Lulzbot TAZ6 3D Printer Reviews Compilation

Lulzbot TAZ6 is a flagship machine and it comes at 2400 USD price point. Since I'm interested in it, I made a compilation of reviews so you can also check it out.

TAZ6 tech specs:

• Print Surface: Heated borosilicate glass bed covered with PEI film
• Print Area: 280mm x 280mm x 250mm (11.02in x 11.02in x 9.8in)
• Top Print Speed: 200mm/sec (7.9in/sec)
• Print Tolerance: 0.1mm (0.0039in) in X and Y axes. Z axis is dependent on layer thickness
• Layer Thickness: 0.050mm – 0.50mm (0.002in – 0.02 in), Dependent on nozzle size
• Capable Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, wood filled filaments, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, bronze and copper filled filaments, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, and more every day
• Usable Filament Sizes: standard 3mm (0.1in)
• Prints best with MatterControl and MatterControl Touch for a truly standalone experience

Here is Joel's review:




Here is MatterHackers review:




Here is a review by Thomas Sanladerer:




Review by XRobots:



Here is the TAZ6 homepage:

http://www.matterhackers.com/store/printer-kits/lulzbot-taz-4-3d-printer

3DGence ONE review by 3D Printing Nerd

Here is a review of 3DGence ONE by Joel, the 3D Printing Nerd. The ONE is a flagship that is built like a tank with some interesting features.



Here is the 3DGence homepage:

http://3dgence.com/

Ultimaker 2 Vs. Print-Rite Who Wins?

Guys from Make.Test.Battle,Ryan and Kash do a casual comparison of the Ultimaker 2 and the Print-Rite DIY 3D Printer from HobbyKing, as well as learn the importance of bed leveling. 

They do a lot of Nerf toys modifications and upgrades with 3d printing. 

It turns out you really get what you pay for in this case. 

Why are 3d printers so expensive in Australia? Probably due to shipping, import and customs fees ... taxes maybe?

Here is a complete comparison video:


Something cool they make, modded Nerf toy guns, here the dart cylinder was 3d printed:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1274005

Form 2 is a New FormLabs Flagship SLA

Formlabs just released Form 2, the new desktop SLA machine. It is a 40% larger 3d printer than its predecessor. You can find all the specs on their page, it wil be priced at 3499 USD range.

Great step forward!

Only thing that drew my attention is their new "Automated Resin Systems". It looks like proprietary cartridge and it has an ID chip. I'm not a big fan of that setup but they claim you will be still able to use and experiment with third party resins in "Open Mode". We will see how this situation develops. If they close their machine so it can only use Fromlabs resin, someone will probably hack it making chip protection obsolete.


There are still no third party reviews or tests.

Update: here is a review by Make:

http://makezine.com/2015/09/22/review-formlabs-brand-new-3d-printer-the-form-2/


Introduction video:




Here is the unboxing video:




Detailed Form 2 launch presentation:



Form 2 homepage:

http://formlabs.com/products/3d-printers/form-2/

Update:

here is a detailed review by Tested where you can see potential problems and print failures:

Printrbot Play 3D printer (with review and Cura tutorial)

Printrbot just announced their new Printrbot Play 3D printer which is aiming towards low cost market but has full metal body and aluminum platform.

They posted on their Twitter:

Coming soon….. Printrbot Play. $399 assembled. 100x100x130mm. Metal construction. Mic6 Alu bed.

Here is the video presentation of Printrbot Play by Brook Drumm:



Still no third party reviews or tests ...

Update: here is a print result video...




Update:

here is a review by Thomas Sanladerer:




Update:

Here is a guide on how to use Cura with Printrbot Play:

Jonathan Keep reviews WASP Delta clay 3d printer

Well known ceramic and clay 3d printing expert Jonathan Keep reviews WASP Delta 3d printer specially adapted to print clay with air pressure.

Complex clay shape made on WASP delta

Here is the video review:

Autodesk Ember SLA 3d printer review and maintenance by Adafuit

Ruiz brothers from Adafruit did a very useful review and operations manual for Autodesk Ember SLA 3d printer. They go trough many aspect of it including basic maintenance and Hall sensor troubleshooting.

