Craftbot plus 3d printer review

CraftBot PLUS 3D Printer In-Depth Review

8Expert Score

CraftBot PLUS 3D Printer

Among all the popular 3D printers, there are very few that offer a balance of speed and quality. CraftBot PLUS manages to provide that edge to the users and capable to suit needs for different applications.

Affordability

Quality

Speed

Capability

Practicality

User Expectations

PROS

Heated bed
All metal-design
Sturdy
Reliable
High print speed
High accuracy
Plug and play design
Affordable
Support multiple materials

CONS

Only a USB connection is available
Power outage resume feature isn’t available

Easy to operate, has huge potentials, and developed for the beginner as well as advanced users, the Craftbot Plus is a fairly large printer with many . ..

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Model	CraftBot Plus
Manufacturer	CraftUnique
Price Range	$ 1099
Release date	2015
Country	Hungary
Availability	Available
Classification	Desktop
Technology	Extrusion (FFF- FDM…)
Material	ABS, PLA
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm 0.07 in
OS compatibility	Microsoft Windows
Generic material	Yes
XY accuracy	0.04 mm 0.002 in
Max. build size	250 × 200 × 200 mm 9.84 × 7.87 × 7.87 in
Max. build volume	10.00 L
Max. print speed	200 mm 7.87 in /s
Min. layer thickness	0.1 mm 0.004 in
Dimensions	400 × 360 × 370 mm 15.75 × 14.17 × 14.57 in
Weight	14 kg 30.86 lb
Nozzle diameter(s)	0.4 mm 0.02 in
Heated print bed	Yes
Heated build chamber	No
Automatic calibration	No
Closed frame	No
Dual extruder	No
Independent Dual Extruder	No
Full color	No
LCD screen	No
Touchscreen	Yes
On-board camera	No
Mobile app	No
3D scanners	No
CNC mill	No
Electronics 3D printing	No
Laser engraving	No
Conveyor belt	No
Air filter	No
Pellet extruder	No
USB	Yes
Wifi	Yes
Bluetooth	No
SD card	No
Ethernet	No

Table of Contents

The printer designed by CraftUnique is not the first from its series. The company earlier released its predecessor, the CraftBot 3D printer and it was a huge success.

In a short span of time, it impressed a lot of users from the 3D printing community. CraftBot Plus is an upgraded version.

Hence, even before it started setting this machine, there was quite a buzz about it. The CraftBot Plus review tries to find out if the machine lives up to the user’s expectations.

It was 2014, with crowdfunding, CraftUnique was able to gather much more than it aimed for in the first month itself. Hence, that is when the first 3D printer from the CraftBot line surfaced.

It does stir a lot of gossips within the niche. And, the users still feel the machine deserved all the hype. Also, because this next one, from the same series, offers added features from its predecessor, it does become important to find out its worth too.

Ranging around $1000, the machine is not only affordable but provides huge potential to the users. It can help makers realize what else could be done with additive manufacturing.

With its large print volume and many other amazing upgrades, the 3D Printer sure makes us turn our heads and the question ‘How’.

If you too are interested to find out the various aspects of the CraftBot Plus, you must go through the long read. And, if you are looking for buying a 3D printer, it becomes even more important to explore the 3D printer’s benefits and limitations.

Features

The growing competition within the 3D printing niche has benefitted users the most. With low-cost 3D printers equipped with amazing and advanced features, users have more options to choose from.

However, that does make the selection process a bit tedious. But when it comes to choosing from the best, there are few to browse through. And, CraftBot Plus is one of those few machines that users can trust completely.

You must be wanting to figure out the different features that make it irresistible. Here is what you can expect from CraftBot Plus.

Compact: Lots of times, arranging space for desktop 3D printers isn’t that simple. Machines with the smallest print space come with a huge footprint. However, with CraftBot Plus, this is not the scenario. On the contrary, it occupies less space but offers considerate print volume.

Sturdy Design: The manufacturer has used a complete metal frame to offer great reliability for the prints. By minimizing the vibrations during prints, one can achieve high accuracy. Thanks to the sturdier frame that manages to stay still when the printing is taking place.

