Monoprice voxel 3d printer price
Monoprice Voxel 3D printer review: The best value for 3D printing beginners
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There's a lot to like with the Monoprice Voxel, a neat 3D printer that produces high-quality prints
Editor's Choice
Tom's Guide Verdict
Home and educational users will find a lot to like with the Monoprice Voxel, a neat 3D printer that produces high-quality prints at a low cost and that's one of the best budget 3D printers you can buy.
Pros
- +
Excellent print quality
- +
Fast print speed
- +
Easy to use with cloud software
- +
Heated print bed
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The Monoprice Voxel is a neat, low-priced 3D printer that offers a lot for the home user. For a relatively low price, you get a 3D printer that can handle PLA and ABS filament with equally high print quality while also offering a decent-size fully enclosed build space.
The MP Voxel has are some rough edges, however: Buggy firmware and so-so software make printing a bit more difficult than it should be. Even so, the MP Voxel is an attractively priced package for school or home use, and it produces high-quality prints, and we think it's among the best 3D printers you can buy, especially for budget models.
Monoprice Voxel review: Price and availability
- Monoprice Voxel (Black) at Walmart for $537.14
These days, you'll find the Monoprice Voxel available at Monoprice's website for $449. But some online retailers, including Amazon , offer the 3D printer at a discount, with the price often falling below $400.
That's not the cheapest price we've seen on a printer — you can get the XYZprinting da Vinci Nano for about $250 less. But it's a pretty good value for a printer aimed at novices.
The MP Voxel has a simple, dark design, with an enclosed frame of black plastic. Clear panels that you can lift off cover the front and top of the enclosure, providing access to the print area and the mechanism. The print volume is 6.9 inches on each side, for a total of about 329 cubic inches. That’s big enough to handle most objects.
(Image credit: Monoprice)The print base is heated, which makes printing materials such as ABS much easier and more reliable. It is also easy to remove prints from the MP Voxel, as the whole top of the print bed slides out; it’s also bendable, which helps with lifting the print off.
(Image credit: Monoprice)A small LCD touch screen on the front of the printer provides on-device controls. They’re mostly easy to use, though I found it a little awkward to enter things like a WPA key on the small, on-screen keyboard. Once the MP Voxel is connected to the Polar Cloud service, though, you don't need to use it for much, so it's not a major problem.
Monoprice Voxel: Setup and controls
The MP Voxel is a mostly plug-and-play printer. All the setup required was to unbox it, plug it in and load filament; then, you’re ready to print. The process is not without issues, though. Despite a firmware update, I couldn't connect the printer to my Wi-Fi network. I wasn't able to figure out why and ended up using the wired ethernet connection instead, which worked without issues.
(Image credit: Monoprice)Loading the filament for printing is also easy. The filament reel fits into a space on the side of the printer body, and the filament feeds up through a tube into the body and the printhead. Once you load the filament into this tube, it's fed into the printhead automatically.
The Voxel also works with the Polar Cloud, a free online service that allows you to control and monitor the printer from any web-connected device. Polar Cloud also supports the Voxel's built-in camera, so you can see the print in progress from a smartphone or tablet. We found this service to be simple to use, and it is definitely the easiest way to use this printer.
Test PrintOnce registered with Polar Cloud, you can upload 3D files or create them in a basic editor. These models can then be prepared for printing and sent directly to the printer from the web — no PC required. Alternatively, you can download and use the MP Flashpoint software, available for Windows and Mac , to control the printer over USB or your local network. This software is fairly easy to use, offering the usual approach of loading a 3D model, basic editing and then outputting it to the printer or a file. This software was somewhat prone to seemingly random crashes in our tests, though.
Monoprice Voxel review: Print speed
We found that the MP Voxel was a fast printer, producing our Thinker test print in between 3.5 hours and 5 hours and 21 minutes for draft and normal quality.
Normal QualityThat's a short time to produce a 4.5-inch tall print, and is comparable to more expensive printers such as the Lulzbot Taz Mini 2, which took about the same time. It's also much faster than XYZprinting's daVinci Nano, which took more than 7 hours to produce the same print. Another budget printer, the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D, is faster, though it usually costs more than the Monoprice Voxel.
