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Category: 3D Printing

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  • Best 3D Pens For Printing – Top 5 Picks To Consider

    Best 3D Pens For Printing – Top 5 Picks To Consider

    a girl using a 3d pens

    In the past few years, there has been a rise in consumer 3D printing, and one of the best and easiest ways to get into the 3D printing hobby is with a 3D pen. A 3D pen is a pen that is able to print in three dimensions. You can imagine the world as your canvas as you design objects with this type of product. Unlike 3D printers, 3D pens allow for freehand design, so there is no need for any knowledge of 3D modeling software when getting started. This type of pen works similarly to a glue gun; however, instead of sticks of glue, these pens use colored sticks of plastic, and the pen has a much smaller tip. When using the pen, you simply “draw” and allow your sculptures to stand freely on their own.

    ​Table of Comparison

    [amazon box=”B07L73K351, B0796HK3RK, B079FS4W2R, B07F18LJWT, B07JZCLZKK” template=”table”]

    Product FAQs

    What Is a 3D Pen?

    ​What Does a 3D Pen Do?

    ​How Does It Work?

    ​Where Can You Buy It?

    ​How Much Does It Cost?

    ​How We Reviewed

    It is our belief that accurate and honest information should be provided to our readers, and as result, we want you to understand our review process. In our reviews, we begin by searching all across the internet for product data and technical information about these products, and we extensively consider feedback from users who already own them. Then, we compare this data, which helps us to get a clear view of all angles of a product in order to present an accurate view for those who are interested in purchasing.

    ​Overall Price Range

    Most of the 3D pens that are presented in this article range from $40 to $60 in cost.

    ​Best 3D Pens

    Kimitech 3D Pen

    [amazon box=”B07L73K351″]

    ​Features

    ​The Kimitech 3D Pen has adjustable temperature and speed settings so that the device can be customized to your needs and to the type of plastic filament that you are using with it, with preset modes for PCL filament and PLA filament. The LCD display screen is also clearly legible with the temperature, speed, and filament shown. Additionally, the Kimitech is compatible with PCL and PLA plastics only, which are non-toxic and odorless, making this 3D pen a perfect item for young creatives. It is designed with an ergonomic grip, making the pen easy to hold while in use.

    ​warranty

    ​This 3D pen includes a 1-year limited warranty.

    ​pros and cons

    PROS

    • ​PCL and PLA plastic compatibility ensures child safety, and eliminates health risk from melting plastic fumes
    • ​Ergonomic grip makes long doodling sessions hassle free
    • ​Adjustable temperature and speed

    CONS

    • ​Although much more environmentally friendly, PCL and PLA plastics take longer to cool than ABS plastic

    ​3D Pen by 3D Pentastic

    [amazon box=”B0796HK3RK”]

    ​Features

    ​The 3D Pen by 3D Pentastic is a great pen for both children and adults that can help to grow your imagination and help you to practice a creative hobby. While the 3D Pentastic is only compatible with PCL filament, like PLA plastic, it is nontoxic with no fumes, and it’s eco-friendly as well. As PCL filament has a low melting temperature, the pen only heats to 85 degrees while others heat to over 100 degrees. The low heat and compatibility with only nontoxic filament make this device great for children.

    ​warranty

    ​This 3D pen includes a 1-year limited warranty.

    ​pros and cons

    PROS

    • ​Low temperature and non-toxic filament
    • ​Fosters creativity in children
    • ​PCL filament will not clog the pen

    CONS

    • ​Only compatible with PCL filament

    ​Vellerton 3D Pen for Kids

    [amazon box=”B079FS4W2R”]

    ​Features

    ​The Vallerton 3D Pen for Kids is a printing pen that lets your child draw in three dimensions. The premium pen has a metal body and metal buttons with an extra-long nozzle. The Vallerton 3D Pen only weighs 55 grams, which means that you can use it for longer, as it will not cause fatigue in your hand. This pen is compatible with PLA and ABS filament.

    ​warranty

    ​This pen is included under a 30-days unconditional full refund policy.

    ​pros and cons

    PROS

    • ​Compatible with both PLA and ABS filament
    • ​​Great activity for parents and their children
    • Quality build material

    CONS

    • ​The charger included is fairly short in length

    ​MKOEM Robotics Full-Metal Premium 3D Pen

    [amazon box=”B07F18LJWT”]

    ​Features

    ​The ​MKOEM Robotics Full-Metal Premium 3D Pen is of a high-quality design and allows you to bring objects from your imagination to life. The pen allows adjusting of flow speed of your filament to fit your personal preference, and a temperature adjustment option is available as well. The OLED is easily legible and lets you monitor the flow speed and temperature of the material. Additionally, the kit includes two colors of plastic filament so that you can start creating right away.

    ​warranty

    ​With the purchase of this pen is include 1-year manufacturer warranty.

    ​pros and cons

    PROS

    • ​Adjustable temperature and material flow controls
    • ​Bright OLED display
    • ​This kit includes two colors of PLA plastic filament that lets you get started immediately

    CONS

    • ​While it is great for detailing, some users have noted the fineness of extruded filament is difficult to work with.

    ​BeTIM 3D Pen Set

    [amazon box=”B07JZCLZKK”]

    ​Features

    ​The BeTIM 3D Pen set includes 20 packs of colored filament so that you can get started as soon as you open it. The pen is not hot to the touch, and it is light enough that even children will feel comfortable holding and using it. The single button control makes this pen perfect for both left-handed and right-handed creatives. This kit also includes a stencil book with 20 different templates that make learning to use the BeTIM 3D Pen Set easy and fun.

    ​warranty

    ​The BeTIM 3D Pen has a 1-year warranty.

    ​pros and cons

    PROS

    • ​Includes 20 different filaments and stencils along with the 3D pen
    • ​The pen body is not hot to the touch, and the heated nozzle is guarded with finger guards for use by children
    • ​The BeTIM 3D Pen is compatible with both PLA and PCL filament

    CONS

    • ​Not available

    ​Buyer’s Guide

    different colorful best 3d pens

    Image Via Flickr

    If you are interested in getting started in the 3D printing hobby, 3D pens are great devices with which you can dip your toe and gauge interest before springing for a full-fledged 3D printer. There is a lot of information to take in for newcomers, but if you follow these few tips in our buyer’s guide, your purchase of a 3D pen will be smooth and painless.

    • Make a budget for yourself. While most 3D pens are relatively inexpensive, setting a threshold for your purchase can help narrow down your options to find the perfect 3D pen for you.
    • Find features that you want, and features that you don’t. If there are features in the 3D pen that you don’t believe are necessary for your uses, this can further help you to narrow down the choices of 3D pens. Additionally, eliminating models that include features that you find superfluous can keep your cost low.
    • Seek feedback from customers who have already purchased the 3D pen. Read both positive and negative reviews left by people who already own the product. This can help you to gain a balanced viewpoint and a clear understanding of how you might like the product.
    • If you are new to the hobby, be sure to remember that you need filament for the 3D pen to be fully operable. Some 3D Pen kits include multiple filaments in a bundle that allow you to start doodling in three dimensions right away. Keep this in mind when purchasing, as you may need to purchase filaments separately.

