Advantages to a delta:
Disadvantages:
Advantages to a Reprap:
Disadvantages:
- large build area (especially vertically)
- ease of scaling the design vertically (just lengthen some rods/extrusions)
- simpler design, since all three motion axes on a delta are identical and lightweight, whereas one axis must ride on another on a cartesian bot (e.g. the x axis rides on the z axis on a prusa)
- speed is a big plus on deltas. Deltas are ridiculously fast in comparison to cartesian bots ... this is important with large build areas.
Disadvantages:
- More complicated calibration procedure
- Can produce moire artifacts on some shapes (maybe fixable?)
- Requires a bowden extruder to reduce weight (needs extra retraction to compensate, but not really a problem otherwise)
- ubstantial external size of a delta in comparison to a cartesian. Deltas push the boundary of what would be considered "desktop printing" due to their necessarily large dimensions, especially in Z where they require a great deal of extra space above the actual print volume.
Advantages to a Reprap:
- can customize all the parts and increase the build area
- go much faster without vibration
- much less calibrating
- frame held by machine, so less warping
- less volume on printed parts so its easier and faster to print
- parts are ribbed
- less need for adjustment
Disadvantages:
- less room for adjustment
- expands and contracts in weather- can cause cracking
- loud
- looks profess
- Includes a heated bed