Monoprice Voxel review: Print quality
We were impressed with the quality of prints from the MP Voxel. Our Thinker model came out with great detail and smooth, natural curves and surfaces. There were some glitches in the draft mode, which looked like random bumps on the surface of the print. These were much less evident when we printed again using the Standard mode of the Polar Cloud software, though, which produced a much cleaner, smoother print.
Our test model of a set of gears also came out well, with the gears fitting and screwing together neatly. We only needed to do a little trimming to get rid of the odd, stray whiskers of filament.
Monoprice Voxel review: Verdict
The Monoprice Voxel represents a sweet spot of 3D printing at the moment, delivering a lot of features, high print quality and fast printing for a decent price. For around $400, it is more expensive than some entry- level printers, costing twice as much as the XYZ da Vinci Nano, though it's still not as costly as the Polaroid PlaySmart. The MP Voxel gives you a lot more for your money than less expensive printers for novices, with support for cloud printing and the heated print bed that makes printing both easier and cheaper.
For that reason, the MP Voxel is a great pick for the casual user who is interested in 3D printing or a school or small office that wants to have a printer that several people can use.
Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.
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Monoprice Voxel Review - Fully Enclosed 3D Printer under $400
The Monoprice Voxel is an enclosed FDM 3D printer that ships fully assembled and can be unpacked and printing in under 15 minutes. While the Voxel has a smaller-than-average build volume of 150mm x 150mm x 150mm, the quick change nozzle assembly, integrated Wi-Fi, and flexible removable build platform all make this printer a reasonable selection for students or beginners. Let’s review the machine, print some awesome models, and list the Pros and Cons.
Table Of Contents
- Specifications
- Unboxing and Assembly
- Enclosed Build Volume
- Bed Leveling
- Polar Cloud
- Test Print
- FlashPrint-MP Slicer Software
- Testing Other Models
- Comparison
- Conclusion and Pros & Cons
Monoprice Voxel Specifications:
Build Volume: 150mm x 150mm x 150mm
Extruder: Bowden Extruder
Bed Leveling: Automatic
Material: PLA, PLA+
Build Platform: Removable Flexible Textured Build Platform
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Interface: 2. 8” Color Touchscreen LCD
Price: $359-$389
Affiliate Links:
Amazon
Official Website
The Voxel is a rebrand of the Flashforge Adventurer 3, a 3D printer originally released in 2019 that has seen various upgrades and variations throughout the years.
Monoprice Voxel with shipping protection©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
Unboxing and Assembly
The Monoprice Voxel ships in a large box with corrugated cardboard inside the printer, protecting the build platform and the hot end assembly. The printer is fully assembled from the factory and there is virtually no assembly required, just insert the filament and plug in the power cord.
Dual linear rod X axis©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew SinkMonoprice Voxel Extruder
For anyone who has built a DIY kit printer like the Monoprice Joule, this is a welcome relief and a much faster way to get up and printing without too much effort. The printer has dual linear rods on the X axis, as well as a dual Z axis with a motor and a threaded rod on each side.
Integrated spool holderThe system that was sent for review was labeled “Monoprice Vector” on the box as opposed to “Monoprice Voxel”, and the manual had the same branding on it. According to Monoprice, the original name for this machine was Vector, and some early units still carry this branding.
Enclosed Build Volume
The Voxel has an enclosed build volume, and the build platform is completely contained within the shell of the printer. Monoprice advertises the Voxel as being able to print ABS material, something that is accommodated by this enclosed build volume. During this review, I noticed that the enclosure retained heat very well, allowing the parts to remain at a consistent temperature during printing.
Fully Enclosed 3D Printer©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
This is ideal for printing large or dense parts which may warp or deform during printing if suddenly cooled. The filament is kept inside the enclosure and held in place on an integrated spool, which can be accessed via a door on the side of the machine. This cavity doesn’t allow for a full-size spool of material, only smaller spools such as the included 500g spool of transparent red material.