Heated Print Bed: With a mid-range cost, the 3D printer ensures to include all the expected features. Hence, there was no way the company would have missed a heated print bed with this powerful design. The heated bed allows for better adhesion of the first layer. Therefore, offering greater accuracy for the overall print. Moreover, it reduces the chances for the occurrence of warping, a problem usually connected with the bad first layer adhesion.

Removable Print Bed: Along with the heated print bed, the build plate also comes out of the 3D printer. This makes the post-processing easy and simple. Once the parts complete, users can simply take the bed out of the printer and scrap the parts away. Also, this makes it easy to clean the build plate after every print job.

Multi-Material Support: With a heated bed and such a powerful extruder, it is no brainer to guess that the printer must be compatible with PLA as well as ABS. The good news is that CraftBot Plus not only supports these two materials but lets users print with a variety of other tricky materials. You can work with HIPS, Nylon, and many other filaments.

Color Touch Screen: Although this feature isn’t very unusual and has become very common among 3D printers, it still is a very important addition. And, does deserve a mention. Using the on-body control, the users can alter the settings and check the print progress during the job. It allows providing complete flexibility to the users when optimizing the 3D files for printing. Hence, the printer can run as a standalone device.

Noiseless Operation: Wondering why is it such necessary to mention this feature? You must work with a loud machine to know what difference does this inclusion makes. It is completely annoying to work close to a 3D printer that makes a lot of noise. But you would be awestruck to find out how quite this printer is. Either you are working in the office among other colleagues or 3D printing at home beside your sleeping baby, this printer won’t disturb anyone. And, you can continue creating amazing designs without disturbing others.

Easy Leveling: The leveling is very easy. You just have to follow the instructions through the touchscreen interface to make the adjustments. It takes very little time to set up and you can go straight to the 3D printer afterward.

Specifications

The CraftBot Plus has a compact footprint of 400 x 460 x 450mm. And, it provides a build volume of 250 x 200 x 200mm.

Regarding the precision, you can achieve a minimum of 100 microns of layer resolution. It also provides a very capable extruder that could reach to a printing temperature or 260 degrees Celsius starting from 180 degrees Celsius.

You get an LCD touch screen to control the settings of the print and check the progress at the same time. The printer would work between the speed of 50 mm/sec to 200 mm/sec.

Hence, you can utilize a high speed in case you want to finish the job early, considering that it will trade-off with the resolution though.

The print bed can also be heated to a pretty high temperature of 230 degrees Celsius. That completely describes how the printer is able to cater to so many different material requirements.

Overall, the technical specification is applaudable. And, CraftBot Plus does not seem to be an ordinary machine. But designed for great potentials.

Price

It is pretty interesting to note that the 3D printer is available just for $1099. Isn’t that amazing? Such a nice printer with amazing accuracy of prints is not affordable to most individuals.

If you can spare a little bit more, you can even use it for learning purposes at home. It would be a great way to start digging into the field of additive manufacturing.

First Impressions

You would simply fall in love with the way the printer looks. It has a simple design yet highly impressive. Plus, the package is secured properly to ensure that the printer reaches without any wear and tear.

Above all, the 3D printer does not seem to be too huge even when offering considerable build space.

Along with the printer, you will receive other components too. The build plate and filament spool are provided separately. Also, there are other tools and spares to help you configure the 3D printer after unboxing without needing any external assistance.

In short, the 3D printer would leave a very amazing impression on users. Knowing that the printer is made of all metal, you must get a feel of the extra sturdiness that the machine offers.

Try sticking a magnet anywhere on the body and it will attract. So, you get a very thoughtful design in the form of CraftBot Plus.

Setup

The 3D printer is a complete plug and play device. Without needing more than a few minutes after unboxing, you would be able to start printing your first model.

You can put the build plate inside, load filament, level the bed (using the steps provided on the touchscreen controls) and you are done with the setup.

Later, you just have to upload the USB pen drive consisting of the sample model and start printing. Wasn’t that too simple? It sure is. And, that is why CraftBot Plus is regarded as one of the most popular machines among beginners.

You can set a lot of control from the touch screen itself. From the selection of material to the heating of the extruder and print bed, many of the settings are already available with the control.

And, the best part is that you can anytime pause the print and change the settings in between. The printer will resume with the updated settings.