Basic review of Ember:




More detailed guide, operations manual and usage tips:




Here is a very detailed guide on how to use Ember, basic maintenance and even how to repair the Hall sensor so you can align the printer:

https://learn.adafruit.com/ember-3d-printer

Here are some guides on how to hack Autodesk Ember.

Always wear gloves when working with resin

Aleph Objects announces LulzBot Mini (Update: new unboxing and review video)

Aleph Objects announced their new 3d printer: The LulzBot Mini. It is still under development and it looks like smaller machine which will probably also be more affordable.

From the release:

Here at Aleph Objects, we're proud to make products that work for you. And we would like to say "thank you" to everyone who voted for us at the Denver BizTech Expo! Because of you, our newest 3D printer (which is still in development) won "Best Hardware Solution" as voted by attendees. This is a great honor and we are happy to provide products that fit your needs.

The LulzBot Mini will feature a final build volume of 6″ x 6″ x 6″, and will feature a powder coated aluminum frame. Other new features include an auto-leveling build platform, developed in partnership with SparkFun Electronics. The LulzBot Mini will also have an all-metal hot end, capable of reaching temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F), which we developed in partnership with RepRap Discount.

The LulzBot Mini will be a multi-material 3D printer, able to use even more filament choices than ever before, while retaining the open and non-proprietary filament format that is so essential in the rapidly growing 3D printing industry.

The options for different materials include PLA, ABS, Nylon, Tritan, Polycarbonate, T-Glase, as well as exotic materials which mimic that of wood, stone, and bronze.
And as always, all LulzBot products are Open Source Hardware. This means that as a LulzBot Mini 3D printer owner, you are investing in a machine that respects your freedom. You are free to see the source files and make modifications and even upgrades to your machine.

Source: https://www.lulzbot.com/blog/lulzbot-mini-3d-printer

Update (30.1.2015.):

Here is unboxing, initial setup and small review / test video by James Bruton of new LulBot Mini:



LulzBot Mini technical specifications:

Printing

• Print Surface: Heated borosilicate glass bed covered with PEI film
• Print Area: 152mm x 152mm x 158mm (6in x 6in x 6.2in)
• Print Volume: 3,650 cm3 (223 in3) of usable space
• Top Print Speed: 275mm/sec (10.8in/sec) at 0.18 layer height
• Layer Thickness: From 0.05mm to 0.50mm (0.002in - 0.020in)
• Supported Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, wood filled filaments, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, bronze and copper filled filaments, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, and more every day
• Usable Filament Sizes: standard 3mm (0.1in)
• Multi-Software Compatible: Freedom to use any number of 3D printing software programs, Cura LulzBot Edition comes standard. Other compatible software includes OctoPrint, BotQueue, Slic3r, Printrun, MatterControl, and many more. 

Physical Dimensions

• Overall Dimensions: 435mm x 340mm x 385mm (17.1in x 13.4in x 15.2in)
• Weight: 8.55kg (18.85lbs)

Electrical

• Power Requirements: 100 - 240 VAC with auto-switching power supply
• Operating Temperature Range
• Maximum Tool Head Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 120°C (248°F)

LulzBot Mini comes with new Lulzbot Hexagon Hotend which goes up to 300 Celsius!
LulzBot Mini looks great and comes with several tools in the package:

Velleman Vertex K8400 3d printer

You can see the presentation, build guide and upgrades for K8400 3d printer here.
Velleman is European DIY giant and had a very successful run with their K8200 3d printer (3Drag). Meet the successor: the Vertex K8400 dual head 3d printer.

Velleman Vertex K8400 3d printer technical specifications:

Printing:

• Print technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
• Layer resolution: standard: 0.1 mm (maximum: 0.2 mm - minimum: 0.05 mm)
• Build plate: 215 x 240 mm (8.46" x 9.45")
• Build volume: 180 x 200 x 190 mm (7" x 7.8" x 7.5")
• Print speed: 30 mm/s - 120 mm/s
• Travel speed: 30 mm/s - 300 mm/s
• Build plate surface: Removable layer of BuildTak™ 
• (consumable; also sold separately)
• Filament diameter: 1.75 mm (accepts all filament spools with a mounting hole = 53 mm). 
• Open filament policy.
• Prints: PLA, ABS
• Testing with other materials in progress.
• Nozzle 1&2 diameter: 0.35mm
• One nozzle supplied. Second nozzle optional.
• Distance between nozzles: 23.7 mm
• Maximum nozzle operating temperature: 270 °C

