When professional quality prints are the goal, then a secure base and steady printer may be essential. The SUNLU S8 promises better stability than other 3D printers with a sturdy metal frame and gantry style to open up the print area without compromising strength. The large print surface gives users a wider range of objects to print with a 400-millimeter tall limit. We dip into the specifics of this model below.
SUNLU S8 Technical Attributes
- Max Print Size: 310 millimeters by 310 millimeters 400 millimeters
- File Format: OBJ, STL, and AMF
- Supported Filament Types: PLA, HIPS, ABS, Wood, and PETG
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 millimeters
- Printer Speed: 20 to 100 millimeters per second
- Extruders: One
- Extruder Diameter: 0.4 millimeters and the printer will accept 0.2 and 0.3 millimeters nozzle
- Printing Plate: Heated glass
Design
At first glance, this printer is sleek and modern. The large black frame is commanding with an open bed and overhead print mechanism. A gantry style opens up the printing space to give users more capacity for builds. Professionals, kids, adults of all ages, and hobbyists alike can create wider and taller objects to suit medical builds, 3D modeling, commercial molds, games, toys, decor, and architectural models.
The flat bottom houses a plastic panel with an LCD display and settings front and center. An encasement houses the wires that control the large overhead arm that directs the filament along the XYZ axis. The power supply is out of the way of the moving parts and the location keeps the arm more stable. Perforations in the sides of the electrical housing keep the units cool. The weight of the electrical components stays close to the frame, minimizing horizontal movement even as the printer operates at the highest speeds.
At slightly under 35 pounds, this machine is not too heavy to fit on a work table or standard desk. Understandably, the more secure the base, the steadier the arm will remain when printing. Matte black screws add strength to the design, stiffening the frame and minimizing vibrations.
T-shape frame connections add more stability to keep the tall frame from moving. The metal frame pieces and threads keep the gantry frame tight from top to bottom. All the pieces work together to reduce tiny movements that cause imperfections in the final product.
The glass print bed sits above the display, allowing the user to look between both areas quickly. The smooth, clean material provides an excellent surface for many filament types. The shovel and pliers make it easy to remove projects from the glass. With the overhead extruder, a 360-degree sightline of the print object gives users a full view of the project. Leveling the bed is more convenient for amateurs because of the massive nut that turns by hand. The contoured design makes it more comfortable to operate the leveler.
Printing Performance
The SUNLU S8 is versatile and simple to learn how to use. This printer is excellent for beginners and professionals because of the ease of use and dependable production capabilities. Users can print anything from models to decor to adapters and braces. Individuals can print objects via USB cable, stick, or memory card allowing for offline use.
The most prominent printing feature is the three axis stops that limit the movement of the print head, keeping it incredibly stable. The dual-Z system stays fully in sync, adding to the bed-leveling capabilities. The stiff frame, wire encasement, and power supply cover keep the power mechanisms from throwing off the accuracy of the printer head.
The acceptable operating area for using the printer is anywhere in the range of 20 to 100 millimeters per second. To get the best quality object, SUNLU recommends using a maximum print speed of 50 millimeters per second. Although projects may take three to four times as long to create as other models on the market, the final product is much more accurate with the SUNLU S8 printer.
This model uses a broad range of filament types. PLA is the most common material for use in this printer. It comes with a roll of SUNLU filament. Buyers can also use wood, HIPS, or ABS filaments in this unit. Since this is a single extrusion model, the user will need to know how to clean out the nozzle when switching materials to remove any small particles. Any leftover filament can cause flaws in the next print object.
SUNLU S8 printer owners will not have to worry about power glitches and outages affecting the final print. This machine detects power disruptions and changes. It pauses the printing process until the power comes back on. The printer resumes creating the project with no overlaps or holes. SUNLU says the print quality is within 0.01 millimeters.
The 0.4-millimeter extruder connects to filament detection software that pauses the printer head when the material is ready to run out. The halt feature prevents problems with temperature fluctuations and feed amounts. When turning on the machine, it will heat up to 80 degrees Celsius within two minutes. At a full five minutes, the printer reaches 110 degrees Celsius and is ready to operate.
Packing and Assembly
This printer arrives in a stiff cardboard box with protective fillers to keep the materials safe. When opening the package, the user will find it is almost completely intact. It only takes six screws to get the printer ready to power up. The gantry frame is easy to connect to the glass bed with a screwdriver and a solid table with plenty of room. Metal blocks in the form of t’s and square nuts attach with the screws to secure the overhead frame in place. Set up only takes a few minutes.
Users will get a roll of SUNLU filament to start using the machine immediately. When the power cord is in the electrical outlet, then it is time to connect a device via USB cable or by inserting a memory card. Set the machine to preheat with the knob at the lower right of the LCD screen on the front of the base. Getting the unit to full heat will take approximately five minutes. The printer will create objects as high as 400 millimeters tall and 310 millimeters wide and long.
Materials inside the box
- One roll of SUNLU filament – PLA
- SD card
- USB connection cord
- Filament support pieces
- Glue stick
- Cable ties
- Pliers and shovel
- Heavy-duty screws
- Square nuts
- 95 percent metal frame in two pieces – glass base and gantry frame
SUNLU Support
SUNLU offers consumers a one-year limited warranty on this printer. Customer support and help from technical advisors available for assistance setting up the machine or for users having difficulty operating it. Consumers generally say this printer is a snap to put together and operate. A few people mention issues reaching customer support, however, the consensus is positive.
SUNLU S8 Review – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Heated glass bed makes removing objects a breeze and ensures a consistent print surface
- Contoured large knob for leveling the printer minimizes user input making evening out the bed less difficult
- Massive print area for tall or wide objects
- Electrical component houses wires and power generator against the frame for more stability
- Durable, metal frame will not warp and provides added strength to the printer to keep it from moving when using top speed
- Gantry-style structure keeps the print area open for large objects
- Power interruption sensors
- XYZ stops prevent the unit from hitting the ends of the frame disrupting evenness
- Filament missing or broken alert
Cons
- Some print objects may turn out brittle when creating intricate objects
- Printer is loud for some users and causes a metallic ring as it operates
- Some buyers experience issues with the SD card and snapping or not fitting the slot correctly
- Springs are not high-quality allowing for regular breaks unless users upgrade to better ones
- Online forums offer very little help to many buyers looking for additional information outside of SUNLU customer support
Verdict
Overall, this SUNLU S8 review uncovers a durable printer for producing several copies of the same thing. Using the PLA filament is likely the best bet to get the machine to heat and extrude material evenly and accurately. Changing out materials often seems to cause more issues than sticking with one type. The one-knob leveling system is simple for young users and beginners learning how to set up and operate and 3D printer.
The print head can leak or clog on this model, creating the need to buy extra nozzles or adjust the temperature. Users appreciate the glass heating bed. However, some buyers find they end up with refurbished products rather than new items. This model is an affordable printer that offers high-quality products and mass printing capabilities for novices and professionals. The wide range of objects it can print is amazing. The machine lets users watch the project from start to finish, minimizing the chance of defects and problems.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
