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3D printer self leveling


Best 3D Printers with Auto Leveling

3D printers are complex machines, with all the parts having to work coherently to provide high-quality results. So, precise adjustment of the distance between the print nozzle and the build plate is extremely important, unless you want your prints to be ruined by poor first layer adhesion.

This is Top 3D Shop, and in this article, we will touch upon the feature of automatic bed leveling, as well as look at some of the best 3D printers offering this function.

 

How does auto bed leveling work?

Manual print bed leveling can be pretty tiresome and time-consuming, especially for those who are new to 3D printing. Besides, the process should be repeated after a few prints, as the bed’s position can slightly change. Fortunately, a lot of 3D printers today, including entry-level consumer models, come with an automated bed leveling function that makes the process easy and quick.

The auto bed leveling function implies using a built-in proximity sensor near the tip of the nozzle. When activated, the sensor measures the distance between the nozzle and the print bed at several points on the print bed. Based on these calculations, the firmware adjusts the position of the print head right on the go, to keep the even distance between the nozzle and the bed over the entire build area during printing.

If you want to learn more about this function, read our Auto Bed Leveling Guide.

 

Do you need a 3D printer with auto bed leveling?

In short — yes, auto bed leveling is worth its money, as it saves a lot of time, and allows the user to avoid print failures caused by a poorly leveled print bed.

Credit: instructables.com

On the other hand, if you are an experienced user, and you don’t mind spending time on manual bed leveling (and know pretty well how to do it properly), you can, probably, do without this useful feature.

If you are new to 3D printing, the auto bed leveling function will help you avoid such troubles, as poor first layer adhesion, nozzle clogging caused by too close position of the nozzle to the print bed, or scratching the print bed.

 

Can you upgrade a 3D printer to employ auto leveling?

If your 3D printer is not equipped with this function, you can upgrade it with an optional auto bed leveling (ABL) sensor available in the market.

There are various types of ABL sensors, the BLTouch being the most popular. It’s a mechanical sensor, consisting of a microcontroller, a Hall sensor, a magnetic switch, and a pin probe used for measuring the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. Since the sensor uses physical contact for calculating the distance, there are no restrictions for the print bed material. You are free to use the BLTouch sensor with glass, metal, or any other print bed type. The sensor is mounted near the nozzle tip and connected to the motherboard. When the pin touches the print surface, it immediately retracts, causing changes in the electromagnetic field and triggering the magnetic switch. In such a way the sensor checks several points on the print bed, and its position is calculated from the values obtained. It’s important that your print bed is absolutely clean when using BLTouch, as any material residues, for example, may lead to inaccurate calculations. 

The BLTouch sensor can be used with most of the 3D printers in the market, but it is recommended to check your printer compatibility just to make sure.

 

Best budget 3D printers with auto bed leveling

Artillery Genius Pro

The Artillery Genius Pro is a compact FDM 3D printer featuring the build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm and the Titan direct drive extruder with a 0.4 mm Volcano nozzle, that enables uniform filament extrusion and provides decent print quality with the minimum layer height of 100 microns. The extruder of the Genius Pro, unlike the original Genius model, is equipped with a touch sensor enabling the auto bed leveling function. The maximum nozzle temperature is 240 °C. The print bed, made of tempered glass, can heat up to 120 °C in 3 minutes. The printer is compatible with PLA, ABS, wood composites, PVA, HIPS, and flexible materials. The filament runout sensor and the resume printing function prevent possible print failures. The Genius Pro is compatible with Cura, Simplify3D, and Slic3r software and is operated via a 2.8" color touchscreen. The device comes as a kit, requiring self-assembly.

Credit: reddit.com

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Low-noise printing due to quiet stepper-drivers
  • Heated build plate
  • Filament runout sensor
  • Resume printing function
  • Wide materials compatibility
Cons
  • Lack of enclosure
  • No wireless connection
  • Needs self-assembly

 

Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro

The Ender-3 S1 Pro is a compact FDM 3D printer capable of working with high-temp materials, like Nylon and Polycarbonate, alongside other popular filaments, such as PLA, ABS, wood composites, TPU, and PETG. The full-metal dual-gear direct extruder is equipped with a brass nozzle that can reach the temperature of 300 °C. The PEI-coated flexible magnetic build plate, made of spring steel, ensures proper first layer adhesion and easy removal of the printed part. The printer has a build volume of 220 x 220 x 270 mm and provides the minimum layer height of 50 microns, which is good for an entry-level FDM machine. The auto bed leveling function uses CR Touch probe to measure 16 points on the print bed and adjust the print head. The machine also features the filament runout sensor and resume printing function.

