I feel so weird about this, but I wonder if any of ya’ll can relate. Users have asked for several features on my models and I LOVE doing them, except when it’s something I just know people won’t be able to figure out - in this case - a couple of people asked me to add a version of my ams desiccant boxes where the user can add a pre-set acrylic disc window so you can see the desiccant color change. This is a great idea in end-result, but the execution would require either inserting a pause in the print to insert and embed the window disc, or having the user press-fit or glue in the window - all of which sounds like a recipe for disaster.
I know some of you have features like this, what is your experience with requiring the user to source parts that do not have a universal design to be used in a model?
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This is the main reason I have ceased support for Makerworld; I still upload, but I just do not have the time to educate people on how to operate their printers, clean their plates, or perform basic maintenance.
I upload to six different model sites, and Makerworld has the absolute worst users I’ve dealt with: basic 3D printing knowledge, such as ensuring the print plate is clean, or the correct type for the relevant material, and a lack of interest in learning, is absent in a majority of the people I dealt with. Because of this, I also refuse to share my more complicated models; if the userbase cannot even clean their printing plate, they stand no chance at printing something that requires assembly mid-way into the printing process.
The last report from a user I got was what broke the camel back; they claimed my model had no hole in the head to attach it to the body, but it very clearly does, and the only way it would get covered over is if they used a brim or turned auto-supports on for some reason, but they remained determined that it was my fault, and not theirs. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident as I have already highlighted.
Bambulab marketed their machines as “beginner” printers that can be used without researching anything, but anyone with 3D printing experience knows that there is no such thing. Unfortunately for most of us, we end up with a user base that has no idea what they are doing, or how their machines work, and a rare few who have no interest in learning either.
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I can relate to this problem, having gotten some ratings for very simple beginner mistakes in the past while blaming it on the print profiles…
What might be an idea is to grade models and print profiles in different categories.
Like:
- beginner level
- medium level
- advanced level
- expert level
Or something similar.
At least it would warn people in advance what they are getting themselves in to.
But I also realize plenty of people will never pay attention to this and just hit “print”…
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Oh I love this, reminds me of ERTL model skill levels. But yes, to your point about just hitting print - ugh, yes. With so many users not understanding multiple print profiles nor multiple plates per profile - much less READING the description for instructions, also Bambu handy hides the text of our listings under an expansion fold, so some users never even know there’s important info in there unless they go looking for it. Hmmmm
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