Software:

• Firmware: Modified Open Source Marlin 3D Printer 
• Firmware - user upgradable
• Software: Repetier - CuraEngine - Slic3r (RepRap compatible)
• Hardware:
• Dimensions: X Y Z 360 - 380 - 395 mm 
• (14" x 15" x 15.5") (without filament spools)
• Frame: Polycarbonate panels and fibre reinforced molded ABS parts

Electrical:

• Communication: USB 2.0 or SD card
• Controller board: AVR ATmega2560 based
• Dual head and heated bed capable
• Display: 4 x 20 ch. blue LCD with white backlight
• AC input: 100 - 240 VAC 50-60Hz 150W max.
• Price: probably in 699 Euro range

Here it is on Velleman page:

https://www.velleman.eu/products/view/?id=417866

Here is video of it in action:

Here is the video guide on how to build it with some useful tips and problem solving:



You can upgrade your k8400 with glass door, making the temperature more stable.

Files are here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:624325

And video instructions can be viewed here:

Detailed review of Makerfarm Prusa i3v

Here is a very detailed review of new Makerfarm Prusa i3v by well known ZennmasterM (Michael).  The biggest difference between new i3v and older Makerfarm Prusa i3 is linear rail v-slot used to carry the extruder. It is faster and smoother. The printer is priced ad 570 USD.


Makerfarm Prusa i3v product page:

http://www.makerfarm.com/index.php/prusa-8-i3v-kit-v-slot-extrusion.html/

Formlabs Form 1+ is new flagship SLA 3d printer (update: now with test and review)

Fromlabs released their new Form 1+ upgraded printer. It still has the same print volume as the previous version but performance is significantly improved.

The upgraded Form 1+ features:

• A higher-power second-generation laser system for faster print speeds
• A redesigned galvanometer control system for more precise and accurate control
• Re-engineered mechanical components for better wear and durability
• A light-blocking injection-molded resin tank for better print consistency – allowing you to store your tanks outside the Form 1. The tank also comes with a stackable lid, helping you manage multiple resins more easily.

http://formlabs.com/products/form-1-plus/


Together with it there is a new Preform software in version 1.5

Here is video overview of what's new in Preform 1.5 (manual supports and new materials):




Preform update includes:

• Form 1+ support (as well as backward compatibility!)
• Updated EULA reflecting our new warranty information
• Manual support editing capabilities
• Black resin material settings
• Improved print time estimation
• Improved resin volume estimation
• .form files now preserve viewing angle
• handfuls of improvements to make PreForm faster, smarter, and more agile

Formlabs also has new black resin, because, ya know, black is a cool color. It will be priced at $149/liter. It is specially tuned Black to be ideal for models with delicate features and fine details. It may print up to 30% more slowly than other Formlabs resins at the 100 micron setting with the increased cure-time, but the results should be BLACK.

Formlabs has also partnered with UK-based Express Group, a company that will help sell and service the Form 1+ printer in Europe. The printer will be priced at €2,799 in Europe or at $3,299 for USA market.

Update (24.10.2014.):

Here is review and test of Form 1+ by Tested and their 3D printing columnist Sean Charlesworth:

MendelMax 2.0 review and impressions by ZennmasterM

Great review video of MendelMax 2.0 by ZennmasterM.

MendelMax 2.0 description from RepRap wiki:

The new MendelMax 2 is a complete reinvention of the MendelMax. It makes the MendelMax faster to build, easier to source and even better looking than before.

Design
The MendelMax 2 includes a completely redesigned frame, made from aluminum extrusions and primarily flat plates. These plates can be cut from aluminum, printed, laser cut from plastic, or hand cut with a scroll saw or a coping saw (making this arguably the most accessible DIY reprap ever). A hand cut MendelMax 2 will virtually function identically to a custom machined one. There is no longer a reason to see your hand built machine as merely a means to an end.
Triangles are a smart choice for the gantry, both functionally and aesthetically. From a design standpoint, I wanted the MendelMax to still be visibly a Mendel descendent, while not letting the shape get in the way of improvements. By switching to a right-triangle design, the MendelMax 2.0 gains ~50mm more z-axis movement (the exact amount will depend on your extruder choice). The new design results in a very open, unobstructed print area.