Credit: thetechnologyman.com

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • High-temperature materials compatibility
  • Heated print bed
  • Decent print quality
  • Flexible magnetic build plate
Cons
  • No enclosure

 

Anycubic Vyper

The Anycubic Vyper is another entry-level FDM printer that comes semi-assembled and features a modular design, allowing for easy upgrades. Like all the models in our list, the Vyper sports the auto bed leveling system, which uses a pressure sensor, activated when the nozzle hits the print bed, providing 16-points precise bed leveling. The build volume of 245 x 245 x 260 mm is quite decent for a compact desktop device. The printer is equipped with a dual-gear extrusion system with two cooling fans that allow printing with PLA-like materials. The maximum nozzle temperature is 260 °C. The heated spring steel magnetic build plate with a scratch-resistant coating ensures good adhesion and easy removal of the prints. The Anycubic Vyper is operated via a 4.3" touchscreen; the recommended software is Cura slicer.

Credit: 3dprintingmedia.network

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Decent build volume
  • Heated print bed
  • Easy operation
  • Modular design for easy upgrades
Cons
  • No enclosure

 

Best mid-range 3D printers with auto bed leveling

FlashForge Guider 2

The FlashForge Guider 2 is an FDM 3D printer featuring professional-grade quality, yet affordable price. The Guider 2 has the auto bed leveling function but, unlike the other printers in this article, it’s an assisted automatic process. That means the printer gives the user instructions during the calibration process, rather than automatically adjusts the position of the print head while printing. A removable heated print bed and an enclosed build chamber allow printing with ABS-like filaments. The device features a spacious build volume of 280 x 250 x 300 mm. The filament runout sensor and resume printing function stand for the reliability of the printing process. The printer comes with the FlashPrint proprietary slicer.

Credit: @matisboerodisign / instagram

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • High quality of printing
  • Wide range of compatible materials
  • Removable heated print bed
  • Resume printing function
  • Filament runout sensor
Cons
  • The printer is quite heavy
  • The prints are difficult to remove from the bed

 

Creality CR-5 Pro HT

Due to the maximum nozzle temperature of 300 °C and the fully-enclosed build chamber, the Creality CR-5 Pro High-Temp version can print with high-temperature materials, like PLA, TPU, ABS, and others. The carbon glass-coated print bed can heat up to 110 °C and features a BLTouch auto leveling function. The build chamber dimensions of 300 x 225 x 380 mm allow printing large models or multiple smaller parts at a time. Consistent failure-proof printing is provided by the filament runout sensor, resume printing function, and cloud printing support. The CR-5 Pro HT can be operated via a 4.3" touchscreen, or remotely with the Creality Cloud application.

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Large build volume
  • Heated carbon glass-coated print bed
  • Wide range of compatible materials, including high-temp filaments
  • Cloud printing support
  • Filament runout sensor
  • Wide connectivity options
Cons
  • 100 microns minimum layer height 

Credit: @Just Vlad / youtube

 

Best professional 3D printers with auto bed leveling

Raise3D E2

The Raise3D E2 is a professional FDM 3D printer, boasting a great number of advanced functions that stand for industrial-grade quality and consistency of the printing process. The device is equipped with the IDEX dual extrusion system with two independent extruders, that allow printing the same model in mirror or duplication mode, or printing dual color or dual material parts. The maximum nozzle temperature of 300 °C gives the possibility to print with a great number of filaments, like PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU, TPE, NYLON, PETG, ASA, PP, PVA, carbon and glass-filled, and others.The standard 0.4 mm nozzle can be replaced with optional 0.2–1.0 mm nozzles, if needed. The printer sports an automatic multi-zone bed leveling system with a BLTouch sensor. Other smart features include a built-in camera and a filament runout sensor.

Credit: @3deltaworkshop / Instagram

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • IDEX dual extrusion system
  • 20 microns minimum layer height
  • Built-in camera
  • Wide material compatibility
  • Enclosed chamber with a HEPA filter
  • Door opening detection
Cons
  • Auto bed leveling takes quite a while

 

Raise3D Pro3

The Raise3D Pro 3 professional FDM 3D printer features a sizable build volume of 300 x 300 x 300 mm. The bed auto leveling function ensures a perfectly even print area which improves the first layer adhesion, and the flexible steel build plate makes for the convenient removal of the printed parts. The Pro 3 is a dual extrusion system with two independent extruders and interchangeable nozzles with available diameters of 0.2–1.0 mm. The printer is an open-material system, allowing for the use of third-party materials alongside the proprietary filaments. A set of smart features, like built-in camera and door opening detection, provide a smooth printing experience.