    ​The Verdict

    person holding the best 3d pens

    Image Via Flickr

    After our thorough research, we have concluded that the Kimitech 3D Pen, 3D Pen by 3D Pentastic, Vellerton 3D Pen, ​​MKOEM Robotics Full-Metal Premium 3D Pen, and the BeTIM 3D Pen Set, are the best 3D pens. All of these pens are compatible with environmentally friendly biodegradable plastics and are designed specifically for use by both adults and children. If you are interested in the 3D printing hobby, but have no experience with advanced 3D modeling software, a 3D pen is the perfect place to start. With it, you will be able to bring your imagination to life with freehanded designs. Creating small toys and objects can also be a wonderful activity for bonding with your children, and designing miniature plastic sculptures can function as a fantastic creative outlet and hobby.

  • 5 Best Tiko 3D Printer Review – Alternatives

    5 Best Tiko 3D Printer Review – Alternatives

    On March 30, 2015, a Kickstarter project was opened to create a revolutionary new 3D printer. One month later, in April 2015, the Kickstarter had raised $2,950,874 from 16,538 backers who put up at least $179 each. Shipping was estimated to start in November 2015, approximately seven months later. The printer was going to be known as the Tiko Unibody 3D Printer.

    The designers of this printer were visionaries in every sense of the word. The Tiko 3D printer what the creators of the term “state-of-the-art” had in mind when they coined the phrase. Here are some of the planned specifications.

    • The maximum print volume was supposed to be 138.3 cubic inches.
    • The shape of the print area wouldn’t have been the usual rectangle or circle. Instead, it would have been triangular but with rounded corners. The height would have been 4.9 inches. If you were printing something with a cylindrical shape, the diameter of that cylinder could have been as large as 4.9 inches.
    • The layer resolution was supposed to be 50 to 250 microns.
    • The printing zone would have been enclosed.
    • The print bed would have been made of a flexible plastic. That would have made it easy to pop off the printed item without damaging it.
    • Tiko would have been able to connect to Wi-Fi so that you could print from virtually anywhere, including a smartphone. If Wi-Fi was not available, you could have used the printer to create a wireless access point. This would have let you print directly from your computer to the printer.
    • If the unit was ever jarred or moved while printing, a built-in accelerometer would have sensed this and shut the Tiko down automatically.
    • The accelerometer would have also had a role in the automatic calibration process.

    This was your big chance to participate in the development of cutting-edge technology. For a mere $179, you could have contributed to a Kickstarter project and gotten a new type of 3D printer, one that would have made IT history.

    The first shipment (from Hong Kong) went out in December 2016. That was 13 months after the initial expected ship date. Those units, once they were set up by the new owners, had problems. By February 22, 2017, the project was over. The Tiko 3D printer became someone’s broken dream. There were subsequent efforts to revive the brand, but nothing came of them. In the end, the biggest problem was probably not the design or planning. It was probably that the project was underfunded and couldn’t survive the bad times.

    Even though their $179 investment was gone, those who contributed to the Tiko Kickstarter project were offered an inexpensive way to acquire a 3D printer. The CEO of M3D offered anyone who lost money on the Tiko Kickstarter the opportunity to purchase a Micro 3D Printer for a discounted price of $199. It was a good deal for anyone who accepted the offer and a smart way for M3D to expand its customer base.

    There are plenty of other options available for those who were hoping to purchase a Tiko 3D printer. We will list some of those alternatives for you. But first, here is some background information on 3D printers.

    [amazon box= “B07CJQ3D6L,B07DMZ1YQD,B07HDHHBRJ,B07MLWFXHF,B0757H1Q5K” template=”table”]

    3D Printer FAQs

    How Do 3D Printers Work?

    Where Can 3D Printers Be Purchased?

    How We Reviewed

    3d Printer at the top of the table

    Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

    ​The printers we reviewed were chosen based on price. We were looking for printers at a price close to the $179 that would have been spent on the Tiko. Quite a bit of time has passed since the beginning of the Tiko project. In that time, technology has marched on. It is reasonable to expect that since then, prices have dropped, and functionality has increased. It is interesting to see how some of the ideas in the Tiko design have made it into currently available printers.

    All the printers reviewed here are delivered completely assembled. There are many more available in this price range that require assembly. Some even come in the form of a kit, which sounds like an extreme form of assembly. If you are good with your hands, have a sense of adventure and have the patience of a saint, you might do well to find a kit. This will give you lot more printer for the money.

    Overall Price Range of This Product

    3D Printing using the 3D printer

    Image by Lutz Peter from Pixabay

    In general, the cost of filament-based 3D printers ranges from the low hundreds to many thousands of dollars. Because we are looking to replace a $179 Tiko printer, we have decided to limit our price range to between $150 and $350.

    5 Best Alternatives to the Failed Tiko 3D Printer

    Monoprice Mini Delta 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07CJQ3D6L”]

    Price

    $159

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    Wi-Fi, USB, microSD

    Display

    LCD

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    4.3” x 4.3” x 4.7”

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    Yes

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    Cura, supports Windows XP or

    later, Mac OS X (10.6 64-bit)

    Resolution

    50 micron

    Dimensions

    14.2” x 10.4” x 16.9”

    Weight 

    30.6 lbs

    Includes

    USB cable, microSD card, power adapter, cord

    Where To Buy

    Monoprice, Amazon

    Warranty

    30-day money back guarantee, one year for repair of

    manufacturer’s defects

    This low-end printer has it all. It works right out of the box and, except for its lack of enclosure, it has all the great features of higher-end systems. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to cut the leash to your computer. It only addresses smaller print projects, but if you can work with that limitation, this printer is for you. This model is also worth considering if you are looking to buy your first 3D printer.

    PROS

    • Wi-Fi interface
    • SD card
    • Excellent features at a low cost
    • Heated bed

    CONS

    • None

    M3D Micro+ Desktop 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07DMZ1YQD”]

    Price

    $349

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    4.3” x 4.5” x 4.6”

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    0.35 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    M3D

    Resolution

    50 to 350 microns

    Dimensions

    7.3” x 7.3” x 7.3”

    Weight 

    4.4 lbs

    Includes

    M3D software, USB cable, power adapter

    Where To Buy

    Amazon, M3D website

    Warranty

    Three months for manufacturer’s defects

    PROS

    • Lightweight

    CONS

    • No Display

    da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07HDHHBRJ”]

    Price

    $200

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB, Wi-Fi

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FFF

    Print Area 

    5.9” x 5.9” x 5.9”      

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    Auto

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    XYZware, supports Windows 7 and above, Mac OSX 10.8 and

    above   

    Resolution

    100 microns

    Dimensions

    15.4” x 13.2” x 14.2”

    Weight 

    18 lbs

    Includes

    Starter filament

    Where To Buy

    XYZ Printing, Amazon

    Warranty

    Undetermined

    This is another excellent entry-level printer that works right out of the box. Wi-Fi connectivity is a big plus, as is that automatic bed-leveling feature. The resolution of 100 microns is good, but not great. It only runs filaments available from XYZ Printers. The proprietary XYZware software is provided.

