Monoprice maker select 3d printer v2 review


Monoprice Maker Select V2 Review

The Maker Select V2 by Monoprice is a bare-bones, simple printer that did average to slightly above average across the board. It would be a good entry point for someone who doesn't want to shell out a bunch of cash and isn't afraid to tinker or troubleshoot a bit.

The Monoprice Maker Select V2 is an alright printer and a good value, making it something to consider for an introductory model.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Performance Comparison

To test these products, we conducted over 45 different tests and ranked their performance side-by-side. Our testing plan consisted of four weighted metrics — Print Quality, Ease of Use, Print Capabilities, and Support — with the following sections detailing how the Maker Select V2 stacked up against the rest of the printers in the test.

The collection of models printed by the Monoprice.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Print Quality

This metric accounted for the largest portion of the final score, accounting for 40% of the total. We printed a set of test models, in both ABS and PLA, and had a panel of novice and experienced 3D printer users rate the appearance of the sample prints. The panel did not know which printer had produced each set of prints, eliminating any bias or preconceived notions. The Maker Select V2 did an acceptable job, meriting a 5 out of 10.

The Maker Select did a subpar job at our first test print, the 3D Benchy tugboat, in both PLA and ABS. The ABS version had layers separating and a poor surface finish. The PLA version was superior to the ABS but still had some noticeable wobble in the Z-Axis and the layers were less smooth.

The tugboats made by this printer didn't impress us all that much.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

This model also didn't excel at printing our bridging test or the Eiffel Tower. The Printer did about average in the PLA versions, with only some minimal sagging in the longest bridges and an alright Eiffel Tower. However, both ABS versions of this test print failed to complete.

The ABS versions of these complex prints were complete failures.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Moving on to our next three test prints, the Monoprice Maker Select didn't too much in boosting its score. While it did do quite well on our overhang test, both in PLA and ABS, printing up to the 70° mark, the underside wasn't quite as smooth as the Lulzbot or the QIDI. The articulated elephant turned out terrible in ABS, with a ton of layer separation. The PLA version was acceptable, with joints that moved alright but having a body that overall looked a little rough. The nickel test turned out to be slightly oversized, with the nickel falling through easily and the ABS version warped slightly, costing it a few points.

The ABS version of the elephant was splitting apart due to the layers warping and separating.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The next two prints — the platform jack and the hollow cube — were two of the more difficult prints in our test. Once again, the Maker Select didn't impress, doing a relatively subpar job. The PLA platform jack was acceptable — opening and closing, but having plenty of Z-Axis wobble and shoddy bridging. The ABS version failed to print entirely. The ABS hollow cube had some layer separation, while the PLA version also had plenty of Z-Axis wobble.

The platform jack didn't look great but it did open and close.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Monoprice did a mediocre job at our pair of low-poly figurines. One ABS version failed to print, while the successful prints had sloppy overhanging sections and some layer separation.

The overhangs on the low-poly figures could have been a little cleaner.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Continuing the trend, the Maker Select delivered a similar performance in our tall tower test and spiral vase but did surprise us slightly by its stellar performance in the support test — at least in PLA. Both ABS and PLA spiral vases had some thin spots and layer separation. The tall towers were both slightly subpar, with two sides exhibiting noticeable undulations. The PLA support test did score above average, with the sacrificial structure breaking away easily and leaving behind a clean surface. The ABS version failed to print.

You could clearly feel the waves in the towers as you moved up the vertical axis.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Maker Select delivered a reasonable showing in the last two tests, a threaded jar and lid.

The threaded containers that printed were about average.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The PLA version of the jar had alright threads and was reasonably smooth, though the ABS version failed to print. The lids were pretty good, though not as high resolution as the FlashForge and the ABS version had a little warping.

The Monoprice required a little bit of assembly.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use

The next metric in our review --Ease of Use — accounted for 30% of the total score. We compared the difficulty at initially setting up and unboxing the printer, changing filament, leveling the print bed, and connecting to the printer, as well as what sort of display the printer had. The Maker Select once again earned a 5 out of 10 for its overall average performance.

Unboxing the Maker Select V2.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The initial setup was about average compared with other models. After unboxing, you only need to attach the base, connect the wires, and attach the spool holder. However, this was a little more difficult as the spool holder attached with fasteners, rather than snapping or sliding into place. We did find that the connector for the extruder cooling fan had worked loose in shipping, causing our first print to fail, but was easily remedied by re-attaching the connector.

