If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced, plug and play 3D printer, the Monoprice Voxel is one to consider. This enclosed 3D printer gives you a good amount of high-end perks for a bargain. Let’s take a look at the specs:
Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer Technical Specifications:
- Build Area: 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm
- File Types: 3MF, STL, OBJ, X3G
- Software: MP Flashprint, Slic3r, Skeinforge, Cura
- Connectivity: USB, WiFi, Ethernet
- Filament Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Exotics
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Print Speed: 60 mm per sec, up to 100 mm per sec
- Print Bed: heated, removable, auto assisted leveling, flexible
- Nozzle: Bowden
- Nozzle Diameter: .40 mm
- Camera: Internal build monitoring
- Screen: 2.8″ LCD Screen
Design & Features of the Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer
If you’re new to the 3D printer experience, the Voxel is a great entry into the realm. It’s easy to use right out of the box. It’s a sturdy piece of machinery that doesn’t take up too much room and it’s an enclosed 3D printer too. Having an enclosed build area is a great feature to protect all of the moving parts, and especially the filament as it’s being passed through the extruder.
The extruder is another brilliant feature that’s replaceable. The nozzle pops out easily and the spare nozzles can be purchased on the company’s website for a very reasonable price. There’s also an automated filament feed option available. It moves a bit slow, and take note that there isn’t a reversal of the filament feed tube. You have to remove any clogs or jams manually while changing the filament. The printer is able to let you know when filament is running low, will pause the build, and resume after you reload a new spool.
The filament holder is on the side of the printer and it’s in an enclosed compartment as well. Space is a bit cramped and won’t hold larger spools. The printer will print using PLA, ABS, PETG, and some other exotic filaments. With the print bed being heated and removable, it’s easier to print builds with ABS compared to other printers in this price range. It gets good adhesion and when the job is finished, you can take the print bed out, bend it slightly, and peel the build off of it.
The printer can receive files from the USB, but the most enhanced option is using the Voxel firmware over WiFi. You can find the printer’s IP address in the settings by navigating through the small LCD screen. Some users have noted the IP address changes every time the printer is shut off and powers back on, but as long as your network can connect to the address, printing is easy.
Printing over WiFi is easily done by connecting with the Polar Cloud service. It’s free to use and allows you to control and monitor the builds of the printer. Once you’ve synced to your Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer, you can look at the builds happening via the internal camera. You can send print files over the app and you no longer have to fuss with SD cards.
Overall, this Monoprice review shows some of the versatility of the compact printer. The small LCD screen can give you some difficulty, but using the Polar Cloud service app should eliminate the bulk of those issues.
Printing with the Monoprice Voxel
The print quality is decent with this printer. It’s fairly quiet, and the enclosed area helps muffle the machine’s noises. It prints best at 60 mm per second, and the plastic cover opens in the front for you to remove and insert the print bed as necessary. ABS prints very well with little issues on the overhangs. The build area could use some venting since it’s fully enclosed.
While this feature may not be the most impressive, it shows Monoprice is paying attention to details. Once you load the Voxel firmware it automatically converts your STL file icons into miniature 3D renderings of the file. That certainly saves time from opening a file, you normally wouldn’t be able to see, and simply scroll to the one you’re looking for.
Looking Inside the Package
There isn’t any real assembly required. All you have to do is open the box, plug it in, load your filament, and print your first build. Even though it doesn’t take much to put the printer together, you get a few things in the box with it.
What comes in the box?
- 1 x Monoprice Voxel 3D printer
- 1 x spool filament
- 1 x AC power cord
- 1 x Allen wrench
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x unclogging tool
- 1 x package grease
- 1 x thank you card
- 1 x User’s manual
Customer Service and Support
With every brand new printer purchase, Monoprice offers refunds and replacements within the first 30 days after purchase. Once that time lapses, there is a one-year extended warranty that covers manufacturer defects. Don’t expect a repair or replacement for items that have clearly been tampered with or products that have been modified as it voids the warranty.
The website claims to offer a team of support with its tech individuals to help you through any troubleshooting issues and even purchasing the product. However, some customers have noted that it takes a long time to get a response from the customer service team. What the website does offer at your fingertips is a wealth of topics that you can peruse at your leisure. You’ll be able to find the 3D Printing FAQs & Videos on the following:
- Common Issues
- Accessories and Filament Helpful Guides
- Manuals and Quickstart Guides
You’ll also find that refurbished products purchased from the company are covered by the warranty as well. It’s only for 90 days, but you’re still eligible for the 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Pros & Cons of the Monoprice Voxel
Pros:
- The print quality is good with ABS filament for this price range of printers.
- It’s mostly quiet, prints fast at its 60 mm per second, and it’s easy to use.
- The nozzle replacement is available and easy to perform. The replacements can be purchased online and are better to buy ahead of time to have on hand.
- The automatic filament feeder is a bit slow, but it makes the printing process more hands-off.
- The printer connects to the Polar Cloud Service app via WiFi that allows you to send files to the printer without any tethering.
- The heated and flexible print bed provides great adhesion and easy removal of y=builds off the plate.
Cons:
- The slicer software that can be used with the printer can be clunky and annoying to use.
- The spool space is just under 200 mm, so larger rolls of filament, like the 500g rolls, won’t fit and let the compartment close.
- The IP address is very difficult to get to and other users report that the printer’s IP address changes every time the machine is powered off and back on.
Verdict
Hopefully, you’ll find this Monoprice review helpful in making a decision on whether to buy this printer. The Voxel 3D printer is easy to use and one of the better plug and play printers at this lower-level price point. With little assembly required, it helps ease the difficulties you might run into navigating the small LCD screen, firmware, and ability to find the printer’s IP address. Overall, it’s a good buy for beginners, classrooms, and offices.
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