Integrated Webcam©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
The Voxel has an integrated webcam built into the side of the printer, but it’s not accessible through the FlashPrint-MP software and can only be used with the premium subscription tier of PolarCloud. It’s disappointing that this feature can’t be used with the default software, as there’s really no reason mechanically that the webcam can’t be accessed during printing.
Bed Leveling
The Monoprice Voxel has a guided calibration assistant that allows users to automatically move the nozzle between points on the platform and manually set the offset into memory. This system works well, and it’s intuitive enough that most beginners shouldn’t have any difficulty calibrating the printer. The platform itself is a removable flexible metal platform that can be bent, allowing parts to detach effortlessly without the use of tools. The heating element for the Voxel is located underneath the platform, and the enclosure of the machine retains the heat during printing.
Flexible build platform on Monoprice Voxel©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew Sink
Polar Cloud / STEAMTrax
Included in the price of the Voxel is a free 1-year premium subscription to PolarCloud, a cloud-based platform that provides the ability to use the webcam integrated into the printer for live print monitoring, a community for sharing prints, and access to STEAMTrax lesson plans for integrating 3D printing into a classroom setting. PolarCloud is designed with education in mind, and allows students and educators to share models and submit print requests within a classroom.
Polar CloudImage: Polar3D
3D Printing the Included Test Model
The Monoprice Voxel includes a single demo print loaded in the printer, an uninspiring rectangle with the filename “20mm_Box-PLA.gx”. As advertised, printing this model results in a rectangle that measures roughly 20mm x 20mm x 10mm.
While this model works well to demonstrate the functionality of the printer, it falls short of the demo prints included on printers like the Monoprice Mini Delta V2 which includes multiple small models that show functionality while creating fun and engaging prints for beginners. Sliced with default settings, the 3DBenchy acted as a suitable demo model, and I would have preferred to see a model like this included with the Voxel.
Test Printing Cube©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew SinkTest PrintTest Print Benchy
©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew Sink
FlashPrint-MP Slicer Software
Interestingly enough, the Monoprice Voxel doesn’t ship with an SD card, USB stick, or any other memory device. I downloaded software for the Voxel directly from the Monoprice site, which also hosts the user manual, FAQ, and firmware updates for the machine. The Voxel is compatible with FlashPrint-MP, a slicer designed specifically for the Monoprice Voxel, Guider II, Inventor I, and Inventor II 3D printers. This slicer software is clearly designed with beginners in mind, and it features a stripped down “Basic” menu which allows a user to prepare a model in as little as two clicks.
Preparing a model in FlashPrint-MPFlashPrint-MP is able to send prints to the Voxel through Wi-Fi as well as exporting the .gx file format used by the Voxel for transporting files through a USB stick. Files sent via Wi-Fi are stored on the Voxel and can be reprinted by selecting them from the menu.
FlashPrint-MP Software Basic and Advanced menusThe “Basic” menu of FlashPrint-MP offers options to toggle between material, supports, raft, and resolution. These basic settings allow users to focus on the overall performance of the printer without worrying about making minor adjustments. Selecting “Standard” will toggle the layer height to .18mm, 2 perimeters, 4 top layers, and 3 bottom layers. Selecting “Hyper” will reduce the layer height to 0.08mm and make adjustments to the number of perimeters as well as top and bottom layers.
Test Printing with the Monoprice Voxel
Test PrintModel: Cali Dragon by McGyBeer
©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew SinkCali Dragon Back View
Printed using SliceWorx Vault Yellow PLA filament and the “Standard” profile in FlashPrint-MP, the Cali-Dragon by McGybeer shows a high level of detail and an even surface on the sides of the printed model.
Articulated Object Test PrintModel: Spirit Dragon by sunset
©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew Sink3D Printed Spirit Dragon by sunset
The quality of this print is on-par with more expensive printers like the Anycubic Kobra Plus, but the limitation of the 150mm³ build volume becomes apparent when loading in larger models like the Spirit Dragon by sunset which need to be resized to fit in the build volume of the Voxel.
