However, if the target users of 3D printers are to change from amateurs to professionals, 3D printer manufacturers should also consider the matching of equipment performance and user professionalism when designing and producing equipment, and need to ensure more accurate printing accuracy, higher security and confidentiality.
Raise3D2 is such a desktop 3D printer that can meet the needs of enterprise users. As a first-time user, I would like to evaluate this 3D printer from the following aspects. The following is my evaluation summary:
Unpacking and guiding
I couldn't wait to open the box after receiving the equipment. In addition to equipment, I am also very concerned about what accessories will be in it: Raise3D contains two volumes of official consumables of the People's Liberation Army, detailed instructions for use, a 3mm feeler for calibration, a set of Allen keys, a pair of high-temperature gloves, a shovel, a tweezers, a USB, a needle, and some auxiliary parts on the equipment. They are all very practical tools in the post-printing process, which makes me feel that the manufacturer considers the user's printing experience very comprehensively and intimately.
After unpacking, it's the boot process. Raise3D2 is basically "out of the box". After placing the printer, you need to unscrew the fixing bolt, turn on the power supply and start the machine, and then you just need to follow the instructions on the screen step by step. The startup setup is very simple, and the whole basic setup takes about 20 minutes. It is worth mentioning that in addition to the text description, they can also play their own operation guidance videos on the screen. This setting is cool and makes my eyes shine.
When loading, it needs to be done manually. First, you need to unplug the feeding tube, and then start feeding. After the loading is completed, it is necessary to manually reinstall the material tube. This kind of manual operation makes me feel a little troublesome.
After the consumables are installed, the calibration can be started. First, it takes about 10 minutes to level the whole printing platform, and then it takes about 10-20 minutes to calibrate the X, Y and Z axes.
design highlights
From the functional design point of view, E2 has a dual-nozzle extrusion system, a touch screen, and supports WIFI connection. It can be used with ideaMaker, a slicing software independently developed by Raise3D, and RaiseCloud, a cloud management system. Both offices and university laboratories can meet the research and development needs.
From the design point of view, E2 has more printing space than a small desktop printer, but its simple design does not take up too much space. The fully enclosed design reduces the noise generated during printing, and can also support more materials that need high temperature printing. It is worth mentioning that E2 silo is designed on the side of the machine, which is concave, which not only facilitates printing, but also saves a lot of space.
Machine performance
As a professional printer designed for enterprise users, the performance of E2 can really meet this standard and meet the needs of most enterprise users.
1. Independent dual nozzle system (IDEX)
The first thing to mention is E2' s double nozzle system, where two independent nozzles are in the same horizontal position. This system is called IDEX, and two nozzles can work independently or print at the same time. Although this system is cleverly designed, it can only print two identical samples, so it can be mirrored or copied, and it is impossible to print two different models at the same time. But if you need batch print, the advantages of this system will stand out, which can help you greatly improve the printing efficiency.
Like other dual-nozzle systems, IDEX can print two consumables at the same time, and can print models of two colors or two materials.
2. Automatic leveling
This is a necessary function of almost all 3D printers with slightly better performance. Raise3D E2 has two leveling modes:
The traditional 9-point leveling will be automatically detected before each printing, or you can choose a more thorough 63-point leveling mode. This is an advanced system that I know. At present, I use the automatic leveling function of E2, and everything goes well without any other problems.
When it comes to printing platform, E2 can give me a good experience by magnetically fixing the flexible backplane. I think it is very convenient, the platform can be easily and accurately placed by magnetic attraction, the flexible bottom plate can be bent, and the printed matter can be easily removed.
3. Video-assisted offset calibration system
I have experienced many auxiliary offset calibration systems for 3D printers, but I have never experienced a 3D printer like E2, which has a full-color touch screen and can also play operation instruction videos. The whole calibration process is also very smooth. The official 3mm feeler gauge is used to calibrate the Z axis, and the calibration icon is used to calibrate the X axis and the Y axis.
