I've always wanted a 3D printer, but never felt justified spending the money on it. Most parts that I require need to be metal, and when 3D prints make sense, it's never been in a large enough quantity to make the printer cost worthwhile. Companies such as Shapeways and 3DHubs have made it easy to get prints, so that's what I've relied on all these years.

So, now towards the end of the second decade of the 21st century, I've finally purchased a 3D printer. Specifically the Artemis 300 RTP from SeeMeCNC.

So why now and why this printer? While 3DHubs and Shapeways are convienent, the big downside is turn around time. I need to have everything printed right now, but it was beginning to slow down development time having to wait on prints to com via mail. Especially, if it turns out that you made a mistake with the design and need to revise it.  Additionally, the number of prints I needed to make was rising and the cost of the prints were going to add up.

As for why the Artemis 300, the answer was cost and print size. I was really thinking of getting a Prusa i3 Mk3s and I was starting to order it, but the print size was a concern. I've got some test projects I've been wanting to try out, but they needed a bigger print area. After doing some research, the Artemis seemed like a good balance of print size and price.

Lastly, why this project? I figured it'd be good to keep a log of what I do with the printer and keep a document of lessons learned. Too often I learn something new and then I don't remember what I learned when I actually need it. Hopefully in addition to helping me it, it might help others decide if this printer is for them.