Comparison of top three <$1000 FDM personal 3D printers: 3D Systems-Cube, Flashforge-Finder and XYZ Printing-DaVinci 2.0
Article Highlights
For most personal 3D printing hobbyists, either for personal uses or educational/research purposes, the criterion of selection for an entry-level printer that fits within a reasonable budget (<$1000) might not always be obvious. When it comes to using a personal 3D printer, many factors can make a difference with its ease of use, its cost of operation, its printed part quality and its reliability.
Based on those important practical evaluation factors, this article will compare and rate the performance of three of top low-cost entry-level integrated 3D printers currently available on the market. The printers evaluated are:
- 3D Systems: Cube
- Flashforge: Finder
- XYZ Printing: DaVinci 2.0
Evaluation parameters
Choice of printers
The goal of this article is to compare, based on “down to Earth” user-focussed practical criteron, 3 of the top personal-class printers. In our choice of printers, we wanted to select printers that:
a) Are fully assembled and ready to use out of the box (no kits)
b) Priced > 500 USD and < 1000 USD
c) Ranked among most popular in major online marketplaces
d) Entry-level, adult-oriented printer
Choice of printed test part
Our goal was to test the capabilities of each printer on the same basis. We chose to print the same part on all three printers and evaluate them and compare the results.
The model chosen was a scaled model of the Eiffel Tower, which presents the following features:
a) Fits the print bed in one piece
b) Small but printable features (> 200um)
c) May be printed with or without supports
d) Single material
e) Challenging part, with small features
Choice of print settings
In order to be fair and being able to compare the print results, we have select a mid-range quality print settings. By default, we chose the following:
a) Supports: NO (adding supports only if print fails)
b) Infill: 15%
c) Resolution/layers: 0.2 mm
d) Rafts: YES
Choice of evaluation criterion
Overall, we evaluated the printers on 4 main criterion, broken down into a total of 17 sub-topics as follow:
For each topics, we used a maximum rating of 5.0, leading to an overal criteria weighted rating of a maximum of 5.0 . We will provide feedbacks on the main differentiators in the sections below and the overall evaluation below. If you want further details on our evaluation table, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Results
Based on those topics, we rated each of them, and found the following results:
Based on our evaluation of all three printers, the results shown represent well the overall “pain factor” experienced while trying to use each printers, from installation, to printing quick to complex parts, and dealing with the technical issues we encountered. The clear winner of those three is the Flashforge Finder, despite the fact that it only has one extruder for the price paid. It provides an easier and better user experience than the Cube or the Da Vinci 2.0. However, the Cube would be our recommendation for a dual extruder by FAR before the DaVinci 2.0. The Cube appears to be very well integrated and user friendly, and in theory it is. However, that level of integration comes at a cost of troubleshooting, spare part replacement as well as pricing.
The reality of personal 3D printers is not always as glamorous as most people might imagine. Personal 3D printing, primarily using FDM printers, are NOT the hassle-free, bug free, low maintenance and low effort endeavor that some might think when considering buying a printer based on the hype we all hear about everywhere. Let’s look more closely at a few practical contributor of the “pain factors”
Ease of Use
Let’s get this out of the way: FDM entry-level 3D printing is not an hassle-free hobby. For those tinkerers who are used to troubleshooting and doing iterating work, FDM 3D printing will probably be of less frustration. However, for those looking for an hassle-free tool to play around or use as a learning tool, be prepared to deal with “high maintenance” machines… Essentially, ALL current entry-level printers available on the market today present their own challenges and “pain factors”. Below, we will highlight those for the three printers evaluated (chosen for their “ease of use” potential).
Software UI
One important step in printing successful parts is to prepare the file for slicing. The UI software, which is specific to each printer manufacturer in this evaluation, makes a huge difference in the user experience. The basic features to look for are:
a) Automatic part placement and ability to easier move parts on the print platform
b) Handling of support structures (manual and automatic generation)
c) Color/Extruder selections for different part components
d) Scaling/View/Setting options
e) Intuitive interface
On this topic, the Flashforge Finder software, although basic, offers the best performance and superior user experience. Although the functions are very similar on all UIs, the Flashforge UI is basic, but functionally better and more user friendly than the XYZ UI and Cube Print. It provides slightly easier manual placement options, and faster saving and transfer time preparing a sliced print job. The biggest advantage is the handling and customization options of the supports, where the user can add/delete supports in an intuitive way.