Credit: @okada_ss / Instagram

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • 10 mm minimum layer height
  • High print quality
  • Dual extrusion system
  • Large build volume
  • HEPA air filter
  • Wide range of compatible materials
Cons
  • Requires nozzle upgrades for printing with carbon fiber

 

Fusion3 Edge

The Fusion3 EDGE is a fast professional FDM 3D printer with a large build volume of 368 x 368 x 343 mm and the minimum layer height of 20 microns. Due to the proprietary ANVIL print head with the maximum temperature of 320 °C, and wear-resistant surgical steel print tubes, the EDGE can print with high-temp and abrasive materials. The printer is equipped with a 1/4" aluminum print bed with standard glass surface and can be upgraded with an optional magnetic build plate. The flat surface combined with the mesh probe bed leveling system ensure perfect first layer adhesion. The multi-zone print bed can heat up to 145 °C, and the temperature in the passively heated build chamber reaches 70 °C. 

Pros
  • Precise auto bed leveling system
  • Extremely high print speed
  • Exceptional print quality
  • Fully enclosed heated build chamber
  • Heated print bed
  • Wide range of compatible filaments, including third-party materials
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Bowden extruder (may require upgrades and profile management when working with flexible materials)

 

Best large-format 3D printers with auto bed leveling

Modix Big 60 V3

The Modix Big 60 V3 is an affordable large-format FDM 3D printer. Like all the Modix printers, the Big 60 V3 comes as an assembly kit and features modular design allowing for easy upgrades. The V3 version is based on the previous Big 60 V2 model; the improvements include a 10% larger build volume of 600 x 600 x 660 mm and the new Duet 2 powerful controller unit, which offers a lot of enhancements, like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control option, or dual extrusion support on the main board (and up to five more extruders on the optional expansion board). The automatic bed leveling function, using BLTouch probe with 100 points probing mesh, is activated before each print. The machine is capable of working with high-temp materials, and can print at 40-micron minimum layer height, providing industrial-grade print quality and consistency.

Credit: @hwangjoonha_ / Instagram

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Modular design allowing for easy upgrades
  • Large build volume
  • Industrial-grade print quality and speed
  • Wide range of compatible materials
  • 7" operating touchscreen
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Self-assembly is time-consuming
  • Many features, like an enclosure, come as an option only

 

Modix Big 120X V3

The Modix Big 120X V3 is another large FDM printer from the BIG family, featuring an impressive build volume of 1,200 x 600 x 640 mm, which allows you to print parts of almost any size. The machine is a self-assembly kit with the same open modular structure, as the other Modix Big printers. The enclosure comes as an option and should be bought separately. The Big 120X V3 is equipped with the new Griffin print head with the maximum hotend temperature of 285 °C, which can be further converted to 500 °C. The aluminum heated build plate features auto leveling function with the 200-point probing mesh. Modix offers a variety of components you can buy in addition to the basic package, like DUEX expansion board, E3D V6 and Super Volcano hotends, a magnetic print bed, and more.

Credit: @rebeca_gi_sa / Instagram

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Huge build volume
  • Modular system
  • Heated print bed
  • Wide range of compatible filaments
  • Compatibility with any slicing software
Cons
  • Enclosure should be bought separately
  • Takes a lot of time to assemble

 

Creatbot D600 Pro

The Creatbot D600 Pro is a large-scale FDM 3D printer featuring a build volume of 600 x 600 x 600 mm and a dual extrusion system with the maximum nozzle temperature of 420 °C. Combined with the heated ceramic-glass print bed and the hot air chamber, maintaining the constant temperature of up to 70 °C, this allows the D600 Pro to print with high-performance materials, like high-temp nylons, carbon fiber-filled thermoplastics and PC. The precise auto bed leveling system using BLTouch sensor greatly adds to print quality, ensuring proper first layer adhesion. The printer comes with free CreatWare software based on the popular Cura slicer.

Credit: @3dprimade / Instagram

Pros
  • Auto bed leveling
  • Huge build volume
  • Heated build chamber
  • Printing with engineering-grade materials
  • Filament drying room
Cons
  • Small build chamber door

FlashForge Guider 2 3D Printer Review

Professional 3D printers costing at least several thousand dollars are nothing unusual. That’s to be expected from the machines that claim to offer incredible precision, streamlined workflow, and serious production capacity. Obviously, high-end devices still don’t come cheap, but the lower end of 3D printers of the commercial, industrial, and professional level is now more affordable than ever. All of the above were the reasons for a newly emerging segment of the market to appear: the devices that blur the lines between a consumer and professional levels of 3D printing. 