Specifications

• Print Area Dimensions: 230 mm x 310 mm x 225 mm
• Print Area: 16042.5 cm3
• Printer Dimensions: 450 mm x 340 mm x 460 mm
• Usable Maximum Print Speed: 150mm/sec or more depending on the part, print material, and extruder
• Usable Maximum Movement Speed: 500+ mm/sec
• Layer Height: .1-.4mm, user selectable. Lower layer heights are also possible.
• X & Y Axis Resolution: .0125mm
• Frame: All aluminum
• Movement: linear rail (X and Y axis), precision shafting and bushing (Z axis)
• Price: $1595 for complete kit

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/user/ZennmasterM?feature=watch

http://reprap.org/wiki/MendelMax_2

Ultimaker 2 detailed review by Barnacules

Another great review by Barnacules of Ultimaker 2. He goes trough unboxing, setup, calibration, leveling and first printing. His machine came delivered with on extruder fan broken. The leveling process seems easy with adjustment screws on the bottom of the print bed.

From video description:

The Ultimaker 2
To operate the Ultimaker 2 you don't need any specific technical knowledge. Every part has been redesigned to create one of the highest performing 3D printer available on the market, but also a very reliable one.

Ultimaker 2 specifications
Easy to use and reliable
Designed for non-expert and expert
Larger build envelope
Heated bed
Low cost material
Open source
Just like the Original the Ultimaker 2 will remain open source. We dare to share our knowledge because we believe we can achieve even more when working together.
Easy to use and reliable
To operate the Ultimaker 2 you don't need any specific technological knowledge. With its 49 decibel it's a quiet machine. Because the electronics are bundled the Ultimaker 2 is stable and reliable. With its nice design the Ultimaker 2 is suitable in any working or living interior.
Designed for non-expert and expert
We've made the Ultimaker 2 to be as easy as possible. You don't need to have a huge technological background to understand our printer. At the same time we've developed the printer in a way that it's still interesting for experts to work and create with.
Larger build ratio
We've managed to get an even better print-to-size ratio. This means the printer size has remained the same, and the print envelope became bigger.
Low cost material
Beside the fact that the Ultimaker doesn't use a lot of power, the material you use to print is also low cost. This makes the use of an Ultimaker very affordable.
Layer resolution: up to 20 micron
Build volume: 23 x 22.5 x 20.5 cm
Position precision X Y Z: 12.5 / 12.5 / 5 micron
Print speed: 30 mm/s - 300 mm/s
Travel speed: 30 mm/s - 350 mm/s
Recommended filament diameter: 2.85 mm
Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
Stand-alone SD-card printing
WiFi printing ready (future upgradeable)
Software: Cura - Official Ultimaker
Print technology: Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
Frame dimension X Y Z: 35.7 / 34.2 / 38.8 cm (no filament)
Frame dimension X Y Z: 49.2 / 34.2 / 55.8 cm (with filament)
Operation nozzle temperature: 180° - 260° C
Operation heated bed temperature: 50° - 100° C
Ambient operation temperature: 15° - 32° C
Storage temperature: 0° - 32° C
AC input: 100 - 240 V / ~4 AMPS / 50 - 60 HZ / 221 watt max.
Power requirements: 24 V DC @ 9.2 AMPS
Usage cost: ~ €0.05 / cm3 (material and power)

Source:

https://www.youtube.com/user/barnacules1?feature=watch

Da Vinci 1.0 3d printer by XYZ Printing: introduction, reviews, cartridge hacking and repair

New day, new low cost printer from Asia. The bad thing about many new devices as this one, in my opinion, is that it uses some sort of custom cartridges (update: the cartridges can be hacked now and counter reset: look below)  and custom software. But on other hand, some people like that.

