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$499 Cocoon Create Touch 3D Printer from ALDI Sat 13/05/2017

360

Don't have a picture of the catalog, just info from this YouTube vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77rGwN9PQ9I
Good price for this printer imo.

Printer is from these guys
https://www.cocooncreate.com.au/
Which is a rebranded Wanhao i3 Plus
https://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-plus-steel-fram…

Related Stores

ALDI
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closed Comments

  • -4

    How much is it normally ?

    • the dude in the vid says the wanhao badged one is $750 iirc. I bought the wanhao duplicator i3 which is a lower end model for $650 from ebay earlier this year.
      edit: he says 650 if buying from overseas and 750 if youre trying to get it locally.

  • +1
    • Not exactly. This is the printer ALDI was selling last year. This one is rebadged Wanhao i3 Plus.

  • +1

    Was tempted to post this, i have the 2.1 version (bought for $360) and even at this price i recommend buying this, but i dont see it as a bargain.

    • I also have an i3 2.1 that I bought for $360, but Kogan/Dick Smith don't have any Balco i3s in stock anymore, so if someone wants a 3d printer this is pretty much the cheapest they're going to get.

  • +15

    In general this printer is excellent value. While the Balco and Previous Cocoon create were great, this one makes the touch

    In a way I'd call this a side grade rather than an upgrade to an already fantastic 3D Printer. These are the best value you will get before going to get a Original Prusa i3 MK2 (~$1100aud shipped)

    Good things about these rebranded printers in general:
    + Fantastic community with plenty of (unofficial) help and mods
    + The direct drive feeder allows for putting all kinds of weird filaments with minor modifications
    + Heated bed heats up quickly
    + Sticky bed for good adhesion for parts (look into glass plate for even better)
    + Steel frame makes it rigid and wobble less than acryllic when printing.

    Ok so this compared to the Kogan and previous Cocoon Create from Aldi:

    • Has a touch screen on the front
    • Screen is much larger than the previous one
    • Don't need to worry about the (since fixed) washers problem which had a safety recall
    • Some mods do work for this printer from the i3 Duplicator (PTFE Tube to allow for printing Flexible/TPU Filament)

    • Printer is slightly taller than the previous one

    • Because the control panel being integrated to the heating bed area, this makes modifications for some things impossible. Again this likely won't affect many people, but those that stick with this printer (worth it, it's a bargain for it's features) won't be able to use an enclosure (keeps consistent temperatures important for ABS Prints).
    • If you use Octoprint (stick a raspberry pi on it to control it remotely) the screen is mostly useless
    • Some Mods that were available for the i3 Duplicator won't work for this (z brace mod? and extension)

    Printed heaps in general, AMA if any questions.

    • +3

      Can it make a gun?

      • Yes.. I have made a couple of guns from Fallout..lol

      • There is a badge that has the word "loaded gun" on it, that you can print out…. Does that answer your question?

        (Don't do it. Blacksmiths, steel makers and bunnings are more available and more practical and it's just a scaremongering thing)

    • I agree with your point about Octoprint/Octopi. Using a Raspberry Pi with Octopi is a hundred times better than the built in controls (touch or otherwise). I have the older version of the printer, and never use the built in controls.

      • I'll be honest - I don't bother even though I have a pi sitting spare and ready. I like the percent display being accurate, and don't mind swapping a sd card from another pc to there occasionaly. Octoprint does give lots of extra functionality though (add a webcam for timelapse prints for example)

    • Do you have any comments on the i3 clones on eBay? They seem to range in price from $240 to $760 ??

      Is it worth the money for the assembled ones, and also are the clones worth it?

      • +1

        No, not worth it. This is the cheapest printer you can get (well minus the non touch control which I personally prefer) that has minimal hassles. They are also for the most part pre built. Expect the aliexpress ones to need a solid day of understanding then ongoing calibration (and regret) to keep them working "okay". Acryllic or wood frames are a give away. Non heated beds, or a single arm instead of two (less rigid) are another.