Printing Type/Cost

CraftBot Plus is an FDM 3D printer. Hence, it is easy to manage as compared to machines based on other printing technologies. It comes with the minimum hassle of maintenance and lets users print seamlessly. One layer upon another and the print job completes.

The cost of printing, on the other hand, would depend on too many other factors. For instance, the design complexity, the cost of the filament, the layer height, and a lot of other things.

You can optimize the design to save on the cost of printing though, anytime. And, selecting PLA for building parts could also help keep the budget low.

Print Quality

This is where the printer works like the boss. With an accuracy of 100microns and huge precision, the machine lets users print almost any design one can think of.

The designs just have to be operational. And, if that is true, the printer would make no mistake in getting users the best versions of their design.

Software

CraftWare is an intuitive slicing software that comes in handy with the machine. This is not any usual app with basic features for beginners. But also contains the advanced option to cater to the needs of experts as well.

Using the software, you can optimize the designs and create precise prints. Also, the software ensures that the machine hardware works in tandem.

The user interface is friendly, yet powerful. One receives huge flexibility of settings that different components of the 3D printer.

Customer Service

You would be happy to know that the company excels at serving customers after the sale. Yes, you won’t be disappointed at all. The website has all the necessary tips for setting the printer.

Also, it answers most of the usual questions and troubles. Alongside, the manual and video assistance, the company also has a dedicated team of professionals who can resolve the problem at the earliest.

Parameters Influencing the Buying Decision

If you are willing to purchase CraftBot Plus, you must find out if it serves your printing purposes. Here is the takeaway from the CraftBot Plus review.

3D Printer cost: It is an affordable 3D printer. Those wanting to access high-quality prints for home use can also buy the machine. Otherwise, it anyway is a wonderful option for professionals.

3D Print quality: The printer provides 100 microns of resolution and offers amazing print quality.

3D Print speed: It can reach up to a speed of 200 mm/sec. Hence, one can print at a very high speed, if needed.

3D Printer capability: You can create precise prints as well as the accuracy of design when working with this machine. On top of that, it supports a huge list of materials as well.

3D Printer Practicality: CraftBot Plus is great for creating final products as well as for testing functional prototypes.

3D Printer User expectations: It does offer huge satisfaction to the users. However, a dual extruder at this price range is very much welcomed.

The Verdict

Among all the popular 3D printers, there are very few that offer a balance of speed and quality. And, this one manages to provide that edge to the users.

Capable to suit needs for different applications, the CraftBot Plus review clarifies how far one can go with this printer. Hence, it is a must-try for makers, enthusiasts, and professionals.

Tech Breakdown: Craftbot FLOW 3D Printer Review

The latest line of 3D printers from the company known for their robust machines has a lot going on under the hood, read more to find out.

Updated on October 18, 2022

Alec Richter

Like every Craftbot before it, the FLOW line of 3D printers are built like tanks. They’ve always been known for being robust machines with exceptional print quality, and the FLOW Generation is the logical progression of that. While only some models within the FLOW family feature Independent Dual Extrusion capabilities, every Craftbot FLOW has a multitude of set-up wizards to guide users of any skillset through calibration and setup, then once you get running you have a huge build volume to print beautiful models large or small.

Let's break it down-

Independent Dual Extrusion: Dual, Mirror, and Parallel Printing

Utilizing two independent printheads, more printing capabilities are unlocked. Multi-material or two-color 3D printing is made much cleaner since the unused nozzle can be parked off to the side until it’s needed, preventing any ooze into the part being printed. And not only that, but new print modes are possible by utilizing both printheads at the same time. The printheads glide on the same X-axis crossbar, which means their movements in the Y-axis must always be the same, and conversely the X-axes of each print head can move in sync together in the same direction for parallel printing or they can move in the exact opposite direction for mirrored 3D printing. All this combined means batch printing of parts identical or mirrored is as simple as clicking a button in the CraftWare slicer and sending it off to the printer.

The Craftbot FLOW IDEX XL 3D printing using both nozzles at the same time.

