<p>Much like your car, the number of miles, or the number of prints that you can get out of it is entirely up to how well <strong>you</strong> can maintain it.</p>

<p>A 3D Printer is a machine, and a machine needs general maintenance; if you see something starting to break - or get worn out - or anything abnormal, fix it.</p>

<p>I am sure that if you had something like a MakerBot, it would require less maintenance then a fully home built machine, but if you are building it from scratch, I am sure you don't mind.</p>

<p>I am still rocking a 3 year old home built MendalMax, and have both made some improvements, and had to make some repairs along the way - but it is still in damn good condition.</p>

<p>For a $600 investment, I can say you will get a few years out of it if you take proper care of it. By the time the end of its life comes (5+ years), I am sure there will be much better printers available for cheaper, and you will never look back :)</p>

<ul>
<li>Tighten all your nuts and bolts</li>
<li>Keep it calibrated</li>
<li>Keep belts properly tensioned</li>
<li>Oil X, Y, and Z rods</li>
<li>Clean of any dust and scrap plastic (compressed air can?)</li>
<li>Clean hobbed bolt</li>
<li>Clean extruder</li>
<li>Ensure all electronic connections are secure</li>
<li>Check wires at points of movement for wear</li>
</ul>

<p>!remindme 5years</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-14T01:51:31.343Z
2016-01-14T01:57:14.863Z
2016-01-14T01:57:14.863Z
Matt Clark
<p>I have built a Kossel too. Got lots of tips from the Google Deltaprinter group.
Most important when using the Traxxas rod ends is to have the metal parts go into the freezer and the plastic parts in warm water(not boiling, just 60 degrees celsius or so). Then put the 2 together, due to the fact the metal crimps just a little and the hot water softens the plastic a bit, they will fit easy and will be stiff longer. These mounts tend to wear out causing play in the effector. I have printed 100's of hours on my Kossel mini with traxxas rods and still moves very nice and prints accurately.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-28T04:03:07.857Z
The last sentence does address the question, I believe. Can you clarify whether the part about the Traxxas rods is because they're likely to wear out, or some other reason?
TextGeek
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-31T21:02:13.473Z
@TextGeek the remark about the Traxxas rod does address life expectancy since as i noted the way of assembling greatly improves life of the connections. Bruteforcing it together will make it wear significantly faster than is needed. The warm water/freezer method makes sure that you can enjoy your traxxas rods for a long time. I have just exceeded 200 hrs of printing on my machine this week, no wear what so ever.
Dimitri Modderman
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-16T22:08:31.507Z
I have downoted this answer, as it doesn't address the question of the life expectancy of the Kossel.
HDE 226868
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-17T20:54:29.410Z
@HDE226868 The last sentence says that the life is at least 100 hours so it would address the question.
Eric Johnson
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-18T09:43:24.740Z
I would like to add that Dimitri is the person who first suggested the Kossel to me. I have invited him to this site myself. I agree with @EricJohnson that this _is_ an answer - the Kossel stil works properly after 100's of hours. To me as a user, this answer has value.
S.L. Barth is on codidact.com
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-16T22:07:41.353Z
2016-01-16T22:07:41.353Z
Dimitri Modderman
<p>I'm considering buying <a href="http://reprapworld.com/?products_details&amp;products_id/783/cPath/1680">this package</a>, the Kossel, as my first 3D printer.  </p>

<p>It's not the cheapest model, but apparently a high resolution and stable, which is what I'm after.</p>

<p>The question is, what is the life expectancy of this printer, given the component list?
Assuming the printer is constructed properly and properly taken care of, but used once or twice a week for several hours.</p>

<p>Is it possible to make an estimate of how many years this particular printer could be used before it starts showing signs of wear? </p>