        So looking at your ebay examples:
        $760 is literally what you will be buying in this deal. Literally. They rebadge it. There are many rebadges of this model (and this also means there are plenty of reviews if you find a name of that rebadge or this original).
        $260 - This is painted wood and will collect moisture and bend before too long. The heated bed has a "max" of 70 degrees so I'm betting it's underpowered.

  • +6

    All I need to do is 3D-Print $499 so I can buy it :D

    • +3

      When I need a new 3D printer, I just print one…

      • +2

        Can someone print me one, please?

  • @OP, Thank you for posting this. :)
    Good printer at a Very good price.

  • How much is the refill??

    • +2

      Check for yourself: https://www.cocooncreate.com.au/shop/ . Around $28-$35 for a KG of PLA/ABS . You can get any brand with this (I use blueprinted but hear good things about aurum in Vic). To put in perspective, a phone case is probably 50 grams, a fidget spinner is 30 grams.

    • Aldi have PLA for $34.99 in the catalogue. Not a bad price considering you'd usually have to pay for postage on top of that price.

  • +1

    They are a great printer. I've already got one and printed a few things out on it. Works very well and a LOT quieter than the older Cocoon Create model.

  • Can I get some real world examples of people are creating with this? If seen all these bits and bobs like chess pieces, plastic figurines, key chains. But all of that seems like stuff I can get for a few cents off eBay. Really want to get one to print slotcar chassis which are injected ABS plastic but wonder if it would hold up to the abuse.

    Has anyone made a remote control battery cover?

  • Can you get any better 3D printer for $500?

  • +2

    I have the Balco version. And I have printed lots of stuff with this printer. But be warned, 3d printing is not for the faint of heart. These things can sometime be temperamental and you will need quite a bit of diy skill like soldering and the patience to diagnose problem. It's not just plug and print. All these warnings aside, this will be a great printer. Might get myself another one.

  • How can you make sure you get one? Do you need to queue outside aldi in the morning before they are sold out?

    • This isn't like the snow or motorcycle gear sale, I don't think you're going to get a line outside aldi waiting to buy a $500 3D printer.

      • I asked in the store and they said best get there before opening hours and go to the front to request one. So there might be.

  • Being new to the 3D printing scene, I can think of an number of things to make, but is the design software included/free and how easy is it to pick up?

    • +2

      To print designs, you need a program called a slicer which converts a 3d model to machine code. A couple free ones are Slic3r and Cura. I've been using Cura.

      There are many free design tools available depending on what you want to do. I've been using Fusion 360 (sort of like poor mans Solidworks) and OpenSCAD (sort of llike a programming language for 3d models). There's also Sketchup (probs shortest learning curve but I havent tried personally) and Blender to name a few more.

      Probs the most important thing with designing for 3d printing is that you have to take ito consideration how 3d printing works i.e. can't really do long span overhangs.

  • Aldi URL is out https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-sat-13-…

    Are the $35 reels good value?

    • Reel good value?

      On a serious not if you read higher up apparent pretty good

  • I really want one of these to print parts for broken items I want to fix but I have no idea about CAD. One question if anyone knows, I have a plastic part on a set of hair clippers break, it's a part that sits under the bladed and I expect it can get quite warm, are the finished parts relatively heat resistant?

    Secondly this might be a silly question but has anyone created a 3d camera that can communicate the shape and dimensions of simple items so that you don't have to draw them up? Also is it feasible that the material is easy enough to work with that you might drill a hole into something rather than build it with the hole in there by design?

    • +1

      PLA prints at around 200°C and ABS around 230° but they deform at lower temps. I dont think clippers will get that hot.
      Theres a budget scanner you can make here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1762299 but you wont get the resolution to accurately scan and print parts with tight tolerances. I'd try some modelling software first and see if it's learnable.

  • Anyone recommend this, or a DIY Delta printer for around the same price (probably a tad more expensive with vrail.) Not afraid of technical DIY projects. I guess this aldi solution is the lazy route :) Delta printer might be easier to retro fit into laser cutter. Yeah I know Deltas have alot of tweaking to be done..

  • +1

    I did a Kossel DIY delta printer and have had no end of problems (largely because the kit was garbage but thats another story). Setting up and tweaking it is a complete PITA and I wouldnt recommend it at all for a first printer.