The 3D Systems UI appears to be superior to the other two by its user-friendly look. There are automatic detection of materials, and has been optimized for best user experience with file library, file saving options, viewing options, etc. However, in practice, the Cube print software offers little to no flexibility, and does not offer any of the basic functions present on all other competing software (such as “land on platform”, editing of supports, Z-axis move options, etc.). Connectivity may also be “glitchy” sometimes, and file transfer is quite long, especially via WiFi.
The XYZ UI is a simple hack into the RepRap open-source legacy control software, and offer a very manual and clunky way to interface with the printer, especially when it comes to positioning the part assembly components.
Remember: No matter how the file is transferred to the printer, all printers require a “sliced” g-code file with a file extension that is specific to each manufacturer. It is essential to go through the printer software to generate this file, and ensure viability of the print (no errors in the STL file).
Connectivity
One convenient feature of the Cube and Flashforge is the capability to print wirelessly, leaving behind the need for file copy/paste/transfer from the computer to the printer. The 3D Systems Cube Print App for mobile devices is admittedly a “cool factor”, but in reality, it is only for monitoring, and not for file preparation or print controls. It is useful for office use to have remote update on the printer status. The XYZ printer can only be operated using a USB-connected computer. No matter which printer, once the file is transfered to the onboard printer memory, the computer is no longer required to be connected to the printer.
Start up process
We asked a beginner user to start the process from scratch, unpack, install and print the test part on all three printers. Given the provided instructions, the printer that presented the easiest operations, with minimum tinkering was the Flashforge by far. Despite its well packaged casing and hardware, the Cube presented challenges with the cartridges which had clogging problems.
The build plate leveling is another important part of all FDM printers. Although all three printers require manual plate leveling after auto-detection sensing (Cube = optical sensing, XYZ and Flashforge = mechanical sensing), the Flashforge was the fastest and easiest to adjust. The worst by FAR is the XYZ requiring a very lengthy process of iteration between adjustment and auto-detection.
The filament loading/replacement process is also important. Both the XYZ and Flashforge use drive gear to clamp and push the filaments thru the heated nozzle. The loading and unloading for those two printers are easy and very similar.
The 3D systems cartridge includes their own drive gear and print nozzle. The “head” located in the printer merely heats up the metallic head, which twists and locks in place. This is quite convenient and “slick”. However, the small prints in the downloadable user manual will say to ensure proper removal and loading of the cartridge. If not, it may damage the cartridge. Beware! It is possible to fix clogged cartridge (see YouTube clips for example), but the level of integration of those cartridge pose a real serviceabilty issue.
Overall, all three are fairly convenient. We evaluate that the added convenience of the Cube print nozzle is mitigated by the high probability of clogging or damage during the loading/unloading process.
TIP: A good trick to ease the initial loading of filaments into drive gear-based extruders is to cut the tip of the filament at 45deg to help the filament reach the hot part of the extruder nozzle (V-shaped).
Interface screen
A clear advantage and convenience is provided by the touchscreens. Although a little small, the Cube touchscreen works very well, with a full color display. Next is the Flashforge touchscreen that offer the same convenience, with simpler colors. The XYZ menu LCM display is very basic, but functional.
Printing process
To initiate a print, the time required to prepare the file (load, slice), save the files, transfer them, prepare the printer, wait for the nozzle(s) to heat up, up to the start of the print job, there is no significant difference between the three printers. The software of the XYZ printer fails the slicing or transfer more often, so it is definitely a pain factor contributor. However, all of them can launch a print job within 10–20mins, depending if new filaments needs to be loaded or plate re-leveled.
a) 3D Systems Cube printing
b) Flashforge Finder printing
c) XYZ Printing Da Vinci 2.0 printing
Remember: Always ensure to keep kids away from the heated extruder nozzles. Many 3D Printers, although claimed to be kids-friendly, have an open architecture frame, and can be harmful due to the exposed >200oC nozzle tips, as well as to the heated print platform.
Cost of Ownership
Pricing (Printer & Materials)
As we were considering only “budget printers” of <$1000 USD, we picked 2 out of 3 printers which offer dual extruders. Although “pricing” needs to be associated with “value”, it is important to note that although the 3D Systems Cube presents a much higher level of integration and user friendly “packaging”, it is significantly more pricy, for basically similar printed part quality.
