The Delta Pro is my second 3D printer and my first delta style printer. After using it for roughly two weeks I have to say I am very impressed with this machine. The setup was super easy despite the size of the machine. The only hangup I had was threading the filament past the drive wheel but after I snipped the filament to a point it slid right in and I was ready to print.
The print quality is fantastic and it's able to churn out great prints twice as fast as my older Cartesian. The glass printing plate is a breeze to clean and after applying a light layer of glue everything adheres like a dream.
The only thing I would say to someone not familiar with printing is that the Monoprice slicer, although great once you get used to it, is a bit a bear when you are learning it.
All and all I think this a great printer for anyone looking to print larger models or just looking for a workhorse that can pump out prints faster a Cartesian.
The printer came out of the box ready -- i had to connect the magnetic arms and run the auto level and it was able to start printing. Started with the software that Monoprice provided on the website. It is a rehash of KisSlicer. The setting seem pretty dialed in and it worked pretty easily. I also tested Cura a little bit which works well. Had to tinker around with some of the Cura settings, but got it dialed in pretty quickly. Hopefully they release a profile for Cura.
So far I have been able to push up to around 200mm/s on print speed at .2mm layer heights. It cooks! Super fun to test around with. Increasing the speed on the machine seemed to present better results than increasing the speed in the slicer, but that's likely my fault (I probably missed something in the slicer).
My favorite was to test at .05mm layer height. The layering is precise and beautiful. A simple 20mm calibration cube showed nearly no layering at all. I actually started printing at .15mm, it seems to still have the really tight layers but much faster. That is what I'm using for the majority of my prints, especially the ones I am air brushing.
The only negative is that if you try to go faster than .2mm at 200mm/s, it can't keep up. The drive gear is not ideal, and could probably benefit from adding a Volcano extruder from E3D or something if attempting to print at those speeds (it would make sense, its capable on the hotend side). I haven't experimented. Of course, that is only an issue when i'm trying to print hyper speed (not really what i'm shooting for most of the time). If you are just looking for quality, the 60mm/s 0.15mm layer height is beautiful and can get the job done fast.
When i first reviewed this printer I had a 1 star rating due to customer service (I was having issues with first layer). Although Monoprice has still never replied to my email Atom3dp reached out to me and took the time to help me out with my issue. Great guys over there. This will be my up to date review as of today
Disclaimer: I have only printed PLA on this thing so far.
Pros:
1: Quiet
2: Solid construction
3: Auto level
4: Heated glass bed
5: Well engineered
6: Looks great in my office
7: Adjustable settings during print
Cons:
1: Absolutely needs a spool spinner, otherwise filament just slides on bare metal making the extruder work overtime. (Heres a fix- https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3559759)
2: I have one spot on my printer that always seems to struggle. Weird but not something that stops me from having great prints.
3: Vibrates alot, need to think of a way to dampen it. (sits on my desk)
4: Sometimes have to restart because USB wont read. Restart has always fixed this.
5: My electricity bill is now a bad boy... (heated bed mostly)
I bought the premium version of the KISSlicer, usually works great. On occasion does weird stuff, rarely but extremely odd. lol
Overall this printer is pretty awesome. I had a big dilema with bad prints because i was using the scott blue shop towels which apparently leave some sort of invisible residue on the glass surface screwing up your first layer like crazy. But once i started to use plain white napkins with the rubbing alcohol my printer began to behave again.
So if you ask me... i would buy it again ;) would buy 10 if i had a use for 10 xD
Did research about delta-style 3D printers for months.... while I found the Atom 2.5FX Delta 3D Printer and almost pull the trigger, I contact its sale representative Mike, and he recommended the Monoprice Delta Pro, which is the re-branded version of Atom 3 Lite. Similar to other 3D printers, which require some calibrations before printing, and this Delta Pro's auto bed leveling and nozzle offset took less than a few minutes...and ready to rock_N_roll!!!
The provided KISSLicer slicing program is quite straight forward to use, I do, however, still interested to try the Cura with full Delta Pro profile setting.
Overall, its the virtually zero-headache Delta style 3D printer on current market. $1300 might seems something not hobbyist-friendly... but based on its large print volume (Dia 270mm x 300mm), glass printbed, filament sensor, and tough constructions, you won't be disappointed.
FYI, Atom is developing the dual nozzles module for Atom 3 Lite, hope Monoprice will also be selling this module officially.
This is my second 3d printer (other is a Makergear 3SE). It printed right out of the box and the print quality is outstanding. It is extremely quiet, and probably twice as fast as my Cartesian 3D printer. I printed an object 9" high, and saw no indications of any missed steps or artifacts in the print, with a max speed set at 90 mm/sec. I think it can easily go higher than this.
I used Simplify3d as my slicer, using the Atom2.5EX FFF file, with some tweaks (dimensions, changed PLA temp to 205C nozzle, 65C bed).
The controller is a LerdgeX. The GUI is extremely fast and responsive, and intuitive once you learn what the symbols mean. Some of the online reviews criticized the GUI functionality, but I find it very straightforward.
The printer is advertised as having WiFi. I strongly suggest you DON'T even try to set it up. Once you connect it to your network, it creates a second unprotected WiFi network of its own, which undoubtedly leaves a wide open path into your network. Could not get any web based GUI to function (it just gives you a logon screen, could not find the password even on the controller manufacturer's website). The iPhone app for it is mostly written in Chinese.
I bought this because it was designed/built by Atom, who makes the high quality Atom2.5EX printer. This printer has larger dimensions, but does not have the linear rails like the Atom does.
Feature Product
- Auto bed level: no longer will you have to chase the perfect bed level using hex keys & feeler gauges. The new auto bed leveling system allows you to spend less time getting that perfect print started
- Extra large build volume: the extra large, 270 x 300 mm build volume lets you make full prints of models that would otherwise need to be printed separately and assembled afterward
- All metal construction: all structural parts and parts related to printing are constructed with metal, fitting together with no room for unwanted movement or warping from external forces
- Auto pid tuning: the ambient temperature of your environment affects your print. Maintain consistent temperatures during printing by taking advantage of built in pid tuning
- Fully assembled quiet performance: the delta pro ships fully assembled & ready to print out of the box, so you can spend more time printing & less time prepping. The printer operates at less than 50Db
Description
The delta Pro 3D printer is simple, elegant, powerful, and robust created for the enthusiast and professional alike. It is easy to use with auto bed leveling, heated plate, and WiFi built in and can be assembled in 30 minutes or less. It is built with reliability in mind using quality Japanese and German components, machined effector plate, magnetic effector arms, and machined hot end. Accuracy is key with its glass plate, build volume, and robust main board. The delta Pro 3D printer stands in a Class of its own for the makers who want stunning quality, speed, and ease of use.