    PROS

    • Wi-Fi interface

    CONS

    • Uses only XYZ Printing filaments
    • Resolution

    HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B07MLWFXHF”]

    This seems to be a good entry-level printer. Remove it from the shipping carton, and it’s ready to go. It prints either from the computer or the SD card (TF card).

    PROS

    • SD Card
    • Price

    CONS

    • No Display
    • Resolution

    Print-Rite CoLiDo Delta 3D Printer

    [amazon box=”B0757H1Q5K”]

    Price

    $269

    Setup

    Assembled

    Interface

    USB

    Display

    No

    Technology

    FDM

    Print Area 

    5” diameter x 5.9” high

    Enclosed 

    No

    Heated Bed

    No

    Bed Leveling

    No

    Nozzle Size 

    .04 mm

    Extruders

    1

    Software Inc. 

    Repetier-Host, supports Windows 7 and above, Mac

    Resolution

    50 microns

    Dimensions

    9.9” diameter x 17.5 high

    Weight 

    12 lbs

    Includes

    Flash drive, USB cable, adapter, filament

    Where To Buy

    Amazon, CoLiDo

    Warranty

    30-day return policy, one-year international warranty

    The price of this unit is at the high end of our range but, as always, you get what you pay for. This printer is different from the others in that it is configured for a circular print area. It is easy to set up, and it prints quickly due to its three-axis parallel movement system. This is an excellent printer for a beginner, but the quality and consistency are good enough for professional applications. At 30 watts, it is economical to operate.

    PROS

    • Fast printing
    • Low power

    CONS

    • No Display
    • Resolution

    Conclusion

    The Monoprice Mini Delta 3D printer was the clear winner here. For a printer with its features, the price is almost unbelievable. Wi-Fi connectivity and use of SD cards to store print files make it very user friendly. The heated bed also makes this the only printer on the list that could be comfortably used in a professional setting.

    Featured Image: Image by ZMorph3D from Pixabay

  • Robo 3D Printer Review: The High-Quality Prints

    Robo 3D Printer Review: The High-Quality Prints

    Robo 3D Printer Review

    Robo is an emerging manufacturer of consumer-level desktop 3D printers. The brand currently sells three printer models that are easy to set up and use to start creating. This review covers the features of the Robo R1+, C2, and R2 models to help consumers decide on the best Robo 3D printer for their budgets and design needs.

    What Are Robo 3D Printers?

    Robo is a 3D printer company based in San Diego, California that launched in 2012. The company crowdsourced funds to develop its first model, the Robo R1 3D printer. They now sell and provide support for three newer models, the R1+, C2, and R2. These printers enable users to produce designs created using computer-aided design software or templates.

    Robo’s easy-to-use, consumer-level printers are capable of printing with as many as 20 or 30 different types of filament and have features designed to improve the detail, resolution, and overall quality of each print job. All three of their current printer models feature high-temperature extruders, and two out of three models have heated print beds.

    Robo printers are desktop-sized and include most of the features that hobbyists look for in these devices. Rather than relying on complex and costly CAD software, Robo printer users can use open-source modeling software or the company’s free mobile applications to design and create objects.

    Robo 3D Printer Specifications

    Robo R1+

    The most affordable model in Robo’s current line of desktop 3D printers is the Robo R1+. This value-oriented model is larger than the C2 and R2 models and is capable of printing with more than 30 filaments, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. The R1+ is compatible with open-source design software and iOS and Mac OS, Linux, and Windows operating systems.

    The Robo R1+ has a large 10″ x 9″ x 8″ (254 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) print size and the overall dimensions of the printer are 17.1″ x 18.1″ x 15.1″ (433.8 x 459.7 x 383.54 mm). This desktop model weighs 21 pounds (9.53 kg). The R1+ is capable of printing in the 50 to 300-micron layer resolution range with XYZ accuracy of 11, 11, and 1.6 microns. The quick-change nozzle print head has a diameter of 0.4mm, a travel speed of up to 80 mm/s, and a print speed of up to 50 mm/s. The nozzle temperature ranges from 240 degrees Celsius (464 degrees Fahrenheit) up to 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit) with an all-metal extruder.

    The metal hot ends on this fused filament fabrication device can emit materials ranging from ABS to a variety of types of PLA, PET-G (flex and sturdy), nylons, polycarbonate, and flexible TPE and TPU. This printer is capable of processing PLAs filled with metals such as brass, bronze, copper, stainless steel, and iron, as well as conductive PLA for low voltage applications and magnetic iron. This printer features automatic leveling calibration print plate technology and a heated print bed to prevent warping. The print bed can be set up to 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit).

    The Robo R1+ printer works with the free open-source Matter Control software, which supports file slicing prior to printing. The unit supports standalone printing from an SD card, whereas the C2 and R2 models have USB stick file transfer functionality.  The R1+ ships with a power cable, spool of filament, SD card, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360. This printer model carries a six-month manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime support.

    Robo C2

    The C2 is Robo’s compact, mid-range 3D printer model. This Robo 3D printer has a print size of 5″ x 5″ x 6″ (127 x 127 x 152.4 mm), overall dimensions of 13″ x 18.25″ x 12.75″ (330.2x 463.55 x 323.85 mm), and weighs 20.8 pounds (9.43 kg). The C2 is capable of printing with more than 20 material types including a variety of PLAs, PET-G, flexible TPE and TPU, magnetic iron, HIPS, and PVA. The R1+ and R2 models support a wider range of materials and have larger print sizes. All of these printers are compatible with Robo and non-Robo filaments.

    The C2 prints with a layer resolution ranging from 20 up to 300 microns and has XYZ accuracy of 12.5, 12.5, and 5 microns. The quick-change 0.4 mm nozzle on this device has a print speed of up to 16 cubic millimeters per second and travel speed up to 250 mm/s. The nozzle temperature can reach 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit). The print plate on this model features automatic leveling calibration technology but does not come with a heated print bed.

    Customers interested in adding a heated print bed to prevent warping during printing will need to find aftermarket parts and connect the bed to the electrical outputs on the controller. They may also need to convert the removable plastic bed on the C2 printer to another material such as aluminum for reliable and safe performance. You might also consider the affordable and significantly larger Robo R1+ printer or the much more expensive and slightly larger R2 model.

    The C2 goes beyond the limited connectivity of the R1+ by supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. This printer model also has the capability to function as a personal hotspot. This model supports USB file transfers and comes with a stick pre-loaded with 3D models. The C2 is compatible with a wide variety of devices including computers running Mac OS, Linux, and Windows to tablets and smartphones. Like the higher-end R2, the C2 printer works with the free Robo mobile application and Cura preparation software.