    • Yes, I would avoid DIY kits unless it had good reviews on forums. better to research every part yourself and buy seperately but then that would take months :P

      It seems like ppl buy many 3d printers within their life :P

  • How does this compare?
    https://www.zapals.com/a8-large-desktop-3d-printer-kit-high-…
    (although it claims it can use wood as consumables, I put it to the lousy translation)

    • You can get wood filament (PLA mixed with wood dust)

  • Hmmm…upgrade from my UP! Plus to this? Larger print bed would be handy.

  • While there isn't anything wrong with this printer you can get the Anet A8 for around $250 delivered (check for sales) but you have to put it together yourself. Advantages over the cocoon is - price, larger print bed (220 vs 200), open source, print quality as good if not better, large community, numerous cheap upgrades…

    If your technically minded definitely go for the A8.

    • -3
      1. not your, its you're.
      2. Someone with a 'technical mind' would already know about Anet A8 and its advantages/ disadvantages, no need to troll this thread.
      • +3

        Cut him some slack; I'm someone with a 'technical mind' and I had no idea about the A8. Now, thanks to his post, I'm considering buying it.

        • +3

          I have both (and a delta).

          This printer, if you can still get one has great build quality and I set it up in about 20 mins (being careful) and was printing shortly therafter. Print quality is pretty fine. The only thing I wish for is auto bed levelling that I have for my delta (I after built installed an inductive sensor for it).

          Heartily recommend it if you can get your hands on one.

          The A8 kit I have (Havent built it yet) is vastly inferior in quality and will need a bit of additional materials to ensure its safe (Mofset for the PSU and replacement cables which from other owners appear to be a fire risk as they are to thin) and probably a few bits here and there as its quality matches its price. If you already had one and were looking for a second printer the A8 is a good option as a base for the next project, and its also very easy to mod to get it printing well.

          If your not in a hurry, order the A8 and some of the bits needed (check out their facebook group) so you can install them when building it.

        • +1

          I had no luck finding the Cocoon at any of the Aldis near me; would've been nice to get a turn-key solution, but I'm in no rush.
          This is my first 3D printer, and after reading up about the A8, and the A6, I ended up ordering the Tevo Tarantula. I liked the aluminium construction, and the Bowden style extruder more.
          I ended up getting 2x 1kg spools, the printer, and various bits and pieces for about $350 delivered, so I guess I like the price more too.
          I'm already thinking about going down the d-bot path in the future though.

        • That is a good choice for a kit, GL with the build!

        • @vol4321: Tevo Tarantula, actually looks good :P

        • @vol4321: In the same boat here - except I haven't looked for the Aldi printer too hard as I'm more interested in a project anyways.
          I didn't really know anything about 3D printers before seeing the Aldi special but am no stranger to a soldering iron etc, so the comments around here recommending the A8 were helpful.

          After a lot of reading I'm about to pull the trigger on the Tarantula as well for the same reasons. $220 for the A8 or ~$255 after cashback currently for the Tevo and the aluminum frame + V6 clone w/Bowden easily makes up that difference IMO, plus the numerous other small QOL differences with the kit like the bed coming already insulated. The Facebook group being at 20k members is good to see too.
          Of course, still tons that can be done to improve it, but it seems like one of the better foundations out of the cheap kits. Will see how it goes!

      • Being technical doesn't automatically make you an expert in 3D printers.
        If anyone is trolling the thread, it's you.

    • Anet A8 on sale at gearbest for USD159.99 with free shipping atm about AUD217 so may be an option.

  • Got one, they only had three in the store and one guy was waiting for 2 hours (!)

    • wow which store ?

      • Epping (Dalton Road)

  • Got mine no worries, in fact chances are there'll​ still be some left this afternoon.

    Regional NSW here.

  • My store had 6 in Scoresby, vic. Queued up just before store opening. Once the doors opened at 8:30, I had to run to keep up with 2 other younger folk in front. Sold out within 10 minutes (not even that), ppl where checking the empty space at 8:45am wondering where the printers went :-/ My first queue up at Aldi's experience. Apparently Ferntree Gully store had campers over night at the front ?