Test Print in White PLAModel: Moon City by Kijai
©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew SinkMoon City Back ViewMoon City Close Look
Larger, more complex models like the Moon City 2 by Kijai are also easily printed using the “Standard” setting. Adjusting the detail to “Hyper” and printing miniature models like the Crusader Knight by Brite Minis shows the impact this has on the printed parts, and the Voxel had no issue printing fine detail even at this thin layer height.
Miniature Test PrintModel: Crusader Knight by Brite Minis
©3DWithUs – Print & Photo: Andrew SinkCrusader Knight Back View
Unfortunately, because the Monoprice Premium White PLA was a standard 1 kg spool, I had to use an external spool holder instead of the built-in one, increasing the amount of desk space taken up by the Voxel.
The Monoprice Voxel with External Spool Holder©3DWithUs – Photo: Andrew Sink
Compare to Other 3D Printers
Compare to the similar volume FDM 3D printers in the same price range:
- Flashforge Adventurer 3
- Elegoo Neptune X
Compare to other Monoprice 3D printers:
- Monoprice Mini Delta V2
- Monoprice Joule
Conclusion and Pros & Cons
The Monoprice Voxel is not a 3D printer for everyone, but the enclosed build platform and simple start-up process make it ideal for environments like classrooms, makerspaces, and hobby shops where safety is a priority. The printer worked very well during this review, but the small build volume, size-limiting spool holder, and inaccessible webcam will likely be a deterrent for hobbyists looking for a high-performance machine. The Voxel has a lot of competition at the sub-$400 price point, so anyone interested in a printer that offers a larger build volume at the expense of manual assembly might consider printers like the Elegoo Neptune X instead.
Amazon
Official Website
Monoprice Voxel Review
Review Summary
The Monoprice Voxel is an enclosed FDM 3D printer that ships fully assembled and can be up and printing in under 15 minutes. While the Voxel has a smaller-than-average build volume of 150mm x 150mm x 150mm, the quick change nozzle assembly, integrated Wi-Fi, and flexible removable build platform all make this printer a reasonable selection for students or beginners.
PROS:
– Quick change nozzle system
– Integrated Wi-Fi and model storage
– Fully enclosed build volume
CONS:
– Enclosure rattles during printing
– Camera can’t be accessed without software subscription
– Side-mounted filament holder doesn’t hold standard 1kg spools
Best 3D Printers of 2022!
3D printing has been around for a long time. Recently, however, 3D printing has become economical and reliable enough to be used in homes, private organizations, and schools. However, in addition to any 3D printer, it will do. Whether or not you've equipped yourself with one of the world's most mind-blowing 3D printers, it's not yet a very rewarding hobby for the faint-hearted or laid-back 3D printer hiker.
3D printers are finicky beasts. They require precise temperatures and precisely calibrated equipment to "print" authentic objects from a raw material such as a strand of plastic fiber, and it doesn't take long to mess up the design. If you live in a humid environment. For example, prints can turn out badly if your filament absorbs too much moisture from the air - now that's finicky. nine0003
What will we see here?
- How to use a 3D printer?
- 1. Adventurer FlashForge 4
- Plus
- Bessions
- 2. Lightly search FlashForge
- Plus
- Bessions
- Pros
- Cons
- Pros
- Cons
- Pros
- Cons
How to use a 3D printer?
Using the 3D printer is easy. However, assuming you're new to this, you should research and find out what the system is about before you start trying 3D printing. To get started, you should build or set up your 3D printer. Therefore, you must follow the manual that came with your machine. nine0003
Because not all 3D printers have the same build design. What's more, to start learning about 3D printing, at this point you should find support online or on video sharing platforms like YouTube. This is a great and least demanding method to learn 3D printing these days.