We found the manual leveling system to be a pain and this was one of our least favorite machines to level. We also found it easy to inadvertently hit the thumbscrews and change the bed level accidentally.

It was about average to swap filaments and this printer used Cura as a slicer, which we found to be one of the better software programs.

Like many others, this model uses Cura as the recommended slicer.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

This printer has an LCD display on it power supply box that shows current printing progress while it is operating.

The display is built into the power supply for this model.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

This box also has a microSD card slot to allow for standalone printing and the USB connector for when the machine is tethered to a computer.

The Maker Select is a reasonably capable printer.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Print Capabilities

Boosting its overall score, the Monoprice Maker Select V2 performed above average in this metric, earning it a 6 out of 10. We compared the build volume and build plate, the filament capabilities, cooling setup, as well as the slicing software between models to determine scores.

The Monoprice uses Cura as a recommended slicer, with the option to upgrade to a more sophisticated program, such as Simplify3D.

This printer had a decently large build volume of 200 x 200 x 175mm, putting it in the middle of the pack. The print surface itself is slightly subpar, with a stick-on print bed attached to an aluminum plate. This print surface proved to be a little problematic, giving us a handful of bed adhesion issues.

We had multiple ABS prints detach from the print bed partway through, even when using adhesive and a raft to secure them.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Maker Select is compatible with generic, 1.75mm filament. The extruder can hit a maximum temperature of 260°C. This wasn't exceptionally high but does allow this model to print ABS, PLA, PET, PVA, or HIPS — just none of the higher temperature filaments like Nylon. This model also has one layer cooling fan.

Support

Our fourth and final metric — Support — made up the residual 10% of the overall score. This was determined by the helpfulness of the customer support team and the ease at contacting them, as well as the quality of instructional videos on the manufacturer's site and the warranty included with the printer. The Monoprice Maker Select V2 did a good job, earning a 6 out of 10.

You can contact the support team via email, contact form, phone, or instant messenger. However, We didn't find the team to be that helpful, basically telling us that we needed to return the printer to fix what seemed to be a simple issue with print quality.

The printer does include a 1-year warranty — better than most. However, there wasn't a ton of helpful instructional videos on their website, losing it a few points.

Value

This printer is one of the most budget-friendly but it isn't necessarily a great value. Its low retail price is accompanied by an overall mediocre performance.

Conclusion

The Monoprice Maker Select V2 is a low-cost, budget-friendly model that had an impressively mediocre performance. This might be a good option for those diving into 3D printing and are unafraid of tinkering and troubleshooting, with a good probability of more difficult prints failing or requiring a few attempts to complete.

Monoprice Maker Select V2 3D Printer In-Depth Review

6.8Expert Score

Monoprice Maker Select V2

Monoprice Maker Select V2 has a big build volume, an aluminum heating bed, and a lot more.This printer can print using various materials. It is based on open-source software that runs on the industry-standard G code.

Affordability

9

Quality

6

Speed

6

Capability

8

Practicality

5

User Expectations

7

PROS

  • Monoprice Maker Select V2 is affordable.
  • The print quality is average.
  • This printer offers a large build area.
  • Has a support team that is ready to help anytime i. e. before or after purchasing the printer.

CONS

  • Support structures used with this printer could be better than what they are.
  • Setting the printer up requires a little more time than with other printers.

Here is a 3D printer that is suited for newcomers as well as experienced and professionals in the field of 3D printing. Monoprice Maker Select V2 ...

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Model

Maker Select

Manufacturer

Monoprice

Price Range

$ 239

Country

China

Availability

Available

Classification

Desktop

Technology

Extrusion (FFF- FDM…)

Material

ABS, Other plastics, PLA

Filament diameter

1. 75 mm 0.07 in

OS compatibility

Linux, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows

Generic material

Yes

Max. build size

200 × 200 × 175 mm 7.87 × 7.87 × 6.9 in

Max. build volume

7 L

Max. print speed

70 mm 2.76 in /s

Min. layer thickness

0.1 mm 0.004 in

Dimensions

548 × 500 × 350 mm 21.57 × 19.69 × 13.78 in

Weight

11.3 kg 24.91 lb

Nozzle diameter(s)

0.4 mm 0.02 in

Power input

250W @ 110-220 V 50-60 Hz AC

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

Yes

Touchscreen

No

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

No

Bluetooth

No

SD card

Yes

Ethernet

No

Table of Contents

Newcomers can categorize Monoprice Maker Select V2 in that category of printer’s which they can afford to buy even if they are not looking at 3D printing for the long term.

