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Monoprice maker v2 3d printer


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 Printers - Talk Manufacturing

Athoss22

#1

I have had all the trouble in the world with my IIIP Maker Select V2 printer. The nozzle has recently been unable to get a first layer down 100%. I’ve tried resetting the bed thinking it may be the leveling, but that hasn’t been successful. While using the heated bed I usually always have a couple corners warped which completely ruins the layering farther up the print. I usually set up my prints with a bed temp of 210C-220C and an extruder temp of 65C-70C, so still not sure where to go with temps to fix the warping. Along with the first initial layers being a problem, it seems the nozzle catches small fibers of print that are part of the support inside the print. I bounce around with 30%-50% density And haven’t found the right spot. As far as adhesion I’ve tried attaching glass, gluesticks, painters tape, and hair spray (even combining some and still failed prints). Im just praying someone has some advice because in my attempt to talk to Monoprice they want me to send the while printer back and to get a replacement. Plz help.

1 Like

ChrisBuildsStuf

#2

Did you describe your temps correctly? Do you print with a raft or brim?

I have this printer and I usually run the bed temp at 60C and the extruder at 215C. If you have the bed too high the filament won’t cool fast enough and will warp. I only use PLA. I print with either .15 or .2 layer height and only 20-30% infill. Unless you need something really strong you likely don’t need 50%.

Also make sure the bed is high enough to make good contact with the extruded filament.

For adhesion I have had luck with the included build plate with the tape on, but sometimes I have used painters tape with a purple gluestick on top of that. The only downside is you have to reapply layers of tape because it tends to come off with the print.

You also may need to replace the nozzle and PTFE tube inside the extruder. Sounds a lot more complicated than it is. I can direct you to the replacement parts I used.

ASkillz

#3

I’m assuming you meant a bed temp of 65-70C & a extruder temp of 210-220C, not vice versa.

How long have you been printing with your existing nozzle, and what materials are you using?

There are only so many variables that can cause the problems you’re having, so we’ll figure it out!

Elliott8

#4

Personally, I would recommend using a raft. I use Cura for slicing and the automatically generated raft has completely removed warping. Furthermore, if you are using PLA, I would lower the extruder temp. I have had a lot of success with 195degrees C.

Athoss22

#5

Yes I meant to say my bed temp is around 65-70 and extruder 210-215. I have been using a brim for my prints that go 5 times around. I began using rafts and they always seemed to peel up. Next time I’ll have to try using less infill because on the print I just tested it was all sorts of messed up. I did my best to level out the bed and used a glue stick and hairspray.

Spinrb8

#6

ChrisBuildsStuf

#7

You may want to try taking off the nozzle and the plastic tube and see if that is clogged. You’d have to heat it up to printing temps, cut the filament, and push down the lever and pull the filament out or extrude it through to clear it. Then just use pliers to hold the heating block and a socket wrench to loosen the nozzle. Usually 3/8 inch works. If you are still under warranty then may be best to just replace the printer. I only had to pay $50 shipping to send it back.

Wacky

#8

Miss typed earlier.

Here’s a link to my own troubles with the Monoprice that might lead you to something useful.

Elite0077

#9

1. Don’t know the filment your using or if your using a off brands

2. Leveling I found is simple home your bed turn off power and use a sheet of paper on all 4 corners repeat if needed. Also make sure it the tip of nooze not some leftovers that are you rubbing agaisnt when senting.

3. Clean your Bed may help rough it up a bit. I know in my first print it scarred my center never had a problem there after.

4. If your that your pic your setting not right on your setup or something else going on.

5. 60c for bed for play is max I set it to. 190-210 for pla I found work on on my print here. May have to adjust for weather I know my prints suck in humid weather.

6. Nozzle head out can get filment on it can Drag your stuff around. Best and easiest way I found to clean it. Warm your extuder to 230c and plung half way in to pla. Let it cool and then twist or knock free lightly. I used some old print feet.

7. May be best to pull clean the inside noozle. warm it up and pull it out when it cools about 80-70c then pull. I had to do this with my glow 2-3 times get all out.

Overview of the budget 3D printer Monoprice Select Mini

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