1. FlashForge Adventurer 4
When you're ready to get past 3D printers for beginners, check out FlashForge Adventurer 4. It offers moderately easy printing with minor quirks and confusion. nine0003
The Adventurer 4 comes with replacement print nozzles to control the layer size of your prints as well as different temperatures. This makes it one of the most flexible 3D printers we've tried. Because the Adventurer 4 is suitable for a wide range of printing materials. Although the print speed is normal for such a 3D printer, the Adventurer 4 produces excellent quality prints. Much better, for less than $1,000, you get a completely cleaned printer without spending a ton of money. nine0003
Pros
- Interchangeable nozzles provide material adaptability
- Easily cuts a variety of materials
- Excellent value
Cons
- No automatic bed leveling and fiber placement
- Nozzle change - rather risky cycle
Buy for $799.00 * US / CA / MX
Buy for £699.99 * UK / EU
2. Flashforge Easy Search
You can get a taste of 3D printing without spending a fortune. Indeed, Flashforge Finder Lite only costs 370.9$0 is almost an impulsive purchase. You won't get a huge build deck or the most flexible 3D printing for this price, and indeed the build volume is really limited to 5.5×5.5×5.5 inches. This small size may explain why FlashForge is targeting this printer for kids, but this warranty has two huge caveats anyway. To start with, this is totally useful for adults who need to learn 3D printing with a tight spending plan. Secondly, there is nothing particularly child-friendly about this printer. Most likely, there will be an adult nearby who will take care of the setup, calibration and, surprisingly, routine printing. nine0003
It has a bed leveling function, but it is still a long way from automation. This is a 3D cuboid, is mostly an enclosed printer that doesn't take up much desk space and is controlled by a color LCD touch screen on top.
While the slightly upscale FlashForge Finder lets you send prints to the printer via USB, Wi-Fi, and an SD card, this Lite model works with an SD card, figuratively speaking. We love how calm and safe it is; you have to make a special effort to get burned on the hot end of this printer and it just prints PLA which is a harmless and somewhat harmless plastic fiber. nine0003
Pros
- Clean design
- Easy to use
- Clear touch screen
- Removable base plate makes it easy to take prints
- Quiet
- Reliable
- Useful top light and excellent print penetration
Cons
- Very small build volume
- Unheated bed No automatic bed leveling
- Fiber cartridge too small for most other manufacturers' spools. nine0010
- Print only PLA
- Support structures cannot be completely removed
Buy for $370.90* US/CA/MX
Buy for £280.00* UK/EU
3. Snapmaker 2.0 A350.
The Snapmaker F350 3D printer offers a 320 x 350 x 330mm workspace and great components. For $200 extra, you can practice several times the size of an F350 equipped to print monobloc models of huge scopes. Just like different people in the Snapmaker 2.0 series, F350 / F250 is measured. You can usually extend it with special modules or add-ons to give it a custom look. The cooling system of the Snapmaker F350/F250 3D printer has been redesigned to combine high speed and excellent precision at the same time. Now you can 3D print large projects much faster. nine0003
Although levels may vary, some parts of the machine may generate noise during operation.
Company The 5-inch touch screen is large enough for easy operation. What's more, its instinctive navigation contributes to a smooth and efficient customer experience. Plus, you'll get Snapmaker Luban for free.
True The 3-in-1 machine makes sense because 3D printers, CNC machines and laser cutters use similar underlying mechanisms and technologies. The core Snapmaker has a dedicated version, so it's no surprise that Snapmaker 2.0 expands on its archetype and its components. A350 is 9The 0075 is the largest of the three models and proves to be master of all disciplines. Switching between three heads and beds puts aside the effort of reconfiguration and recalibration for the prince and highlights that the effort is worth it.
Pros
- 3D printer, CNC and laser in one
- Strong design and workmanship
- Simple software
Cons
- Exchange between uses takes time
- Housing purchased independently
- Very noisy when printing
Buy for $1,199.00 * US/CA/MX
Buy for £1,099.00 * UK/EU
4. Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer
The Monoprice Voxel printer is an exceptional solution as it delivers the highest quality printing without costing you a fortune.