Experienced and Professionals in this field will want to purchase this printer when they are not willing to produce a work that needs dimensional accuracy and can afford the visibility of layers on the parts and functional prototypes that the printer produces.

Packed with a considerable list of features, supporting a wide range of materials, and having a big build volume, Monoprice Maker Select V2 is an easy to use, user-friendly 3D printer.

For those who haven’t done much research in the field of 3D printers, chances are that you’d find the price of this printer disguising. Because this is a printer that gives good performance while making small items and an average performance while making complex parts that have intricate detailing.

If you have seen Duplicator i3, you’d recall its looks because the appearance of Monoprice Maker Select V2 is such. The only major difference between both is the location of the spool holder. The former contains it on the top of its frame, while the latter contains it on the control box.

Below mentioned is a list of some of the features that are rare, amazing and core to be found in a printer that falls in the same price range as Monoprice Maker Select V2 does.

Features

This printer can print using various materials. It is based on open-source software that runs on the industry-standard G code. Comparing this printer’s features with features of a printer in the same price range would let you know the exact difference between purchasing Monoprice and others.

Monoprice Maker Select V2 has a big build volume, an aluminum heating bed, and a lot more. Looking at the list below with the explanation would explain you in detail about its features.

Huge Print Volume and Aluminum Heating Bed

If you ask for advice to an expert on a 3D printer, before buying one, chances are high that the advice is on looking for a machine that promises big print volume.

Monoprice Maker Select V2 has a build volume that is rare to find in its competitors. A big print volume assures you to print parts that cannot be printed at one shot, otherwise.

So say if you wish to print a part or functional prototype and your printer does not offer the same print volume as Maker Select V2 does, you’d have to make a design of smaller parts, print them separately and find a way to assemble them.

The aluminum heat bed is one of the most essential features for today’s 3D printers because most of the materials demand to be cooled down at a certain pace.

The other thing that aluminum offers unlike other metals is that the printed part remains stuck to the build platform. This is important while printing objects of greater build volume without using support structures. And the third benefit while printing with the aluminum heating bed is, it helps in preventing warping at the edges of the print.

Open To Slicing Software And Materials

Monoprice has made sure that their printer is compatible with various slicing software by keeping it open-sourced and using the industry standard G codes.

You can use software such as Cura, Repetier Host, Replicator G, Simplify 3D, and any other software that uses the same G codes.

Most 3D printers that come in the same price range as Monoprice Maker Select V2 does, offers printing only with PLA. Isn’t it surprising and fabulous that this printer offers to print with PLA, ABS, PET, PVA, and HIPS?

Multiple Options To Connect And Ready To Print As Soon As Unboxed

The printer can be connected using a micro SD card and USB port. These are the two most standard options that are also considered stable connectivity options than those which have a risk of being prone to bugs and hacks.

To start printing with this printer, all you’ve got to do is secure the base with its frame and the two screws, attach them to the filament holder. That’s it! You can start printing.

Specifications

Credit: tobuya3dprinter.com

Monoprice Maker Select V2 has a decent build volume of 200 mm * 200 mm * 175 mm. The surface has an aluminum plate attached to itself and is present exactly in the middle of the printer. f

It is compatible with the industry-standard 1.75 mm filament. The printer’s extruder can bear a maximum temperature of 260 degrees Celsius. This makes the printer eligible to print with materials such as ABS, PLA, PET, PVA, HIPS, etc.

A layer cooling fan is used to cool the prints faster, once they are completely printed.

Monoprice Maker Select V2 is based on Fused Deposition Modeling, it has a print speed of 100 mm per second. The layer resolution offered by the printer is 100 microns.

Price

Unlike other printers, Maker Select V2 is available not just online, but also at distributors in the USA. The market price of the printer in most places is in the range of $300 to $500. On days it is also available below $300. On the manufacturer’s website, Maker Select V2 is priced at $259.99.

First impressions

Credit: techgearlab.com

Monoprice Maker Select V2 has an open structure, giving easy access to the printer. Compared to its predecessor, this model comes with a better quality of parts and stable build-up, which does not let the printer vibrate during the printing process.

The default extruder that the manufacturer of this printer offers, works well with this printer, although it has some problems while printing with advanced materials. The printer has its house in a sturdy aluminum frame and is accompanied by a separate control box.

The box transforms into a larger footprint so you would have to make sure that the table you plan to put this printer on, is big enough.