Another important topic impacting the overall cost of ownership is the cost of the spare parts and materials. One of the BIG annoyance is how the printer manufacturers spend significant effort to “locked in” their customers for part and material purchases. XYZ Printing even has reportadly “sabotaged” the printers when non-factory filament cartridge are detected. On the sourcing flexibility, Flashforge is clearly more advantageous by being compatible with third party material vendors.
Remember: In choosing a printer, it is important to consider the “sourcing options”, compatibility and quality of the replacement materials. This applies to spare parts as well. Undoubtedly, both materials and spare parts will be required sooner or later.
Although the performance of the XYZ Da Vinci 2.0 printer is not ideal, it is among the cheapest dual extruder printers available. We evaluate that, for the overall entry-level value/price ratio is superior with the Flashforge Finder.
Value
The value offered by each printer is the main reference when considering the price of the unit. The 3D Systems Cube wins the value added on several topics. Mainly, its flexibility on the material options, fairly large print volume, its unbeatable compact footprint, topped by a 70μm fine layer thickness.
Note that in practice, for entry-level printers, the key value points are mostly associated to the flexibility to print different and several materials. The resolution (layers) and build volume between those 3 printers are not really a major value differentiator.
Quality
Printed parts
Ultimately, it all comes down to the printed parts. Depending on the user, one might enjoy more tinkering than another. In the end, the goal is to print the best possible parts. As such, the part finish, fine feature resolution and printability, and yield of the prints will make the real difference. Using similar print settings on all three printers (see note below), and admitting that the Eiffel Tower is a challenging part to print due to its high level of details, we find that the Flashforge yield better part quality with sharper details, fewer layer marks, as well as less (to none) print failures.
It is important to note that the 3D System Cube features a fine print mode with 70μm layer thickness, which does bring a better level of resolution.
Also important to note that no matter the print settings and scaling factor used, the XYZ Printing was not able to successfully print the full Eiffel Tower due to structural print failure.
Reliability
Based on our experience, the Flashforge Finder presented no issue during long prints. Spare parts replacement is made easy and relatively cheap, although you might need to wait a little since most parts come from China. The print platform keeps its leveling for several prints.
The 3DS Cube printer itself worked reliably. The main issues come from the integrated extruder and nozzle filament cartridges. If one is not careful while loading and unloading them, it might clog or the filament might break into the feeding channel. Repairing the cartridge is possible, but it requires some “MacGyvering” and “know-how”. Many repair instructions videos are available on Youtube.
The XYZ Printing DaVinci 2.0 was difficult to produce successful long prints. Either because of part delamination from the platform, or extruder clogs, or structural defects forming while printing, it required more attention, and a lot more iterations. The software is NOT optimized for Mac iOS, especially for multicolor print setup. It also often fails during slicing. Beware!
Noise
It might sounds irrelevant to talk about noise, but since those printers are destined to be housed either in a lab, classroom or at home, the noise level experienced during the printing process might be of real interest. Without getting all technical about the noise measurement, the key factors influencing the noise levels are:
a) Frame/casing of the printer and built-in dampening
b) Servo motors, drivers, and gears/straps
c) Cooling fan
Having an opened architecture does not favor noise dampening, but does present some level of convenience. It was surprising to hear how quiet the Flashforge is while printing. At the opposite side of the spectrum, the Cube is quite noisy due ot its fan, but also due to its plastic casing amplifying the movements and noise for of the stage and motors. The enclosure surrounding the XYZ Printing DaVinci 2.0 does help slightly, but comes close to the noise level of the Cube.
Remember: It is always safer to keep the 3D Printer is a well ventilated area/room in order to avoid accumulation and inhalation of toxic fumes. When printing PLA, this concern is not as relevant as for the printing of ABS. Remember what your parents told you about burning plastics… ;-)
SUMMARY
Overall, for single extruder printers of < 1000USD, the Flashforge Finder is definitely a good option for a minimum “pain factor” and good quality of prints. It only has, however, a single extruder (one material per print).
For a double extruders printers, for the same budget range, the 3D Systems Cube is our recommendation, based on its level of integration and overall quality of printer.
Remember: Entry-level FDM 3D printers are NOT hassle-free. Be prepare to tinker with materials/cartridges, spare parts (e.g. extruders, feeder, etc.), file preparation and software.