Wizards Galore

From leveling to nozzle offset calibration to filament loading and unloading, the Craftbot FLOW Generation is designed to be user friendly with hands-off calibration. There are four main wizards: a three point level using the bed thumbscrews and a BL-touch to get the bed mostly flat, a nozzle offset calibration using the BL-touch and a gentle touch of the nozzle against the conductive bed, an XY calibration for the two nozzles by detecting the edge geometry of the nozzles, and a lengthy and complete mesh-bed leveling using the BL-touch to create the perfect first layer. With only a little intervention to clean off the nozzle before probing or to adjust the screws, CraftBot’s wizards are there to guide you, and they make the FLOW 3D printers some of the easiest machines to get up and running.

Each of the wizards can be run individually, or run through each of them in the optimal order using the "Wizard" button.

Huge Build Volume

Every Craftbot FLOW Generation 3D printer has an impressive build volume with the IDEX XL taking the trophy for largest build volume of them all. With a build plate that’s 450mm wide and 250mm deep, batches can be much larger than other 3D printers. For the occasions when you need to print something half a meter tall, the IDEX XL has you covered. The three other machines in this generation are comparable in size with the FLOW and FLOW XL having a buildplate that’s 300mm x 200mm and a height of either 250mm or 500mm, and the FLOW IDEX and IDEX XL having a buildplate that’s 450mm x 250mm and available with either a 250mm or 500mm build height.

Seeing the Craftbot FLOW IDEX XL next to a standard spool really shows just how large this machine is.

A Model for Every Need

While the Craftbot FLOW IDEX XL is a force to be reckoned with, there are those that may not need the dual extruder capabilities or the build volume for their specific use case. Fortunately, this is the FLOW Generation family that includes options for size and number of extruders. The Craftbot FLOW and FLOW XL are the single extruder options with the Craftbot FLOW IDEX and IDEX XL serving as the dual extruder options. These four models of 3D printer all feature the same user-friendly leveling, calibrating, and filament loading wizards, so you can expect to have the perfect experience from one machine to another.

An array of parts all printed at the same time using the "Parallel" function.

Craftbots are known for their robustness and the FLOW Generation upholds that sentiment. With the several models of FLOW Generation 3D printers, there’s a model out there for everyone. To learn more and to order your Craftbot FLOW Generation 3D printer today, checkout the collection page here.

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3D printer CraftBot Plus - 3DQuality

Monthly payment from 40. 84€ / 60 months

€1.318.00

All you have to do is download the prototype model and start printing. Plug-and-play technology allows you to quickly set up equipment and start working.

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SKU: K0073070 Categories: 3D Printers, FDM Tags: 3D, 3D Printer, CraftBot, CraftBot Plus, FDM

Description
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Description

CraftBot Plus 3D printer

The CraftBot Plus 3D printer is a device that allows you to make high-quality printing of production models. It works faster than analogues, providing high-quality results in a short time.

CRAFTBOT PLUS 9 3D PRINTER FEATURES0035

CraftUnique has designed and built its own printer to be used by both novice and experienced users. The printer is a plug-and-play device. You just need to unpack the printer, carry out its simple setup and start working.

However, the Craftbot is not just a basic device. It can outperform much more expensive cars.

The resolution of Craftbot Plus is 100 microns, which allows you to create models of impressive dimensions (25x20x20 centimeters), unique in accuracy. Manufacturers have taken care of creating innovative Craftware software, with which you can create and print 3D files of various formats. nine0005

WHY BUY CRAFTBOT PLUS?

Precision. High-precision resolution of 100 microns is the key to creating quality models.
Automation. All you have to do is upload a prototype model and start printing. Plug-and-play technology allows you to quickly set up equipment and start working.
Mobility. Craftware software is included in the set of developed equipment, allowing you to develop any 3D files. nine0005

Specifications:

Item type: 3D printer
Material types: PLA, ABS, PET-G, HIPS
Print technology: FFF/FDM
Standard print head / single extrusion head
Print speed: 200 mm/s, 50 mm/s
Adjustable device speed: Yes
Thread diameter: 1. 75 mm
Nozzle diameter 0.4 mm
Max. nozzle temperature: 260 °C, 180 °C
Supported files: OBJ, STL, CWPRJ
Connectors: USB
Display: Yes
Print area heating: Yes
Max. print area temperature: 110°C, 50°C
Application type: CraftWare
Supported OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7
Printer size - width (x) 40 cm
Printer size - depth (y) 46 cm
Printer size - height (z) 45 cm
Printer Packed Size - Width (x) 46 cm
Printer Packed Size - Depth (y) 42 cm
Packed Printer Size - Height (z) 43 cm
Weight: 14 kg
Shipping weight: 17 kg

Parts

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big 3D printer for little money

CreatBot D600 Pro is a professional large scale double 3D printer with a working volume of 600 × 600 mm.