    The Robo C2 is the most affordable printer made by the company to feature an LCD touchscreen that simplifies the control scheme and allow for onboard file slicing. The screen on this model is 3.5″, which is smaller than the 5″ screen on the more expensive R2 printer. The C2 also does not feature an onboard camera for recording print jobs in progress like the R2. The C2 comes with standard printer accessories including a power cable, spool of filament, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360. This printer model comes with a 12-month standard warranty and lifetime support.

    Robo R2

    The R2 printer is the high-end model in Robo’s current product line. This high-performance smart 3D printer has an 8″x 8″ x 10″ (197 x 197 x 250 mm) print size and overall dimensions of 16.75″ x 23.75″ x 16.61″ (425.5 x 603.3 x 421.9 mm). This fully-featured model weighs in at 30.2 pounds (13.7 kg), making this printer considerably heavier than the R1+ and C2. Like the R1+, the R2 is capable of printing with over 30 types of materials. This model features sensors that detect when the filament is running low and automatically pauses the print job in progress. The R2 features a removable print plate and a print bed with automatic leveling calibration.

    The Robo R2 also stands out with its 5-inch LCD screen with control options. This printer model has Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity and functions as a personal hotspot. This printer is compatible with computers running Mac OS, Linux, or Windows as well as open-source software, the free Robo application for iOS and Android devices, and free Cura Preparation Software to ready, manage and monitor the 3D print job from a tablet or a smartphone. Like the C2, this model also supports onboard file slicing for ease of use. This model also boasts a camera to record print jobs in progress and enable users to watch the footage on a mobile device.

    Enhance the functionality of the R2 printer with a forthcoming option to add a second extruder. This add-on will allow users to print designs with two different materials or two different colors of the same material at the same time. This model is capable of printing with a layer resolution ranging from 20 to 300 microns and XYZ accuracy of 12.5, 12.5, and 5 microns. The travel speed on this advanced consumer model goes up to 250 mm/s, while this printer is capable of extruding at up to 16 cubic millimeters per second.

    The quick-change nozzle on the R2 printer has a 0.4 mm diameter and reaches temperatures up to 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit). The heated print bed can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). This bed helps to prevent warping and comes with a BuildTak sheet to make it easier to remove print projects.

    This Robo 3D printer supports both standalone printing from a USB stick and Wi-Fi file transfer for printing directly from the brand’s application. In addition to a power cable, spool of filament, toolkit, quick start guide, and a one-year subscription to Autodesk Fusion 360, the R2 printer also comes with a USB stick loaded with 3D models. This printer comes with a one-year warranty and lifetime support.

    Pricing

    Robo offers 3D printers priced between $500 and $1500. Consumers and institutions should determine which model provides the features they want at an acceptable price point. The Robo R1+ printer has the features that most 3D printing enthusiasts want with a $499.99 price tag. This model does not have the range of connectivity and smart features that come on the compact C2 or higher-end R2 models.

    The Robo C2 has a smaller print size than the R1+ with more connectivity options including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. This model supports onboard file slicing and features a 3.5-inch display with simple controls.  The C2 printer is currently priced at $799.99. The C2 and more expensive R2 models share a number of smart features, but the R2 has a larger print size, a larger touchscreen, and an onboard camera. The C2 does not have a heated print bed, and Robo does not sell compatible beds. This model also prints with a more restricted range of materials than the R1+ or R2.

    The most advanced 3D printer by Robo, the R2, currently sells for $1,499.99. This model is set apart by its integration of a 5-inch touchscreen, onboard camera, and heated print bed. The R1+ and R2 are both capable of printing in more than 30 materials, but Robo proposes that the R2 will soon support the use of multiple extruders. There is a $1000 price difference between the R1+ and R2 and a $700 price difference between the C2 and R2 Robo 3D printer models.

    Robo also sells 3D printer bundles with C2 or R2 printer models for educational purposes. K-12 instructors may be interested in the MyStemKits bundles with three printers, one year of curriculum support, four hours of online training, and 250 student licenses. Individual users interested in 3D printing a basic quadcopter drone should consider the Robo 3D Print Project model for $99.99. The company also sells desk clock and guitar 3D print kits in the $40 range.

    How Robo 3D Printers Compare

    FlashForge 3D Printer

    Price$349.99
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Creality3D CR-10 Mini 3D Printer

    Price$359
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Anycubic 3D Printer Mega

    Price$368.99
    Ease of Use
    Assembly Time
    Build Quality
    Warranty

    Pros and Cons

    PROS

    • Accessible consumer desktop-style 3D printers
    • Price range from $500 up to $1500
    • Prints with many types of materials

    CONS

    • Robo printers and materials tend to be more expensive than other brands

    Conclusion

    If you want a consumer-level desktop 3D printer with a wide range of functionality, consider one of the three Robo 3D printer models in this review. The brand’s current line makes it easy to select a printer that will fit your budget and design preferences. You may be able to find a refurbished unit of your preferred printer model for a lower price. Robo also sells accessories, materials, and kits that make it easy to get started and learn about 3D printing.

  • Cetus 3D Printer Review – Is It Worth To Buy?

    Cetus 3D Printer Review – Is It Worth To Buy?

    monoprice maker select 3d printer

    Featured Image: Amazon

    What began as a crowdfunded Kickstarter project has now become a fully-fledged product that is available for retail purchase. When the Cetus 3D Printer was first launched on Kickstarter, the device was offered from Cetus3D, a subsidiary of Beijing Tiertime Technology LTD., for only $199. Now that the project has been funded, and the Cetus 3D is available to the general public, we’re here to see if the Cetus 3D can actually “Make It Happen”, as its tagline suggests. With 589 backers supporting the project with over $169,103, it seems that this 3D printer is a success. Let’s dive deeper into the features and benefits of the Cetus 3D Prints, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

    Quick Navigation
    What is the Cetus 3D?
    Product Specfications
    Pricing
    How It Compares
    Cetus 3D Printer
    MonoPrice Maker Select Plus
    Original Prusa I3 MK2S Kit
    How We Reviewed
    Buyer’s Guide
    Conclusion

    What is the Cetus 3D?

    tiertime cetus printer

    Image via Amazon

    A 3D printer is a machine that is capable of additive manufacturing by way of creating three-dimensional objects from digital files. The additive creation process describes the creation of an object through building an object upward with successive layers until the object is complete. On the other hand, subtractive manufacturing describes the process of creating an object by cutting out or hollowing out pieces from a block of material. In this way, 3D printing is a more efficient way of manufacturing while retaining the ability to create complex three-dimensional objects.


    Using a 3D modeling software on your computer or a 3D scanner, a digital file is where the three dimensional printing begins. 3D scanners can range from industrial grade to homemade scanners that can be built for around $30, and 3D modeling software is similar in nature, with both costly professional grade programs and free open source programs available. No matter which route you take to obtain your model, you will need to prepare it for printing.