<p><strong>Parts list:</strong></p>

<p>1x Complete set of platics for Kossel Mini (PLA)<br>
1x Kossel mini Extrusion set<br>
1x traxxas (set of 12)<br>
1x Carbon Tube (kossel printing arms) Set of 6<br>
3x Square slider (40cm)<br>
1x Megatronics v3.0 - Kossel kit<br>
1x Heated Bed glass round 17cm diameter (Borosilicate)<br>
1x Kapton heater mat round 16cm diameter<br>
1x Power supply 12V (240/115V / 20A MAX)<br>
3x Aluminum Pulley GT2<br>
5x Timing belt 1m x 6mm (GT2)<br>
1x E3D v6 - HotEnd Full Kit - 1.75mm<br>
1x Hobbed bolt v1.1<br>
1x Brass drive gear (Wade's compatible)<br>
6x Bearing 623ZZ<br>
125x (1 pcs) Screw M3X8 Philips<br>
125x (1 pcs) Washer M3 normal<br>
125x (1 pcs) Nut M3 normal<br>
6x (1 pcs) Screw M3X16 Philips<br>
12x (1 pcs) Screw M3X25 Philips<br>
6x (1 pcs) Screw M3X20 Philips<br>
10x PTFE tubing, 2inner/4outer diameter (10cm)<br>
1x Bowden setup - J head comp. plug set (1.75mm)<br>
1x E3D v6 - Threaded Bowden Coupling - 1.75mm<br>
2x (1 pcs) Screw M3X40 Philips<br>
6x (1 pcs) Screw M2X16 Philips<br>
1x Power cable 1.8m<br>
6x M4 Threaded rod - Custom length  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T20:03:53.983Z
I don't think it is possible, but am curious if someone else has other opinion.
hroncok
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T20:26:04.407Z
I don't think this question will attract many good answers, as they will mostly contain generalities.
Tom van der Zanden
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T20:27:10.847Z
@TomvanderZanden This is why I mentioned a specific 3D printer and included the parts list. And supplied the expected usage.
S.L. Barth is on codidact.com
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T20:29:50.203Z
This is definitely one of the best specified questions I've seen so far, but I still doubt anyone can give a meaningful answer, one that is more precise than "a couple of years".
Tom van der Zanden
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T21:47:17.323Z
@TomvanderZanden That's what you think. Just because a question may be left unanswered, doesn't mean it should really be made off-topic.
Zizouz212
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T21:51:16.703Z
@Zizouz212 Interesting point. The question is not answerable, because we don't have good data on the life expectancy of these machines. However, it *could* be answerable if we did have that data, so that makes it OK. Nice point.
Tom van der Zanden
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-13T21:56:07.537Z
@TomvanderZanden I mean... Even if data isn't available, one can always make a good quality answer that stems from personal experience or the like. Let voting decide the authority and quality of the answers. *But I don't see anything wrong in the question for it to be closed right now.*
Zizouz212
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-14T05:04:14.927Z
The most accurate answer, would likely be to email the company or find someone with that specific printer and ask.
Chase Cromwell
<quality><life-expectancy><kossel>
What is the life expectancy of the Kossel?
S.L. Barth is on codidact.com
# What is the life expectancy of the Kossel?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-01-13)

I'm considering buying [this package](http://reprapworld.com/?products_details&products_id/783/cPath/1680), the Kossel, as my first 3D printer.

It's not the cheapest model, but apparently a high resolution and stable, which is what I'm after.

The question is, what is the life expectancy of this printer, given the component list?
Assuming the printer is constructed properly and properly taken care of, but used once or twice a week for several hours.

Is it possible to make an estimate of how many years this particular printer could be used before it starts showing signs of wear?

**Parts list:**

1x Complete set of platics for Kossel Mini (PLA)  
1x Kossel mini Extrusion set  
1x traxxas (set of 12)  
1x Carbon Tube (kossel printing arms) Set of 6  
3x Square slider (40cm)  
1x Megatronics v3.0 - Kossel kit  
1x Heated Bed glass round 17cm diameter (Borosilicate)  
1x Kapton heater mat round 16cm diameter  
1x Power supply 12V (240/115V / 20A MAX)  
3x Aluminum Pulley GT2  
5x Timing belt 1m x 6mm (GT2)  
1x E3D v6 - HotEnd Full Kit - 1.75mm  
1x Hobbed bolt v1.1  
1x Brass drive gear (Wade's compatible)  
6x Bearing 623ZZ  
125x (1 pcs) Screw M3X8 Philips  
125x (1 pcs) Washer M3 normal  
125x (1 pcs) Nut M3 normal  
6x (1 pcs) Screw M3X16 Philips  
12x (1 pcs) Screw M3X25 Philips  
6x (1 pcs) Screw M3X20 Philips  
10x PTFE tubing, 2inner/4outer diameter (10cm)  
1x Bowden setup - J head comp. plug set (1.75mm)  
1x E3D v6 - Threaded Bowden Coupling - 1.75mm  
2x (1 pcs) Screw M3X40 Philips  
6x (1 pcs) Screw M2X16 Philips  
1x Power cable 1.8m  
6x M4 Threaded rod - Custom length