When it comes to professional 3D printers, few companies have recently improved both affordability and performance as much as CreatBot has. It offers both massive FDM machines and 3D printers specifically designed for educational or medical applications. nine0005

Perhaps the biggest success in CreatBot's extensive product line is the D600 Pro. The designers came up with the idea to improve their main flagship 3D printer to make the D600 Pro. And it turned out like an iteration of the original D600 model, released in 2019.

Like its predecessor, the CreatBot D600 Pro is capable of printing incredibly large objects using high quality materials, making it ideal for a wide variety of industrial applications, from prototyping to final production. Despite some similarities with the original D600, this device has several new features that make it fundamentally better. nine0005

CreatBot D600's biggest upgrades include the latest servos and newly developed extruders. In doing so, CreatBot managed to keep the machine within an affordable price range, especially when compared to other large-scale 3D printers.

Let's take a look at some of the features that make the CreatBot D600 a great value for money.

In addition to easily handling standard materials such as PLA, ABS and PETG, the CreatBot D600 Pro is also compatible with engineering grade materials such as carbon fiber nylon, fiberglass nylon, PC, ASA, PVDF and other similar filaments. For those looking for a professional industrial 3D printer with large scale printing capabilities, the CreatBot D600 Pro is sure to please. nine0005

This printer can be used in a wide range of processes such as prototyping, tool making, mold making, end-use parts and small-scale production.

CreatBot D600 Pro is big volume and big capacity

Size is an important feature of a 3D printer that can be used in industrial applications, and the D600 Pro does well with it - 600 × 600 × 600 mm. It is also equipped with a print platform that heats up quickly to 100°C, dual extrusion capability, a heated chamber that can be maintained at a constant temperature of 70°C, and a temperature-controlled filament chamber. nine0005

Despite being so bulky on the inside, the D600 Pro remains compact on the outside, fitting in small workspaces, offices or cluttered manufacturing areas. It comes fully assembled, so you don't have to worry about where to build your 3D printer.

The CreatBot D600 Pro is one of the few industrial FDM machines on the market with such an impressive build space in a small package that is convenient in the office when space is limited.

Its commercial-grade capabilities allow you to create highly detailed models from traditionally difficult-to-use materials, making it ideal for printing high-quality prototypes, tools, and end-use parts. nine0005

High temperature dual extruders provide filament flexibility

The CreatBot D600 Pro features dual extruders and 4th generation 1. 75mm diameter hot ends. The left extruder has a 260°C hot end, while the right extruder can be heated up to 420°C. This wide temperature range allows you to work with PLA, ABS, PC, nylon, carbon fiber, ASA, PETG, flexible and other engineering grade materials. The right extruder hot end is made of martensitic steel, which is able to withstand extreme temperatures and print with high performance filaments. The dual hot end is interchangeable, providing a wide variety of material choices. nine0005

If you want proof of the professional capabilities of the D600 Pro, just look at this example from the automotive industry. CreatBot helped car enthusiast Bruce Warren break his own world speed record in a Cadillac CTS-V. 192 mph (309.3 km/h) was a new achievement for the standard supercharged CTS-V. The CTS-V that broke the record had an air intake printed on the CreatBot D600 Pro, designed by engineer Justin Tylor.

Here are the details of the air intake printed on the CreatBot D600 3D printer with Ultra Nylon-Alloy filament:

CreatBot D600 Pro Series Specifications

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Displacement

600 × 600 × 600 mm

Minimum layer thickness

0. 05 mm

Maximum print speed

120 mm/s

Maximum nozzle temperature

420°C

Maximum platform temperature

100 °C

Maximum assembly chamber temperature

70°C

Filament storage temperature

45/65°C

XY positioning accuracy

5.08 µm

Positioning accuracy Z

1.25 µm

XY drive

Servomotors

Air filter

HEPA h23

Dimensions

915 × 845 × 1085 mm

Weight

150 kg

Filaments

PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, nylon, carbon fiber, ESD, PC, PVDF, PPS, etc.