    The process of preparing your 3D model for printing is called slicing, which divides the model into a multitude of layers so that a 3D printer can build it from the ground up using additive manufacturing. This is typically done with a separate slicing software, and it should be noted that some printers might require proprietary slicing software. Once the model is sliced, you are ready to begin printing, which can be done over SD, Wi-Fi, or USB connection. When the printer receives the 3D model, it will begin printing your object layer by layer.

    Product Specfications

    3d printer with printed dragon

    Image via Amazon

    The Cetus 3D Printer is a minimalist 3D printer that is constructed from an aluminum body that can be divided into six different modules: the extruder; the build platform; the main board; and the X,Y, and Z axes. Although the machine is small and only weighs just over three kilograms, its build volume is massive for its size. The volume of the machine itself is 260x260x280mm, and the build volume is 180x170x180mm. This means that you are able to print objects that are nearly as big as the machine itself.


    Additionally, the rails are self-lubricated and maintenance free. The machine is quiet, and offers high precision without the noise that accompanies other printers. Three nozzles are also offered in different sizes for detail. A 0.2mm, 0.4mm, and 0.6mm nozzle are available, and each has its own preset profile for a hassle-free print.
    The 3mm aluminum build plate guarantees that your print surface is flat, as it is fixed directly to the linear guide, giving a flat surface that runs parallel to the X-axis. Furthermore, each Cetus 3D Printer comes from the factory with a pre-calibrated Y-axis to allow users to be able to begin printing right out of the box.

    The Cetus 3D Printer has a dedicated modeling software that utilizes a user-friendly interface that is supported on Mac, Windows, and even iOS, and a big advantage that the Cetus 3D Printer offers is the ability to work with third-party slicing software, such as Cura, Slic3r, and Simplify3D. This gives users who are more familiar with 3D printing the ability to achieve the best quality print from the Cetus 3D Printer. For particularly advanced users, the Cetus 3D Printer is Gcode compatible and can be modded in order to perform laser engravings and other functions that operate by Computer Numerical Control.

    Pricing

    The Cetus 3D Printer can be purchased for $399 from the Cetus3D website.

    How It Compares

    Cetus 3D Printer

    [amazon fields=”B07K3ZWX5X” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

     

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    Build Volume

    180x170x180mm

    Filament Compatibility

    1.75mm

    Material

    PLA/ABS/PETG

    Warranty

    3 Months

    PROS

    • The Cetus 3D Printer is easy to use, and is a great introductory 3D printer with the power to satisfy advanced users.
    • This machine has a high build quality with a minimalist design.
    • The Cetus 3D Printer has a spacious build volume that is nearly as large as the machine itself.
    • For an affordable cost, you get a very capable 3D printer with a wide range of compatibility.
    • The fixed bed has no need to be leveled.
    • It is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity.

    CONS

    • Some users have noted that the fan is noisy.
    • The printer uses proprietary nozzles.
    • Monoprice Maker Select Plus

    MonoPrice Maker Select Plus

    [amazon fields=”B01JBEF3T8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

     

    [amazon fields=”B01JBEF3T8″ value=”button”]

    Build Volume

    180x170x180mm

    Filament Compatibility

    1.75mm

    Material

    ABS, PLA, XT Copolyester, PET, TPU, TPC, FPE, PVA, HIPS, Jelly, Foam, Felty

    Warranty

    30 days

    PROS

    • It offers a large build volume.
    • The Monoprice Maker Select Plus is equipped with a touch screen with an intuitive interface.
    • A wide variety of materials can be used with the printer.
    • The Monoprice Maker Select Plus is an affordable option for those who are serious about entering the 3D printing hobby.
    • It is a high quality, reliable machine.

    CONS

    • The maximum resolution of the Monoprice Maker Select Plus is average at best.
    • There is no auto-leveling feature

    Original Prusa I3 MK2S Kit

    [amazon fields=”B071YLPJVN” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

     

    [amazon fields=”B071YLPJVN” value=”button”]

    Build Volume

    250x210x200mm

    Filament Compatibility

    1.75mm

    Material

    Any thermoplastic including Nylon and Polycarbonate

    Warranty

    1 Year

    PROS

    • The kit comes with its own tools, so there’s no need to own any prior to purchase.
    • The printer is easy to use, even for beginning printers.
    • While the assembly is a challenge, it can help those who are new to the hobby get to know their new machine.
    • The Original Prusa i3 MK2S Kit is compatible with a variety of different material filaments.

    CONS

    • It’s more expensive than other brands, and it is not pre-assembled.

    How We Reviewed

    original prusa printer

    Image via Amazon

    We believe that it is important to bring you accurate and honest information in our reviews, and as such, we like our readers to understand the review process. First, we search for all of the product data available for the product that is under review, and then we find some of the item’s closest competitors and research them in a similar fashion. We also take into account user feedback from people who already own each product. Once all of the data is compiled, we are able to offer factual information while also highlighting the opinions of the product’s target audience.

    Buyer’s Guide

    If you are interested in diving into the hobby of 3D printing, following these tips in our Buyer’s Guide can help you to choose the correct 3D printer to get you started. Whether you decide to begin with one of the printers that are found in this article or another 3D printer, following these helpful tips can make the purchase of your new investment hassle-free and painless.

    Set a budget for yourself, and don’t deviate from the limit that you set for yourself. If you decide to continue your research for a 3D printer outside of those models that have been covered in this article, you can begin to filter your options by maximum price. This can narrow your choices down and make the process of finding the right 3D printer for you that much simpler.


    Familiarize yourself with common features that appear in the models that fall within your price range. You can eliminate models that have features you believe you will not need or will not use during your time with the machine. By eliminating models with features that will go unused, you can once again narrow the choices for your perfect printer. This may also help to lower the cost of your machine. By that same token, make not of models that have features that you would enjoy.

    Review feedback from customers who have already purchased the 3D printer. Typically, you can find these reviews on the manufacturer’s websites. It should be noted that analyzing both positive and negative reviews is important, as it will help you to find a balanced take on how you might feel about the printer if you decide to purchase it. Once again, reviewing this type of feedback can help to thin out competitors even more in your search, because an overall negative customer rating is generally a red flag indicating that you would be better off looking elsewhere.

    Conclusion

    After our thorough review, we believe the Cetus 3D Printer is a perfectly suitable 3D printer for those who are first entering the 3D printing and plastics hobby, and for veterans alike. While some users found issues with the proprietary Cetus nozzles, and others mentioned that the cooling fan is loud, these qualms shouldn’t necessarily disqualify the Cetus 3D Printer from consideration, because this little machine has its strengths. The biggest advantage to the Cetus 3D Printer is the build volume that the device offers. For its reasonable price, the Cetus 3D Printer gives you the ability to print fairly large objects. Additionally, the Cetus is incredibly easy to use. Many users noted how quickly they were able to begin creating while their friends were frustrated with the more complicated machines that they purchased. The Cetus’ minimalist design is truly the heart of this 3D printer. It is sleek yet efficient, and it has a no-nonsense approach to 3D printing.


