MB Structure

i3 structure

UM2 Structure

Delta Structure

HBOT

CoreXY

Polar Coordinate Structure

——MB Structure——

The printing platform only moves up down through Z-axis. The X-axis is based upon the Y-axis. The electric motor is on X-axis. The MB structure is also popular in the current 3D printer model.  

MB structure solves the most obvious problem in i3 structure 3D printer: the limited range movement of the printing platform improves the accuracy in the final model. The printing speed and accuracy are increasingly enhanced in MB structure.  

——i3 Structure——

i3 structure achieves the Y-axis printing by the movement of the printing platform. X-axis printing is operated by the movement of the electric motor. The Z-axis is fixed so it means the stability of Z-axis printing. The outstanding benefit of i3 is the simple assembly and operation, which are appropriate especially for the 3D printing beginners. For the DIY fans, designing and building an i3 3D printer is not an over-difficult thing. Meanwhile, the DIY cost could be controlled at a proper price.  

Although the i3 structure has a number of benefits, we still want to talk about some tips about it. The first problem is the platform movement. Because the printing platform itself has weight and moves along the Y-axis, inertance is a critical problem. One of the methods to solve this problem is slow down the printing speed to decrease the instance by reducing the accelerated speed as much as possible. The second problem is: After long-term printing, the two sides of the printing plate turn uneven and make a negative effect on the final model. To solve this problem, you can check by the nonius if the distance of each side between the repeating motor is the same or not. 

——UM2 Structure—— 

The typical trait of UM2 structure is focusing on the extrude, which is based on the cross structure. The nozzle is not on the end of the extruder, which corresponds to reducing the quality of the nozzle. X and Y axis are fixed to make the accuracy and speed steady. Especially in high-speed printing, due to the less quality of the nozzle, the inertance is remarkably decreased. If equips the UM2 structure with a direct extruder, the printing quality and speed could be greatly improved. 

On the other hand, the UM2 structure has its drawbacks as well. It is not the best choice for the 3D printing beginner because of its complicated filament change process. Also, DIY of the UM2 structure is not an easy job due to its high precision. 

——Delta Structure—— 

Delta structure is not a common structure in the table 3D printer market. Usually, it is common industrial equipment. The whole body of the delta structure 3D printer was presented in a tringle and occupied less area on the table. Due to tringle’s stability, it is quite well-knit in printing. Due to its particular structure, the printing speed of Delta is usually faster than other structures. 

However, because the three arms occupy the area of Z-axis, the Z axis space cannot be utilized. 

——HBOT and CoreXY Structure—— 

The HBOT and CoreXY structures are similar: the X and Y motor cooperate to drive the printing. The major difference between HBOT and CoreXY is the different sliding block and belt installation. 

These two structures have strict requirements for self-installation. Such as complicated assemble, which need quite an accuracy and minimum error. 

 ——Polar Coordinate Structure—— 

The polar coordinate structure is really rare to see in the real life. In 2015, Polar 3D company presented a polar coordinate-based 3D printer. The printing plate of this structure is rounded and moves in revolving rather than up and down. The whole size of the 3D printer is about 20cmx32cmx35cm, but the maximum printing size could reach 20cm(diameter)x15cm.

Even though the efficiency of polar coordinate-based 3D printers is amazing. At current, almost all the printing file is written in STL format, which means the cartesian coordinate system. The software in the polar coordinate system now is still an unusual tool in the life of most people. That is why the Polar 3D printer still not be generalized.