of colors. I haven't printed anything yet, just got my kit today.