    That’s where you come in. Another of the Cetus 3D Printer’s big advantages is its flexibility when it comes to compatible software. If you are already familiar with slicing programs such as Cura, Slic3r, and Simplify3D, you can continue working with those programs and still use the Cetus 3D Printer. Additionally, the printer is fully calibrated from the factory, and the build platform is flat and requires no leveling, ensuring a perfect print every time. The linear rails are quiet with the frame constructions being generally solid in nature. The Cetus 3D printer also offers an extendable design for more advanced users to tinker with, and the Wi-Fi connectivity makes sending files to the printer easy to do. Tiertime, the company of which Cetus3D is a subsidiary, has been steeped in the 3D Printing industry for 15 years. This brings experience to the table, and recognition of talent.


    Speaking of recognition of talent, it bears repeating that the Cetus 3D Printer was a successful Kickstarter project. In the sea of projects vying for crowd funding, the Cetus 3D Printer was able to source the funds needed to make their printer a complete package while offering backers the printer for an unreal discount of $199. Supporters for projects such as the Cetus 3D Printer are usually people who have their finger on the pulse of newly available technology. That simple fact may be enough for some to make the Cetus printer a cut above some of its competitors who haven’t had seal of consumer approval in their pre-retail stage.


    When all of the dust has settled, the positives of the Cetus 3D Printer far outweigh the negatives, and we would be confident in recommending this 3D printer to anyone who is interested in purchasing one, regardless of experience. From its ready-to-use nature to its incredible build volume and ability to be customized for other CNC functions, this printer nearly does it all. The Cetus 3D Printer is simply one of the best available at its price point.

  • Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit Review

    Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit Review

    Ever since the first 3D printer was invented in the mid-1980s, 3D printers have become very popular. Over the years, 3D printers have become more advanced and can now create objects that they weren’t capable of making years ago. One of the newest “inventions” that 3D printers can make is human replacement body parts. Because 3D printers are capable of designing such incredible objects, many people assume that 3D printers can only be used by professionals and those who are more skilled at technology. However, this is anything but true. Over the years, 3D printers have become cheaper and easier to use so that anybody can use them. Today, we’ll take a closer look at a popular 3D printer kit called the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer.

    3D printer kits are basically kits that you put together. Once your 3D printer kit is assembled, you can start using it. You can use a 3D printer for just about anything. People have used 3D printers to create plastic toys, metal machine parts, and stoneware vases. While many people are intimidated by using a 3D printer kit, 3D printers are actually fairly easy to use. One of the easiest 3D printer kits to use is the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit. It is designed for both professionals and amateurs. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit to find out if this 3D printer kit is right for you! Let’s get started!

    Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit Features

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    The Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit has many useful features that can make your life so much easier. There are many benefits to having these features, even though many people think that these features are unnecessary. From features like its memory function to its easy step-by-step guide, these features make your 3D printing experience enjoyable. Let’s take a closer look at the features that the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit has.

    Pause and Memory Function

    The first feature that we’ll go over is the memory function. If you press “pause” on this 3D printer kit, the printer will remember what you were designing when you go to press “start” again. This allows you to continue creating your design even if you have to pause your 3D printer. Another reason why this feature is nice is if you have a power outage, the 3D printer will remember where you left off. Therefore, you never have to worry about your design being ruined if the power goes out. As soon as your power comes back on, you can resume your project.

    3 Built-In Cooling Fans

    You won’t have to worry about your 3D printer overheating, as this 3D printer kit is equipped with 3 built-in cooling fans. These fans are designed to work for 2,000 hours in a row. The reason why you want your 3D printer to stay cool is that if it becomes too hot, the shape of your design may change. If you notice that your 3D printer is becoming too hot, it could be that you are printing too fast. You can always slow down the printing speed so that your printer has time to cool down. However, you shouldn’t have to worry about it becoming too hot since it features 3 built-in cooling fans.

    Tilted Screen

    The screen of this 3D printer is slightly tilted so that you can easily operate this printer. Its slant provides a wider viewing angle, allowing you to easily read the screen. It has an LCD screen, as well as a button that you can easily rotate to select different settings and operate your 3D printer.

    Inexpensive

    For what you are getting, this 3D printer kit is fairly inexpensive. One of the reasons why it is cheap is because it does not come assembled. Pre-assembled printers cost more money since they arrive fully assembled. But because you must assemble the Alfawise EX8 printing kit yourself, it isn’t as expensive.

    Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit Performance

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    In addition to having many useful features, the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit performs well. Most of the customers who bought this 3D printer kit were satisfied with their purchase. This 3D printer is easy to use, making your 3D printing experience fun and easy. Let’s take a look at how well this 3D printer performs.

    Easy To Assemble

    One of the biggest advantages is that it is fairly easy to assemble. It comes with step-by-step instructions so that you can easily understand how to set it up. The only reason why this 3D printer kit doesn’t come fully assembled is that the company wanted customers to be able to have the experience of putting a 3D printer kit together.

    Easy To Use

    Not only is this 3D printer easy to assemble, but it is also easy to use. According to the manufacturer, it only takes 5 minutes to learn how to use this printer. Once you get the hang of using it, it should only take 2 to 3 hours to build your first design. Because this 3D printer is so easy to use, you can plan on building multiple designs each day.

    Quick Speed

    This 3D printer quickly prints out designs, allowing you to make more designs each day. In addition to having a high speed, this printer also prints high-quality designs. It can produce layers as fine as the human hair, making each design very detailed.

    Common Questions About the Alfawise EX8 Printer Kit

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    Do you still have some unanswered questions about the Alfawise EX8 DIY Printer Kit? If so, you aren’t alone. With so many features and performance considerations, buying a 3D printer can be more confusing than operating one! Let’s take a look at common questions that people have asked about this printer, as well as 3D printers in general.

    How Does A 3D Printer Work?

    Well, you’re not the only one who has. After all, it is pretty amazing for something to create a design using nothing more than a roll of plastic and a digital image. How can this be possible? Here, we’ll take a look at how a 3D printer works. First, a 3D printer requires a lot of features in order to work. The printer itself cannot print out a design, but it must have a hotbed, an axis, and, of course, material to print.

    Common 3D printing materials are ABS and PLA. ABS is a very common synthetic plastics, while PLA has a low melting point. So how does a 3D printer use these features to create an image? Basically, the printer melts the thermoplastic plastics and then sprays the finer “threads” at the nozzle. It continues spraying on layers of plastic until the desired image is formed.

    Why Won’t the Nozzle Reach the Set Temperature?

    If the nozzle won’t reach the set temperature, you may need to turn off the fan, check the heating line connection, and disconnect the heater from the control board. Use a multimeter (using the resistance rating) to test both ends of the heater. If the resistance exceeds 10 ohms, the heater is damaged.