In this article, we will talk in depth about one of such machines: The FlashForge Guider 2. It’s geared towards enthusiasts that want to try their hand at a more serious level of 3D printing, while still maintaining an affordable price.

 

About FlashForge

FlashForge is a Chinese 3D printing equipment and material manufacturer founded in 2011. It’s one of the biggest 3D technology brands in the world and is very respected both locally and globally. The company mainly focuses on the industrial segment of the market, although there are plenty of 3D printers occupying the consumer niche. 

FlashForge also provides its own proprietary slicer and printer control software: FlashPrint.  

 

FlashForge Guider 2 Overview

The FlashForge Guider 2 is a 3D printer that occupies a lower end of the professional/industrial segment. It’s a sequel to the original FlashForge Guider and features several improvements. For example, the print plate is more 1.5 times larger than the predecessor’s one. The build volume of this machine is not exactly big but more than enough, considering its quality. Another important thing to mention is that the print plate is now removable. It makes cleaning easier and more convenient.

The plastic alloy case is quite sturdy. The Guider 2 is a rather heavy machine, but this doesn’t come as a surprise when dealing with the devices of the professional level. The combination of a fully enclosed case and a rather rigid build brings down the levels of noise, making a machine pretty quiet. 

The second iteration of the Guider also brings nozzle improvements: better airflow allows for more consistent print quality, and there are several nozzles now available.  

Working with the machine now is even more convenient. Automatic bed leveling makes setting up the device easier and quicker. The ability to resume printing after power loss is extremely useful. Filament runout sensors are expected from the 3D printers at this price point, but are worth mentioning anyway. 

 

Technical Specifications

  • Technology: FFF FDM
  • Assembly: Fully assembled
  • Enclosure: Closed
  • Build volume: 280 x 250 x 300 mm
  • Print bed: Heated removable
  • Bed leveling: Automatic assisted
  • Number of extruders: Single Extruder
  • Filament diameter: 1.75 mm 
  • Nozzle size: 0.4 mm 
  • Maximum extruder temperature: 240 °C
  • Maximum print bed temperature: 120 °C
  • Min layer height: 50 microns 
  • Accuracy: XY - 11 microns
  • Connectivity: USB, WI-FI, Ethernet 
  • Operating system(s): Mac OS, Microsoft Windows 
  • Dimensions: 550 x 490 x 560 mm
  • Price: $1,199

 

What’s in the Box?

The FlashForge Guider 2 comes pre-assembled in a single box. Everything is neatly packaged and protected by foam, which should be removed first during unboxing.

Source: youtube.com

The package includes: the printer itself, filament spool and its holder, power cord, USB cable, a guide tube, and the toolbox. The latter includes a USB stick, Allen wrenches, screwdriver, and a tool for cleaning the nozzle. A user guide is also provided.

Source: youtube.com

 

Preparation

Getting the FlashForge Guider 2 ready to work is easy, since the device comes pre-assembled. 

The first step would be to connect the power cord and turn on the machine with the “on/off” switch. 

Source: youtube.com

Go to ‘Tools’ -> ‘Manual’ and press the ‘Z-minus’ button. It will elevate the print bed. 

Source: youtube.com

Source: youtube.com

After that, you can remove the foam plastic from under the platform. 

Install the spool holder and attach the filament spool.

Source: youtube.com

Feed the filament through.

Source: youtube.com

The next step would be to level the bed. It’s an assisted automatic process. The printer will do most of the job itself, but will occasionally give some instructions about screws to tighten, etc. 

Now the printer is ready to work. 

 

Software

The 3D printer requires using proprietary software: FlashPrint. It’s essentially a slicer with a more powerful printing control options. It’s available for macOS and Windows and can be downloaded from the official website. 

The FlashForge Guider 2 can be selected as a compatible printer. 

Source: youtube.com

The program offers a simple and clean interface: the bulk of its tools are on the left. FlashPrint offers enough functionality to prepare a model for printing. By the way, the program works exclusively with the STL file format.

Source: youtube.com

On the top of the screen, one can see three buttons: ‘Load’, ‘Supports’ and ‘Print’. The ‘Load’ button offers a way to load an STL file to the program (although FlashPrint supports a more direct way of basically drag-and-dropping the files). The ‘Supports’ provides abilities and features to work with the support structures. And then there’s the ‘Print’ button. Pressing it simply means sending the file for printing.