4. Safety performance
As a device specially designed for enterprises and education, Raise3D E2 has the following important security features:
1) air filtration system: there is HEPA air filtration system on the back of E2, which can purify the odor generated by melting consumables during printing and ensure the air in the work area is fresh.
2) Door opening detection: If it is sensed that the door is not closed properly, the printer will automatically stop working, but if it is printing consumables that need heat dissipation, such as PLA, this function can be set to be disabled.
3) Power-off/material-off continuous printing: The printer also has the function of continuous printing, which will stop printing when power is off or consumables are exhausted. But as long as the power supply is restored or consumables are installed, the printer can continue the printing task that has just been completed.
5. User intuitive experience
When I use it, E2 gives me the greatest feeling that it is easy to operate. Whether it is the official slicing software, the cloud management system or the design on the printer, I have a good user experience.
My favorite is the full-color touch screen in the upper right corner of E2. This monitor has a large screen, high resolution and sensitive touch, and there are many videos of the basic operation of the printer to watch. I am very comfortable to use.
The system design of this screen control also makes me feel the intimacy of the manufacturer. On the touch screen, I can quickly set up printing and clearly see the progress of the printing task. In addition, the device can also transmit print files through USB, data cable and WiFi, which makes it easier to manage print tasks when many people use a printer together.
Computational performance
Raise3D2 runs smoothly and stably. I have been trying to print continuously for a week, and there is no paper jam during the operation of the equipment, and the printing quality is very stable. From this point of view, E2 can really meet the needs of enterprise users, because as a production tool, the stable operation of equipment is the basis of ensuring production quality and efficiency, which is very good.
print quality
After the printing test, I scored the following aspects of E2 printing quality, with a full score of 5:
1. Printing accuracy: 4 points.
Target 25 = X axis: 24.76mm/0.24mm error | Y axis: 24.76mm/0.24mm error.
Target 20 = X axis: 19.84mm/0. 16mm error | Y axis: 19.84mm/0. 16mm error.
Target 15 = X axis: 14.90mm/0. 10mm error | Y axis: 14.95438+0mm/0.09mm error.
Target 10 = X axis: 9.90mm/0. 10mm error | Y: 9.9 1mm/0.08mm error.
Target 5 = X axis: 4.94mm/0.06mm error | Y axis: 4.9 1mm/0.09mm error.
Average error in X axis direction = 0. 13.
Average error in Y axis direction = 0. 13.
Average error of X & ampy axis = 0. 13.
2. Flow control: 5 points
3. Negative spatial performance: 5 points
4. Suspension structure: 4 points
5. Bridging structure: 5 points
6.x-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis coordinates: 5 points (XY-axis consistency 2.5, Z-axis calibration 2.5)
The final score of E2 is 28 out of 30.
Evaluation summary
After a period of use, E2 gives me the greatest feeling that it runs stably and can meet the production needs of enterprise users. Looking at its pricing, it can be said that it is a professional-grade FDM/FFF 3D printer with high cost performance, which is also in line with the official positioning of Raise3D-a professional-grade 3D printer designed for small businesses and higher education. Therefore, E2 is more suitable for enterprise users than DIY enthusiasts in terms of configuration and price.
Judging from the printing quality, the printing accuracy of E2 is very high, and the quality of printed parts is also very stable.
From the user experience, E2 has simple operation, clear instructions and video guidance. The officially developed slicing software ideaMaker and the cloud management system RaiseCloud also make the printing task very convenient.
However, E2 also has some minor problems that users need to get familiar with gradually, such as manual loading. In addition, in the professional use scene, there is an important problem, that is, when using different materials, the nozzle needs to be replaced. E2: The process of replacing the nozzle is a little troublesome. I think it can be designed better.
Generally speaking, I think Raise3D2 is an efficient and stable cost-effective production tool, which meets the needs of enterprise users.