    What Can A 3D Printer Make?

    Another question that you may have in addition to wondering how a 3D printer works is what a 3D printer can make. You may have heard about 3D printers making things like an SD card, toys, machine parts, and, as I mentioned earlier, even human body parts. But what can you make that can actually be useful in your household? The first thing that 3D printers can make are holders for storing objects such as pencils, headphones, and more. You can design these storage holders in different shapes and sizes. You can also design hangers for hanging clothes in your closet.

    Coasters are another popular creation that you can make from a 3D printer, as well as hinges, wrenches, pots, and whistles. Other creations that you can design include bottle openers, baskets, wall sculptures, and holders for business cards. Most designs that are created by 3D printers come in unique shapes and patterns. For example, if you were to make a pencil holder, it may be designed to look like a beehive. Of course, you can design your sculptures to look like anything you want them to look like, but most modern sculptures have unique patterns and designs.

    Another rather recent design that people have been making from 3D printers is clothing. This new fashion trend is still fairly new, but it is possible to make your own clothing from a 3D printer. You will need a special type of material that is stretchy to make clothing from 3D printer kits.

    Things To Consider When Buying the Alfawise EX8 3D Printer Kit

    There are many things you should consider when shopping for a 3D printer. These considerations will help you choose a printer that fits your needs. Below, we’ll take a look at some considerations to ask yourself to find out if the Alfawise EX8 3D printer kit is for you.

    Do You Want It Pre-Assembled Or Assembled?

    First, consider if you’d like a pre-assembled 3D printer or a 3D printer kit that you must assemble yourself. The Alfawise EX8 3D printer does not come assembled, so you’ll need to assemble it yourself. Many people enjoy the experience of learning how to assemble a 3D printer, while others prefer it to come assembled. Consider how you would like your 3D printer to arrive. 3D printers that are already assembled will cost more money, so if you want something that is inexpensive, you may want a 3D printer kit that you need to assemble yourself.

    How Large Do You Want the Print Bed To Be?

    Secondly, consider how large you’d like the print bed to be. A larger print bed can be nice because you can print more at once and therefore save time. It also allows you to print larger designs. Overall, a large print bed is recommended. The print bed of the Alfawise EX8 3D printer kit is fairly large, as it has a building volume of 220 x 220 x 240mm. If you are shopping for a 3D printer with a large print bed, the Alfawise EX8 3D printer kit is a good choice.

    What Is Your Budget?

    When shopping for a 3D printer, consider what your budget is like. Can you afford an expensive printer? If you are on a tight budget, you’ll probably want to get a DIY 3D printer kit. 3D printer kits are cheaper because don’t come assembled. Instead, you must put the printer together yourself. Fully assembled printers cost more money since they arrive pre-assembled. The 3D printer that I reviewed today is fairly cheap for what you get. It is a 3D printer kit, so it doesn’t come assembled. If you need a 3D printer kit that is inexpensive, the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D printer kit is a great option.

    What Type Of Printer Filament Do You Want To Use?

    Another consideration to ask yourself is what kind of printer filament you want to use. Most consumer printers print ABS and PLA plastic. ABS plastic is made from oil and is more toxic than PLA, which is made from corn starch. Decide which type of material you’d like to use as the printer filament.

    Remember That Safety Is First

    Always remember that safety is first. While 3D printers may seem harmless, they can be unsafe if they aren’t used properly. First, make sure you use your 3D printing kit in a room that is ventilated well. The reason why you want to use it in a ventilated room is that your 3D printer could emit fumes, especially if you are using ABS plastic. While these fumes have not been known to be dangerous to your health, they can be overwhelming.

    Another safety tip to keep in mind is that you must be careful when handling the printer while it is hot. The plastic must melt in order for the sculpture to be created, so you must be extremely careful not to touch the hot plastic. In addition to the plastic being hot, the print bed may be hot as well. Try to not touch any parts of the printer while it is on, or, if you must touch it, only touch the parts that aren’t in contact with the heat.

    Lastly, be careful to only use food-grade plastic if you plan on making kitchenware on your printer. Although ABS and PLA plastics are usually safe, they can sometimes contain additives that aren’t safe. If you plan on making any type of kitchenware, you should only use plastic that is food-grade.

    Final Thoughts On the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit

    In conclusion, the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer kit is a great option if you’re looking for something that is inexpensive and easy to use. Although you must assemble it yourself, the assembly is considered fairly easy. Unlike many other 3D printers, this printer is very easy to operate. It only takes about 5 minutes to learn how to use it, and it only takes 2 to 3 hours to create a design. This high speed allows you to print more designs in less time. This 3D printer kit has many useful features. One of its best features is the pause and memory function. This feature allows the printer to remember what you were printing even if there is a power outage. Other useful features include the built-in cooling fans and tilted screen.

    There are many things you must consider when shopping for a 3D printer kit. First, you must consider if you want your printer to come fully assembled or not. If you choose a 3D printer that is fully assembled, the price will probably be higher. The Alfawise EX8 3D printer doesn’t come assembled, which is why it has such a cheap price. Second, you must consider how large you want the print bed to be. The larger the print bed is, the larger your designs can be, and the printing process will be quicker. Third, consider your budget. Once again, if you are on a tight budget, it is best to choose a 3D printer kit instead of a pre-assembled 3D printer. Fourth, decide what kind of printer filament you want to use. There are two popular plastics to use: ABS plastic and PLA plastic.

    Always make sure you are careful when operating your 3D printer kit. Never touch the hot plastic, and be careful when touching the printer as it is printing. The print bed can sometimes be hot as it is printing a design. Also, make sure you keep your 3D printer in a ventilated room so that the fumes don’t bother you. While these fumes haven’t been known to be harmful to your health, they can sometimes be overwhelming. I hope today’s article has helped you decide if the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit is for you. When it comes to choosing an inexpensive, easy-to-use 3D printer, it doesn’t get much better than the Alfawise EX8 DIY 3D Printer Kit. If you’re still looking for a 3D printer similar to this one, check out our review of the Alfawise X6A DIY 3D Printer. Happy shopping!

  • Alfawise U30 Review

    Alfawise U30 Review

    Is this the best 3D printer under $300?

    The Alfawise U30 is another in a very long line of budget 3D printers. Little brother to the Alfawise U20 reviewed here. It seems more and more arrive every week. There are many brands with very similar models. With little to no copyright in China it’s no wonder. It’s unfair for the tech companies trying to compete but great for us end users. I here many lecture against buying from China but lets face it, no one can beat the prices. This may be the best 3d printer under 300. Although the down side is Safety seems to take a back burner when they are competing against themselves. Purchase and use the items with caution.

    One of the biggest safety concerns when it comes to 3D printers is the safety checks disabled in the Firmware which many do.