  • +1

    I have already done my first print and it turned out pretty well (just using one of the files on sdcard). Please note I had to move the files to from the directory to the root directory of the sdcard before the printer saw them, but really happy here.

    • +1

      Yep, had to move the files as well. Goofy bit of oversight.

      Printed a unicorn head and a Dollhouse chair so far, very impressed with both.

  • Kelvin Grove Brisbane had a total of 4 which went in seconds.

    Too bad. Would have had to hide it from my wife anyway lol.

  • +1

    Ive hidden two from the wife, only one she knows about!

  • Managed to get one today at Erina, one left afterwards, keen to start printing

  • currently doing first print now.. looking impressive.. but it did take me 5 hours or so to level the bed levelled spot on. This is gunna be fun!

  • For those that missed out. Consider the Gearbest Anet A8, it's quality is lacking compared to the aluminium framed aldi one, but for ~$200aud delivered from Australian Stock (search for a coupon, and order nothing else with the printer, not guaranteed) you get a printer that is capable of the same quality, with a HUGE online / facebook community, mine arrived in 3 days.

    Just don't over tighten the screws so you don't crack the acylic, buy a $10 mosfet, and then search on thingiverse for "Anet AM8", and make the 2040 extrusion upgrade your first project. Or if you don't mind spending a few extra bucks for an incredible printer, search for the "Hypercube" (A coreXY design, built with 2020 aluminium, youtube build logs available).

    At the end of the day you will spend just over half the amount of the aldi customers, will end up with a better printer, and most importantly actually have a project / use for the printer for a couple of weeks ;)

    WARNING: Once you start buying the extra bits for the hypercube upgrade, you may get carried away and end up with 2 printers :)

  • Can anyone help me check something with their printer. At the back of the print head theres a interface bracket. Mine seems bent from the factory. Picture of part https://ultimate3dprintingstore.com/collections/duplicator-i…

    Does your unit come with a interface cover or is it just a circuit board with connectors mounted on the braket?
    https://ultimate3dprintingstore.com/collections/duplicator-i…

    • Ok just checked, and the parts are mounted and look like the photos.

      • ok so you do have the metal cover at the back.

        thanks for checking btw :)

        mine looks like this Out of the box.. https://ibb.co/cbGX35 as if it experienced a tumble while at the factory. hoping thats the only damage to it, hard to say if anything else is damaged.

  • I looked, and i don't have anything on my printer that looks like that appears you don't have the cover.

    https://ibb.co/f0o6Vk

    • cheers heaps.. thats what I thought. Im currently going through my unit with a fine comb to make sure everything is right.

      • Dont think the cover looks nessecary, btw.

  • NB Anyone had any luck with Cura and the settings from Cocoons website?

    • I updated to latest version of Cura 2.5 something, and used the Cura profile on the Cocoon website. I've only been using that so far.. seems to work fine.

  • +1

    If you didnt get the Aldi Printer (like I didnt) try googling a model called Creality CR-10. Its a bigger format and does same job. Gearbest.com will ship to OZ for $557 on current flash sale.

    • Looks awesome, thanks for the heads up

  • +2

    Handy tip. If you find that your print bed is hard to level and if you find adjusting one corner puts all corners out of whack heres a guide for leveling the Y axis rods.

    Mine was out by 1.5mm on one end of the rod, so my straight level prints had a tiny rock to them.

    http://3dprinterwiki.info/wiki/wanhao-duplicator-i3/duplicat…

    Now all fixed and bed is pretty level to the eye. :)

  • +2

    Hi All,
    Lurked for a couple years, first post…

    I went to the brand new ALDI here in Wyong yesterday (Sunday 20/05) in they hope that they may some of these 3D printers left, and I was in luck! They had 3 left (and now they have 2…). So, as of Sunday 20/5 around 3PM, ALDI Wyong had 2 of these printers in stock.
    I also heard from a workmate that Charmhaven had some as well, but that was on Friday, and I am not sure what day she saw them there.

    I also want to send thanks to all posters above giving their reviews, advice, opinion and tips. Very helpful in my purchase decision.

    Ian

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