There is a bulky control box that has a knob-operated LCD interface displaying various statistics including the print progress and temperature of heating components.

The printer has an LCD on its power supply box, it shows current printing progress while the printer is in operation mode This 3D printer comes with a heated printing bed, enabling you to print with ABS and other high temperature melting materials.

The overall design of Maker Select V2 is unique, although not better than the competitors.

Setup

Credit: techgearlab.com

The first few minutes of setup was above average if compared with the printer’s other models. After unboxing Monoprice Select V2, you need to attach the base of the printer, connect the essential wires, and join the spool holder.

The last part was a little more difficult compared to other models because in this printer the spool holder needs to be joined using fasteners instead of snapping or sliding it.

There are reports of the connector with which the extruder cooling fan is connected, goes loose due to shipping. But then it causes some trouble with the first print and then when re-attached with the connector, it works just fine.

The printer has a manual leveling system which can be a pain as most of the printers come with an automatic leveling system. And the box also contains a micro SD card slot, allowing to standalone printing and the USB connector whenever the machine is tethered to the computer.

Printing Type/Cost

The operating cost of Maker Select V2 is lower than the industry standard, though depending on the material with which you wish to print.

Apart from the operating cost, the printing cost also depends on the intricacy of the parts and functional prototypes that are you are willing to print with this printer.

Summed up with the build volume and the layer by layer resolution required, because Maker Select V2 is based upon FDM technology. So the distance of the print bed from the nozzle would also account for the printing cost.

Having said that, reports on various websites which have tested this printer writes the printing cost to be average per print.

Although because this printer is more preferred by people looking to learn and experiment with the technology or professionals who have complete knowledge about it, the printing cost can be considered obvious.

Print Quality

Credit: collideabq.com

As reported on the websites, that test the printer by printing various parts and functional prototypes, the print quality of Monoprice is rated to be at an average level.

Printing with PLA and ABS, the layer separation is visible in both, although lesser in PLA than in ABS. The bridging test and the Eiffel tower test was done using this printer, also rates it to be an average print producing printer.

The overhang test done with Monoprice Maker Select V2 will surprise you a little bit.

The PLA version of Elephant turns out to be extremely well in terms of not displaying layer separation. Overall the print quality of this printer falls a little short than Lulzbot Bot Mini, Qidi, or Flashforge.

So, it is a good entry point for those who do not want to sell his or her 3D parts. Rather, wants to learn how 3D printing happens and experiment.

Software

Credit: techgearlab.com

Monoprice Maker Select uses the recommended software called Cura. However, if needed you can always upgrade to a more sophisticated program known as Simplify 3D. Also, all other software that lets you work with G-codes can be used as a slicer while working with Maker Select V2.

Customer Service

The support team of Monoprice is very helpful, and to reach out to them is not a difficult task. You can contact the support team via email, contact form, phone, or instant messenger.

There are also instructional videos available on the manufacturer’s website which will solve your tiny problems, related to anything.

A year’s warranty is included with the printer because of which even if there is a single major issue that you find related to the print quality, you can return it to the manufacturer.

Parameters Influencing Buying Decision

This section will tell you very shortly by summing up the factors listed below, whether or not, you should buy this printer.

3D Printer Cost: In most places, this printer is available in the price range of $300 to $500. Although there are times when the price also drops below $300. Suggesting that this printer is meant for you if you do not have any exposure to 3D printing and are looking to it as one of the career options.

3D Print Quality: If you are looking for a printer that will surprise you by not providing any layer visibility, Monoprice is not that. Its print quality is pretty much average.

3D Print Speed: Looking at the list of printers that fall in the range of Maker Select V2, you’d come across the same print speed. So, 100mm per second is the industry standard.

3D Printer Capability: Capable of printing with various materials is where this printer would stand out compared to its competitors.

3D Printer Practicality: While using the printer, you might have some difficulties that you wouldn’t expect. But then, that kind of goes without saying for other printers as well.

3D User Expectations: The online reviews of this printer suggests its users be satisfied and also a little less complaining. Which makes us say, Maker Select V2 holds its user expectations well.

The Verdict

The printer doesn’t promise to be the top quality producing printer in its price range. It does have its limitations, despite that, it produces good prints.

The top models in the price range which Monoprice Maker Select V2 falls cost $2000 more than it does. Bearing this fact in mind, if you purchase Monoprice Maker Select V2, you have taken a wise decision.

Overall, this is a low-cost printer, which is a good option for enthusiasts experimenting with 3D printing technology.

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