Review Zortrax M-200
The Zortrax M200 is a high-quality (but not exactly cheap) 3D printer that is user-friendly and easy to assemble. When we conducted the All3DP test, we found that we were able to start the printing process quickly, because printer assembly was simple and didn’t take long. We liked the print results: Across the board, the ABS prints were high in quality, detailed and clean. The system is almost as easy as plug & play. In the following are the results of our test run, including a few shortcomings.
The test printer has been provided by iGo3D.
Key test results
1. Unboxing and Assembly 2. Software 3. Calibration / Printing 4. Summary / Data
1. Unboxing
The Zortrax M200 started out as a Kickstarter project and, by 2013, had already brought in US $179,471. The assembled printer looks large (345 x 360 x 430 mm/13.6 x 14 x 17 in) and heavy ‒ but it “only” weighs 13 kilos (about 28.5 lbs). When you lift the printer out of the box, the first thing you notice is its good design and the high quality with which it was built. The black frame made of metal is sturdy and compact ‒ nothing wobbles or is flimsy. The weight of the printer keeps it firmly in place. Our test printer came partially assembled; though, even beginners should have no problem putting it together.
Items included in the shipment
In addition to the printer, you’ll find several other important parts in the box:
You’ll notice the power cable right away, but it’s somewhat short. We had to use an extension cord for our test run. A filament spool holder (orange) and filament guide. The perforated build plate (platform) has a “Wear safety gloves!” warning label on it ‒ and rightly so, because it gets hot during the printing process. To avoid getting burned, you should always wear the safety gloves, which are also included in the shipment. When you’re calibrating the build plate, you’ll be happy to have them. Safety glasses are also provided to protect your eyes. A real plus is the SD card with a compatible USB SD card reader ‒ also part of the shipment. This makes subsequent printing much easier and additional equipment unnecessary. There is also an array of helpful tools: Allen Keys, cutting knife and scalpel, spatula, nozzle key & needle, pliers and tweezers. However, there is no USB cable (but everybody probably has one at home anyway), and there are no side covers to ensure even heat distribution; both have to be additionally purchased.
The M200 is robust and delivers high-quality results.
On one side of the printer is a USB port for direct data transfer.
The Z-ABS filament is biodegradable.
Shipments include an SD card and a compatible USB SD card reader.
One of the few parts that need to be mounted is the filament holder.
The perforated plate transmits the temperature through the holes very well.
Shipments include an SD card and a compatible USB SD card reader.
Among the various tools is also a spatula, which you’ll really need.
Assembly
The Quick Start instructions make assembly a quick matter. You have to first install the build plate (platform). The two flat ribbon cables need to be connected to the plate, then the plate goes on the respective holder. Since it is magnetic, it snaps in easily and tightly.
On the back of the printer you’ll find an opening for the filament spool holder. The filament spool is placed on the holder, allowing the printing material to roll off counterclockwise. The filament guide is mounted in another opening ‒ this part is fairly small and can get lost easily, but it can be printed out again if lost. Now you have to feed the filament through the tube, which is then attached to the filament guide.
Your Zortrax is just about ready to go now. All that’s left to do is turn it on, select the “load new filament” option from the printer menu and wait until the extruder is heated to the right temperature. This takes a little while. The next step is then to load the filament into the extruder, from the top. Push the tube into the holder so that the filament is able to roll off the spool during the printing process. Done! Your printer is ready for its first print job.
Our evaluation
The design of the M200 is appealing and fits on most desks. The high quality with which the printer was built is worth mentioning. We did, however, discover two minor shortcomings, the short power supply cable and the fact that there are no side covers ‒ needed to ensure a more even distribution of temperature on the heatbed ‒ and that you have to additionally purchase them for US $95. We feel that, at nearly $2,000, these should be included in the price as well.
Especially nice: You can download spare parts from the manufacturer’s website and print them out on the M200. The assembly can be done quickly, in just a few steps; beginners should find it easy as well. The brief instructions “Quick Start” with straightforward illustrations are easy to understand and just the right sort of introduction to get you started on your first print job. If you have any questions, you can go to the forums and support section on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Software
You can easily import your own models.
Next step: Now you download the “Z-Suite” from the Zortrax website. While there are some models that you can’t create with Z-Suite, the ready-made virtual model can be optimally prepared for 3D printing.
In order to install the software, you will need to enter the serial number found on the bottom of the printer. When we tried to start the software on a Mac, the system crashed. We were unable to start the software on two different MacBooks. The Windows version on the other hand worked just fine.
The software is clearly structured and easy to use.
After starting the software, you have to select your printer version; this only has to be done once. To do this, go to “Information” on the printer menu. You can upload a ready-made model by clicking the add object button or by using the drag & drop option. The file formats supported are .stl, .obj and .dxf. You can use the rotate, move, resize and zoom in and out options for various views of your imported model and make adjustments. If you want to copy a model, select an object and press CRTL + C keys.
The “Print Settings” function offers you a few additional options to adapt the printing process to your specific needs.
If a model is too large for the workspace, you can split it anyway you like, but then two printing processes will be necessary.
Once the model has been arranged to your liking, select your printing preferences in “Print Settings.” For our test run, we specified material to be used, layer thickness, speed, infill and the support angle (default angle is 20°); the “auto” option was a good choice for the fan speed.
Then you get a print preview depicting the various print components. You can opt to preset a pause to hold printing at any particular point during the process. After that, the virtual model is converted into .zcode format and saved to the hard drive of the computer. The digital file is transferred via USB and the SC card. Even though the Wi-Fi option is included in the printer menu, it currently leads nowhere ‒ Zortrax will be adding this option soon.
Our evaluation
The Z-Suite is designed to prepare the virtual 3D model for printing. It is easy to use and works very well. Models obtained online and software that you’ve created can be easily imported and converted into the appropriate format. The user interface is straightforward and is easy for beginners to navigate as well. If you have additional questions, there are more detailed instructions on the manufacturer’s website. A big problem is the fact that the software didn’t work on the Mac.
3. Calibration and printing
You want to read the final pieces of this great review? Head over to all3dp.com and get our final conclusions!
Originally published at all3dp.com on February 20, 2015.