Source: youtube.com

 

Applications

Let’s take a look at what this 3D printer can actually do. 

The machine’s high accuracy allows it to print models with an excellent surface finish, such as these:

Source: Instagram.com

Source: Instagram.com

Source: Instagram.com

 

Pros and Cons 

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Sturdy build
  • High quality and accuracy of printing
  • Low levels of noise 
  • Support for various materials
  • Several different nozzles available
  • Large removable print bed
  • Resume print feature

Cons

  • The unit is quite heavy
  • The prints are difficult to remove from the bed

 

Conclusion

The FlashForge Guider 2 is a worthy successor to the original. Bringing the improvements in several areas without losing the best features of the predecessor is not always an easy task. This is the machine that manages to blur the lines between the consumer and the professional market. It offers extremely high precision at an affordable price without compromising on its feature set: assisted bed leveling, clean UI, support for various filaments, and a sturdy build. 

The FlashForge Guider 2 is a great machine for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. It might be a right choice for those looking for something with a nearly industrial level of quality without spending the fortune. 

 

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Anycubic Launches Vyper

Self-Leveling 3D Printer

Anycubic is by far one of the most well-known brands in the 3D printer space. is more attentive to the needs of users. That is why the company released its first self-leveling 3D printer. Anycubic Vyper , which, in addition to excellent technical characteristics, also has an attractive price.

Looking at Vyper, we have a printer equipped with a precision load cell and leveling module a 16 points , which allows its intelligent leveling system to automatically correct any unevenness on the printer platform, thus eliminating the need to do it manually. In addition, the printer is equipped with advanced technology, combining steel spring e soft magnetic rubber , which makes the printed pattern more durable, more difficult to deform, but also easier to remove, and therefore allows users to avoid the use of masking paper and glue. nine0007

Anycubic Vyper also has a large touch screen, for the category, from 4.3" and a completely redesigned user interface to guarantee smooth and easy operation. In addition, it is important that the printer speed can reach 80-100mm / s , so it is 30% faster than the previous Mega series

Measurements and other features of

Going to measures Anycubic Vyper measure 245 x 245 x 260 millimeters, which can meet more space requirements.Its integrated structure and The modular design allows users to assemble the machine in just three simple steps, making maintenance easier.Besides, the machine provides better performance by adding a new motherboard to the 32-bit and ultra-quiet driver TMC2209 .

Finally, high precision double screw on Z axis and double limit photoelectric , combined with reduced zero position error, more stable operation and smooth printing. Its print head designed with dual fan , double-sided heat dissipation system, perfect for fast cooling models. The automatic printer reset and filament detection feature also helps to avoid wasted time and resources. nine0007

Where to buy Anycubic Vyper

The new Anycubic Vyper Self-Leveling 3D Printer is now available in the market at a great price 359$ , which is launching on various platforms such as AliExpress, eBay and most of all, the official Anycubic store. But if you're lucky, the first 3,000 users in the brand store will be able to get it soon. $299 which is a really great price for this model. Find here purchase link .

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Best 3d printer for beginners Creality Ender 3 Max

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Antinsky: The Creality Ender 3 family is the most popular 3D printer in the world. They are simple, cheap, easy to operate and good quality, so Creality ender is the best 3D printer for beginners. 2020 Creality publishes ender 3 max with larger print size to meet the needs of more people.

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【Linear pulley system and double cooling fans: using a special T-shaped screw rod, Z-axis precision, V-profiles and linear pulley system, quiet operation on throughout the process, smooth movement and stable printing. Dual cooling fans, effectively dissipating heat..

【Full Metal Extruder & Carborundum Glass Platform: The all metal Bowden extruder features powerful and smooth filament feeding. Carborundum glass platform contributes to faster heating of the hearth and better adhesion of prints. Super smooth even on the first layer.

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【Safe Power Supply & Silent Driver TMC2208】Powerful power supply, safe and stable to use.

【Wide Application】 Large print size 300*300*340mm to meet a variety of printing requirements, support a variety of 1.75 printing filaments mm, such as PLA / TPU / PETG / ABS / Wood, etc. Widely used in toys, architecture, furniture, education, medicine, daily necessities and other fields..

Model: Ender-3 Max

Output Voltage: DC 24V

Rated Power: 350W

Forming Technology: FDM Printing Size: 300*300*340mm

Print speed: 30-60mm/s (recommended), 100mm/ss

Nozzle diameter: 0.

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