Da Vinci 1.0 technical specifications

• Technology: FFF (FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION)
• Maximum build volume (WxHxD): 7.8W X 7.8H X 7.8D INCH (20 X 20 X 20 CM)
• Printing Mode: FINE: 0.1 MM (100 MICRONS); STD: 0.2 MM (200 MICRONS); SPEED: 0.3 MM (300 MICRONS); ULTRA FAST: 0.4 MM (400 MICRONS)
• Print Head: SINGLE NOZZLE (dual extruder models are announced by the company in the future)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 MM
• Print Speed: 150 MM/s
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 MM
• Print Material: ABS
• Panel Type: 4 X 16 LCM
• Language: ENGLISH, JAPANESE
• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Net Weight (Cartridges included): 51.9 IB/23.5 KG
• Price: 499 USD
• File Types: .stl, G code, XYZ Format
• OS Supports: Windows XP (.Net 4.0 required), Windows 7+, Mac OSX 10.8 64-bit +

http://www.xyzprinting.com/

Update:

Here are they on CES 2014



Update 2:

da Vinci 2.0 and 2.1 are announced:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/04/da-vinci-20-and-21-3d-printers-announced.html

Update 3:

Here is a full review of Da Vinci 1.0:




Update 4:

da Vinci proprietary filament can be reset and cheaper common standard filament used with cartridges and make the daily operation much cheaper. Here are tutorials, guides and software used for the procedure.

Arduino EEPROM reset:

http://voltivo.com/blog/da-vinci-reset-eeprom

http://www.instructables.com/id/Da-Vinci-10-Filament-Reset/?ALLSTEPS

Here is a reset solution and reseter kits you can buy for some 40 USD: http://wctek.com/xyz/

Is it legal? Is it copyright violation? Does it void guarantee? I don't have a clue ...

LATEST VERSION HACKED: http://www.wb6cqa.com/2016/01/hacking-xyz-davinci-jr.html

Update 5:

Da Vinci announced that hey will start to sell cheaper user replaceable ABS refill filament for their custom cartridges. It will be their filament and they will deliver it with a chip enabling the printer to recognize new spool. The refill will be sold in 25 - 27 USD range for 600g.
The company also announced that they will start to sell PLA filament also.

Here is the product page: http://us.xyzprinting.com/us_en/Product/ABS

Here is the how-to video:




Video guide on how to replace the nozzle / extruder / printhead on da Vinci 1.0:

MAKEs 3d printer buyers guide for 2013

MAKE has released their 3d printers buyers guide for 2013. There is validity in their methods and some valuable data, but, suprise suprise, their Replicator 2 is the BEST in prosumer section.
Whole 3d printing community and market needs better, transparent and independent  mechanism for 3d printer review, grading and quality control.




Here are the results on the MAKEs web page:

http://makezine.com/magazine/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/3d-printer-overview-how-they-compare/

Detailed video review of CubeX Duo

Very detailed review by: http://www.youtube.com/user/hobbyprojectsite?feature=watch (not so positive on the printer performance)

In depth Makerfarm Prusa I3 review and usage video series

Very detailed and informative video series by ZennmasterM. He gives some very useful experience based tips and information for improving it.

In-depth review of Makerfarm Prusa i3 kit:







Firmware setup, tuning and printer calibration




After six weeks of using it
Print those backup parts!




Review of Magma hot end

Solidoodle 3 review by HomeDistiller

By:

http://www.youtube.com/user/HomeDistiller?feature=watch

Ultimate guide to 3D printing - summary

Here is the summary of  Make Magazine "Ultimate guide to 3D printing" review of 3d printers:

-3D Touch

-Afinia H-Series – Best Overall Experience, Easiest Setup & Easiest to Use (tie)

-Bukobot 8 - Most Innovative & Most Accurate (Runner-Up)

-Cube - Most Reliable, Easiest to Use (Tie) & Best Documentation (Tie)

-Felix 1.0

-Lulzbot AO-100 – Best Documentation (Tie) & Fastest (Runner-Up)

-MakerGear M2

-MendelMaxPro

-Printrbot LC – Best in Class (Entry Level)

-Printrbot Jr. – Best Value

-Replicator 2 – Best in Class (Premium) & Most Accurate (Runner-Up)

-SeeMeCNC H1.1

-Solidoodle 2 – Best Value (Runner-Up)

-Type A Series 1 – Best in Class (Midrange), Most Accurate (Runner-Up)

-Ultimaker - Best Open Hardware, Most Accurate & Fastest

Comparison of MakerBot Replicator, LulzBot AO-100 and Uprint SE Plus

Comparison of MakerBot Replicator, LulzBot AO-100 and Uprint SE Plus performance, print quality, reliability, specifications based on experience of using them. Great video review by youtube user andrewupandabout.