Beginners will especially appreciate the warm voxel print, which produces sharper prints when using materials such as ABS. The highest point of the print bed also slides out and can be bent, so removing prints is a simple task. We also like how the voxel is enclosed, which is an important idea considering you'd expect to use a 3D printer at home or in the classroom. nine0003
MP Voxel is convenient because it allows you to get prints in less time than with more expensive devices. We too were mesmerizing print quality , which accurately recreates the details and conveys the natural smooth curves. You may encounter minor dissatisfaction with the setup. However, when it's ready to go, the MP Voxel becomes the best 3D printer for people who need to experience 3D printing for the first time.
Pros
- Excellent print quality
- Fast print speed
- Insulated printing bed
Cons
- Faint software
- Some problems with Wi-Fi association
Buy at $429.99 * US/CA/MX
5. ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro
ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro accompanies 6.08 inch monochrome me LCD with 2K HD resolution and requires only 2 seconds for each layer of resin curing, which can greatly improve your printing performance. The monochrome LCD has a much longer life and stable performance during long printing, saving you money. nine0003
Brand-new light source structure makes even more uniformity Ultraviolet emission and compatible with 2K monochrome LCD display, printing details and accuracy are greatly improved, and 3D printed models are interesting.
The CNC-machined aluminum body makes the Mars 2 Pro a formidable machine. In fact, the planned sandblasting of build plate has a significantly more grounded adherence during printing and provides reliable printing. Built-in dynamic carbon can swallow resin smoke and give you an invigorating typing experience.
ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro currently supports 12 kinds of languages So customers all over the world can operate the 3D printer without any obstacle.
Pluses
- Integrated filter system
- High resolution prints
- Fast cure layer
Cons
- Resin tank mounted on the side
- Rubber seal prevents
- Fans can loudly
Buy for £280. 00 *UK/EU
6. ELEGO NEPTUNE 2 FDM
CNC machined aluminum push-out and semi-assembled parts to ensure solid form quality and basic setup. German POM V-guide roller with ultra-quiet, precise motion and outstanding long-distance printing durability. Print size 220X220X250 mm with high precision ± 0.1 mm. Supports multifunction extensions Also.
When printing is completed and the temperature of the nozzle falls below 50°C, the nozzle and motherboard cooling fans will naturally stop running, saving energy and extending their lifespan. Continue printing from the point where an unexpected power outage or malfunction occurred later.
The 400W switching power supply is more likely to protect your print from short circuits, voltage or undervoltage. nine0003
Company multilingual interface shows model overview and print progress in real time. Large nuts make alignment easier. The greenhouse holds an interchangeable fiberglass sheet with a matte polycarbonate finish that has a more grounded grip and allows models to be removed with little to no problem. The 32-bit motherboard with TMC2225 quiet driver ensures quieter printing at 50db noise level and guarantees reliable printing for 200 hours without any problems. nine0003
The printer has a 1 year warranty.
Pros
- Quiet stepper drivers keep the printer quiet
- Elegoo Cura software comes ready to print
- Very high value for money.
Cons
- Power supply received incorrectly configured
- User interface seems clunky and confusing.
- Textured construction platform surface may require frequent replacement
- Manual leveling without assistance can be tiring
Buy for £200.00 *UK/EU
Conclusion
The best 3D printers aren't just for configuration shops. Today you would think that they are in the classrooms and, surprisingly, in the homes of professionals and creators. The appeal of 3D printers is no secret that they allow you to create everything from models to working models and other things.
We offer the Monoprice Voxel as the best 3D printer for anyone on a budget. It delivers great prints at the speed you'd expect from more expensive models. When you're ready to upgrade to a more advanced printer, we'll direct you to FlashForge Adventurer 4.
* Prices as of November 25, 2021 and may vary
Read more!
Overview of the budget 3D printer Monoprice Select Mini
3DPrintStory    Reviews    Overview of the budget 3D printer Monoprice Select Mini nine0003
Prices for desktop 3D printers continue to fall. There were times when a $600 3D printer was a delight and a desire to order it as soon as possible, but technology does not stand still, and developers and manufacturers are looking for new options to lower the price even lower. This review is dedicated to one of the budget 3D printers costing about $200 - Monoprice Select Mini.