    So how do they compete in such a saturated market? Well in the case of the Alfawise U30 they have a nice touch screen with power failure recovery and filament run out detection.U30

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    Alfawise U30 Specifications

    Brand:Alfawise
    Type:DIY
    Model:U30
    Engraving Area:220 x 220 x 250mm
    Frame material:Aluminum Alloy
    Nozzle quantity:Single
    Nozzle diameter:0.4mm
    Nozzle temperature:Room temperature to 250 degree
    Layer thickness:0.1-0.4mm
    Memory card offline print:TF card
    LCD Screen:Yes
    Print speed:120mm/s (max.), 30 – 70mm/s ( recommended )
    Platform temperature:Room temperature to 100 degree
    Supporting material:ABS,PLA,Wood Filled
    Material diameter:1.75mm
    File format:G-code,OBJ,STL
    XY-axis positioning accuracy:0.0125mm
    Z-axis positioning accuracy:0.0025mm
    Voltage:24V
    Host computer software:Cura,Repetier-Host,Simplify3D
    Packing Type:unassembled packing
    System support:Windows / Mac / Linux
    Connector Type:TF card,USB

    Unboxing

    The U30 doesn’t comes as most Kit printers. Packed in white packing foam. The U30 comes with a set of allen keys, a flat cutout wrench and a Micro SD card. The printer also comes with the 3 meter roll of filament. I don’t typically use the small pieces of filament because they don’t usually include enough to print the test models on the SD card. I started to print with it and it tangled up and jammed the printer. So I tossed it and moved on. Keep reading to see if this is the best 3d printer under 300.

    unboxing alfawise u30alfawise u30 3d printer3d printer3d printing

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    SD Card

    As usual the included Micro SD comes with sample models and a soft copy manual pdf file. The included USB micro SD reader is junk and I had a similar one that corrupted every card I put in it. Therefore I don’t use them. I keep them in case I need one in a pinch but I have better ones to use and you should also. It also includes an older copy of the free slicer software Cura 15.

    [amazon box=”B01D9JIUU0,B0749S1S15,B07HFQ658D”template=”table”]

    Assembly

    The U30 is considered a “DIY Kit” printer, aka best 3d printer under 300. But more like a 50% assembled kit. For me I love the assembly process and this one seems like a happy medium between a fully assembled printer and the 0% ones like the Anet A6 and A8.

    The Base comes pre assembled with the power supply and mainboard wired up. That is a good thing as most users shouldn’t  be wiring up mains voltage. The manual doesn’t have much text and uses images to show you the steps. Similar to Ikea furniture.

    I won’t go over the steps but I’m including photos of my assembly and a link to the manual.

    Software

    As I mentioned in the SD section the SD has Cura 15 included with it. I would say use that and if you can afford Simplify 3D then it’s worth the investment. You can keep Cura 15 on your PC and install the newest version at the same time. Give the newest version a try and if you get bad prints then try version 15.

    Print Quality

    After the awesome prints I got from Alfawise U20I was excited to see what the U30 could do. Being the same printer with a smaller build size my expectations were high. While it’s not the same quality it isn’t to far off. At the current $250USD price point is better then the Creality Ender 3 Pro at a regular price of $323USD. This is starting to look more and more like the best 3d printer under 300

    3d printers

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    PLA (Polylactic Acid) Filament

    As usual I chose to print one of the files off the SD card. It came pre sliced. Unsure what settings or slicer was used but it printed very well. That’s the thing with test prints, if they print better then your own sliced objects it proves any issues your prints have are slicer and not printer problems. It’s harder to see with the black filament but this little fox is very well printed.

    For a while now I have been wanting to print this cute cartoon gun from the my mini factory website. This image is from the site and I just wanted to show how cool it is painted up.

    Mine isn’t glued together yet but will be sanded and painted also.  I printed most in black but the black doesn’t show well in photos so I printed a white one to show you the details.

    These little bullet guys are awesome! I can’t wait to paint mine up.

    Next I printed a ghost face from thingivers.com. Again, sorry the black is hard to see. I just bought a bunch of filament and most of it is black the rest is white. I have plans to print my own RC BB8 from the BB8 Builders club. I also printed the big cartoon gun.

    Here are a couple of photos with an American dime for size reference.

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    PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate) Filament

    Because my PETG was grey and almost gone I printed this little Castle Grayskull from Thingiverse. It is supper tiny and even at 300% it was still super tiny and didn’t print any of the detail. So I printed it again at 400% https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2840544

    I was a big He-Man fan growing up. I had all the toys and watched the show regularly.

    I included an American dime for size reference. PETG is a mix of PLA and ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) to get some of the ABS strength and ease of PLA. Only problem is that you have to get the temperature and retraction settings just perfect or you get strings going from one pice to another as the tip travels from piece to piece. The reason for this is that the melted filament comes out while traveling. The retraction pulls back the filament whatever distance you set in the slicer. That reduces pressure that is created while the extruder pushes the filament through the tip during printing. Mastering the retraction settings is difficult. I find a retraction distance of 8mm and a speed of 40 mm per second works well on all of my printers with bowden tube extruders. The bowden tube guides the filament from the extruder motor to the hotend. This lets you keep the weight of the motor from the X axis allowing easier movements at higher speeds. This is looking to be one of my favorite best 3d printer under 300.

    TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Filament

    TPU is an elastic type of filament that allows you to print cool things like RC Tires or flexible hinges. The flexibleness is determined by how much infill you fill the print with. So for RC tires you can print them almost empty for soft off road driving. If you add more infil you can print harder rubber tires for RC onroad driving. I printed these Mario question cube and tunnel toys with to much infill and it doesn’t flex as much as I hoped.

    The popularity of 3D printing has paved the way for many types of filaments that I have yet to try. I want to order some ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) filament as I heard it is very strong. Nylon (Polyamide) is also a strong filament that requires an all metal hotend and high temps for printing with the best 3d printer under 300.

    Matterhackers has a nice comparison page for the filaments they make. https://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-filament-compare

    Modifications

    The only modification I did with this printer is flip the bed over. On the top they have a builtack surface stuck to glass. Glas and hairspray is all I use so simply flipping the glass over works well for me. The larger bed printers are usually 300mm or close to it therefore 1 foot square mirror tiles works perfectly.

    Being fairly new there isn’t much for printable mods. You could print bigger bed level knobs but the ones on there aren’t to bad.

    PROS

    • Good print quality
    • Nice design and color
    • Medium build volume
    • Touch screen interface

    CONS

    • auto load is slow
    • firmware is closed
    • noisy
    • didn’t come with usb cable

    Best 3d printer under 300: Final Judgement

    This printer is the perfect mate to the bigger Alfawise U20 which is my current favorite printer.

    They have the same look and feel. It’s a bit noisier then the U20. The U30 is a direct competitor of the Creality Ender 3. The U30 has a the same price as the ender 3 and $40 cheaper than the Ender 3 Pro. Aside from the closed source firmware and the ribbon wire for the display the U30 is a much better machine. They are both good little machines but the U30 would get my vote. I hope the Alfawise grows in popularity because they are great printers at great prices.