**Tags:** quality, life-expectancy, kossel
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I don't think it is possible, but am curious if someone else has other opinion.  
> **username_2**: I don't think this question will attract many good answers, as they will mostly contain generalities.  
> **username_0**: @TomvanderZanden This is why I mentioned a specific 3D printer and included the parts list. And supplied the expected usage.  
> **username_2**: This is definitely one of the best specified questions I've seen so far, but I still doubt anyone can give a meaningful answer, one that is more precise than "a couple of years".  
> **username_3**: @TomvanderZanden That's what you think. Just because a question may be left unanswered, doesn't mean it should really be made off-topic.  
> **username_2**: @Zizouz212 Interesting point. The question is not answerable, because we don't have good data on the life expectancy of these machines. However, it *could* be answerable if we did have that data, so that makes it OK. Nice point.  
> **username_3**: @TomvanderZanden I mean... Even if data isn't available, one can always make a good quality answer that stems from personal experience or the like. Let voting decide the authority and quality of the answers. *But I don't see anything wrong in the question for it to be closed right now.*  
> **username_4**: The most accurate answer, would likely be to email the company or find someone with that specific printer and ask.  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_5 on 2016-01-14. Score: 7

Much like your car, the number of miles, or the number of prints that you can get out of it is entirely up to how well **you** can maintain it.

A 3D Printer is a machine, and a machine needs general maintenance; if you see something starting to break - or get worn out - or anything abnormal, fix it.

I am sure that if you had something like a MakerBot, it would require less maintenance then a fully home built machine, but if you are building it from scratch, I am sure you don't mind.

I am still rocking a 3 year old home built MendalMax, and have both made some improvements, and had to make some repairs along the way - but it is still in damn good condition.

For a $600 investment, I can say you will get a few years out of it if you take proper care of it. By the time the end of its life comes (5+ years), I am sure there will be much better printers available for cheaper, and you will never look back :)

* Tighten all your nuts and bolts
* Keep it calibrated
* Keep belts properly tensioned
* Oil X, Y, and Z rods
* Clean of any dust and scrap plastic (compressed air can?)
* Clean hobbed bolt
* Clean extruder
* Ensure all electronic connections are secure
* Check wires at points of movement for wear

!remindme 5years


---

### Answer by username_6 on 2016-01-16. Score: 1

I have built a Kossel too. Got lots of tips from the Google Deltaprinter group.
Most important when using the Traxxas rod ends is to have the metal parts go into the freezer and the plastic parts in warm water(not boiling, just 60 degrees celsius or so). Then put the 2 together, due to the fact the metal crimps just a little and the hot water softens the plastic a bit, they will fit easy and will be stiff longer. These mounts tend to wear out causing play in the effector. I have printed 100's of hours on my Kossel mini with traxxas rods and still moves very nice and prints accurately.

> **Comments:**
> **username_8**: I have downoted this answer, as it doesn't address the question of the life expectancy of the Kossel.  
> **username_9**: @HDE226868 The last sentence says that the life is at least 100 hours so it would address the question.  
> **username_0**: I would like to add that Dimitri is the person who first suggested the Kossel to me. I have invited him to this site myself. I agree with @EricJohnson that this _is_ an answer - the Kossel stil works properly after 100's of hours. To me as a user, this answer has value.  
> **username_7**: The last sentence does address the question, I believe. Can you clarify whether the part about the Traxxas rods is because they're likely to wear out, or some other reason?  
> **username_6**: @TextGeek the remark about the Traxxas rod does address life expectancy since as i noted the way of assembling greatly improves life of the connections. Bruteforcing it together will make it wear significantly faster than is needed. The warm water/freezer method makes sure that you can enjoy your traxxas rods for a long time. I have just exceeded 200 hrs of printing on my machine this week, no wear what so ever.  

---