It is worth noting that this inexpensive model breaks established traditions and did not start with Kickstarter, unlike others like M3D Micro, Tiko, OLO / ONO and Trinus, which attracted the attention of consumers and investors precisely thanks to crowdfunding platforms (by the way, this is really an effective development strategy for small startups, but there is often a mismatch between expectations and the final product). nine0003
Monoprice is different. This is an American company that did not bother with the development and production of its own 3D printer, but simply imported the Malyan M200 from China, hung its logo on it and put an attractive price of $199. What if you get a defective 3D printer? No problem, send it back and they will replace it for you.
A reasonable question arises: can such a cheap 3D printer compete with Ultimakers or Printrbots? And is it even worth comparing? We will try to answer these and other questions in the review below. nine0003
Advantages Monoprice Select Mini
- Available;
- Robust design;
- Easy to use;
- Predictable 3D printing at low speed;
- Works with any slicing software and standard 3D printing materials;
- Amenable to improvements and upgrades;
- I think we already mentioned the price?
Disadvantages Monoprice Select Mini
- Difficult to calibrate;
- Doesn't print well at high speeds
- Print table not protected;
- Faulty power supply;
- WiFi module not active;
- Unstable nozzle temperature;
- Weird quirks...
Short Verdict
The Monoprice Select Mini is a great 3D printer for the price. There is a heated table, easy to operate if you do not use high speeds, stable 3D printing quality.
Naturally, there are disadvantages. During operation, the temperature of the nozzle may change, and at high speeds, 3D printing errors occur. The calibration process takes a lot of time and the first time you have to tinker. Well, the most interesting thing is that the power supply burned out after 12 hours. But the latter, incorrect, can be attributed to an accidental marriage. nine0003
Despite all the shortcomings, the Monoprice Select Mini is a wonderful little 3D printer with many great features. In general, it performs in accordance with the information in the technical specifications, and the quality of the 3D printing even exceeded our expectations.
If you are not afraid to take it apart / put it back together, then you can do a few upgrades. First you need to replace the hotend and update the firmware to activate the WiFi module ( be careful! These upgrades have not been tested as part of this review and may damage your 3D printer! ). You can install the glass on the print table. Even with these upgrades, the price will still remain acceptable.
Would you recommend the Monoprice Select Mini as your first 3D printer? Yes, definitely.
Specifications and features Monoprice Select Mini
Monoprice Select Mini workspace 120 x 120 x 120 mm. The maximum resolution of 3D printing is 100 microns. Heated table. The 3D printing speed is 55 mm/s. nine0003
You can upload your 3D model via micro SD card or USB. The manual states that compatible slicing programs are Cura, Repetier-Host, ReplicatorG, and Simplify3D. This means that the Monoprice Select Mini recognizes the standard G-code, and this 3D printer is not tied to any particular software. Cura was used during testing for this review.
Monoprice Select Mini doesn't limit you in the media you use. You can print with any standard 1.75 filament using PLA or ABS thermoplastics. In our case, PLA plastic from ColorFabb was used. nine0003
These two points - the freedom to choose software and filament - are very important in this price range, because manufacturers such as M3D Micro and XYZprinting, which are Monoprice's main competitors in this niche, tend to use proprietary software and their own materials for 3D printing .
Unpacking and installation of the Monoprice Select Mini
Installation of the Monoprice Select Mini is quite simple. You can start typing within 20 minutes.
Inside the box you will find a 3D printer, a power supply, an imbus wrench for calibrating the table, a plastic spatula for scraping off the rest of the material from the table after printing, a 256 mb micro SD card and a micro USB cable.
One piece of paper contains a basic instruction and a link to a website where you can download the full version.
You will also find a rectangular steel sheet, the purpose of which is not at all clear at first. It turns out that this is a coil holder that is attached to the side of the main unit. nine0003
It is important to note that the Monoprice Select Mini kit does not include media test samples. So stock up on filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm.
You can use the wheel to adjust. The menu is well structured and easy to understand. You can start the calibration process, preheat the extruder and feed the filament.
Calibration can be somewhat difficult. In theory, it should be carried out even before shipment, in production, and you should have a piece of paper between the nozzle and the printing table. If it doesn’t work, then hex keys will come in handy here. It will be necessary to try and tighten the screws at the corners of the table so that the sheet still passes. nine0003
At this stage, the first important shortcoming of this model becomes clear. The printing table is made of aluminum and does not have a special protective film or coating on it. So stock up on blue 3D printing tape or install glass right away. Otherwise, the table will wear out very quickly and you will have to change it.
Well, one more bug that got out in our particular case. The power supply burned out after 12 hours of use. Foaming it was not difficult, but it was very unpleasant. You can probably throw it off for marriage, but in any case, be prepared for a similar turn of events. nine0003
Construction and build quality of the Monoprice Select Mini
Very pleased with the build quality of the Monoprice Select Mini. The construction is strong, reliable, with a steel sheet metal case in which all the electronics are hidden. So don't worry about shipping damage.
This 3D printer uses deposition modeling technology. The classical Cartesian coordinate system is used. The design is similar to Printrbot Simple. One cooler is used to cool the nozzle. It is likely that problems may arise during 3D printing with unusual materials. nine0003
The extruder has a diameter of 0.4 mm and can be heated up to 230°C. We have not been able to test how easy it is to change, but in the long run this is an important factor as the nozzle will still need to be changed over time.
Monoprice Select Mini Print Quality
Pre-loaded models will already be on the micro SD card. They are supposed to be optimized for 3D printing on the Monoprice Select Mini. So before uploading our own models, we printed test ones. nine0003
The cat was printed first. The resolution was 200 microns. Everything went well until the last layers. The upper part of the paw and ears could not be printed even once. There were 3 attempts in total.
G-code analysis in Simlify3D shows that the table accelerates up to 55mm/s during the last layers. That is why the error was repeated. Quite a strange decision of the company - to provide a test model, which a priori will be printed with errors...
The second model that we printed is a test elephant. The resolution was also 200 microns and 10% infill. There were no problems! The result is excellent and you can see it in the photo below. nine0003
Next we moved on to our own models. We used Cura for slicing. This article reveals the excellent Cura settings for 3D printing on the Monoprice Select Mini and we used them.
We printed a classic 3DBenchy and Graphica model: a MEGA Ghost with 200 micron resolution and 10% infill, a V29 whistle with 200 micron resolution and 100% infill, and another 3DBenchy model with 100 micron resolution and 10% infill. nine0003
The simple 200 micron models worked well. There are no special problems with small protrusions and holes, although there are sagging. The layers are laid evenly along the X and Y coordinate axes.
The V29 whistle sounds as loud as intended, which means that the partitions were printed correctly. The Graphica Mega Ghost with its long tongue also printed correctly. The hinge glided smoothly. The
3DBenchy at 100 microns worked well too. When you look at the photo, don't forget that this is a $19 3D printer.9.
We have noticed that most errors in 3D printing occur when the spool of filament clings or there is not enough adhesive coating on the printing table. This cannot be attributed to the shortcomings of the Monoprice Select Mini itself, since this is a global problem for all FFF printers.
During operation, the print table may block access to the control wheel. This point is implemented in the design is not very ergonomic.
Another disadvantage is that the nozzle temperature has an error in the region of 5°C. For example, when the 3D printing temperature is set to 215°C, it jumps between 213°C and 217°C on the control panel. nine0003
This does not particularly affect printing with PLA plastics, but may have a negative effect during 3D printing with materials that are more sensitive to temperature changes.
Finally, we printed a Low Poly Moai bust. We scaled the model by 50% and printed with 100 micron settings and 30% infill. It turned out well on the whole, the only small marriage is the influx of material on the chin. By the way, we observed the same effect when printing 3DBenchy with resolution settings of 100 microns. nine0003
Life hacks and upgrades Monoprice Select Mini
A few words about upgrading the Monoprice Select Mini 3D printer. There are no official upgrades! But here are a few options that you can try to implement on your own.
In our opinion, it is necessary to deal with the temperature of the extruder, make it more stable.