Despite being one of the lowest priced 3D printers on the market, the XYZprinting Da Vinci Jr. 3D printer has the capacity to provide quality results in a timely manner. This printer is a well-designed and highly intuitive machine that is easy to use. Designed to be used by individuals who may not have a high level of expertise when it comes to 3D printers, the Da Vinci 3D printer does not require initial calibration before its first use, meaning that it is ready to use right out of the box.
Some Minor Limitations
This machine does have its limitations, which should be expected at such an affordable price. The current model is only compatible with XYZPrinting proprietary filament spools. Additionally, the printer is also limited in the size of the objects it is able to produce. The size and appearance of the Da Vinci 3D printer is not indicative of its production capacity. Its small build platform is what limits the size of the objects it can produce.
The Da Vinci 3D printer is designed for the person or company that is on a budget and does not need large extravagant objects. When compared to other 3D printers, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000, it lacks some of the functionality that many have come to expect from 3D printers, but this should be expected at such a discounted price. The higher-priced printers are more complex machines that are not always easy to use, while the Da Vinci is an open and use machine that will require very little tweaking, if any at all.
Up and Running in No Time
When I tested the Da Vinci 3D printer, I immediately discovered that is was basically a scaled down model of the Da Vinci 1.0 AiO. This latest version does not have the scanning option; however, it does have the capacity to print directly from an SD card, which was not available on the 1.0. From that point forward, everything else about this printer in strikingly similar to its predecessor, including print speed, software, setup process and quality.
What was most pleasing about the testing process was the fact that I was able to get the printer up and running in under 10 minutes, which includes the time it took to unbox it. Although the process was highly intuitive and straightforward, it may be slightly challenging for someone who has never used a 3D printer before; however, the printer comes with a well-illustrated step-by-step guide that will walk them through the process.
The only thing that will need to be done once the Da Vinci 3D printer is removed from the box is to install the filament, which is included, and plug it into an electrical outlet.
No Complex Initialization Processes
Generally, 3D printing requires calibration, which is basically an alignment process, which can be immensely challenging, due to the fact that the operator must ensure that the surface of the platform is consistently at the ideal distance from the print-head’s nozzle. When this calibration process is not performed correctly, it limits the accuracy through which 3D objects are produced. The vast majority of 3D printers manufactured today require manual calibration before use. This calibration process is the greatest obstacle that an individual will face when attempting to get up and running; however, the Da Vinci 3D printer allows the user to completely bypass this process.
Looking past the small build platform, this printer is highly-functional and should be considered to be a solid investment for an individual or business that will be taken on small 3D projects that will not require the production of oversized objects.
I have a great deal of experience with 3D printers geared toward everyday consumers. I bought this model and am extremely impressed with the user-friendly interface and the quality of the projects that it produces. The printer is quiet during operation and features a SD card slot to build from external files. However, I did notice that the height of the z axis was not quite adjusted appropriately. Judging from other reviews, I suspect the problem is not uncommon. It took a little patience, but I managed to raise it to the correct level. My printer also required a firmware update. Nevertheless, in less than 15 minutes of unpacking the printer, I was able to start a project. The included software is workable despite being a tad bit slow. Alternatives are available for a price. Loading the filament was simple. The metal extruder is hot and will accept ABS. For the price, the device would be excellent for anyone desiring to start 3D printing.
I got this printer for my young adolescent daughter as a birthday present. I have a 3D printer that I constructed using a kit and have had my share of problems with the device. From my past experience, I did not have very high expectations. Needless to say my daughter was thrilled at the idea of having her own machine. Set-up was relatively straight forward and took around 15 minutes. I was amazed at the print quality.
I installed the software on her computer and she downloads projects onto a SD card and completes projects without my help. I plan on coaching her toward creating her own designs with the hopes of getting her interested in engineering. I don’t have a problem with the fact that the machine must use the company’s filament. At least the products function without issues. However, my daughter and I would prefer if more colors were available. I also would like to see printed manuals come with these machines instead of having to review the SD card. Otherwise, I am happy with the printer.
I bought this printer because I thought it was a great deal. It cost a fraction of the price of another machine that I own. Like others have found, the z offset needed recalibrating at first. After I made that simple adjustment, I have created at least one dozen projects without a problem. I attribute part of the success due to the specific type of filament that the Da Vinci requires. At least you do not have to adjust temperatures or make other adjustments that are often needed when using generic filaments. This is an ideal machine for someone looking to get their feet wet in 3D printing. My only misgiving with the device is that it does not come with a dual extruder, which limits the type of projects that you can build. The company also does not yet offer glow-in-the-dark or wood-like filaments.
I just bought one!!…….im looking forward to enjoying this adventure! your posts are encouraging to say the least! Thanks!
On my daVinci Jr the arm that carries the printhead drops about 0.5 MM from left to right. With the Z offset set for the center of the plate, the nozzle digs into the tape on the right side and the print head makes a bumping noise. To correct for the right sided drop of the arm, I use 3-5 layers of 2 inch wide green Frogtape on the left side of the printing plate, 2-3 layers on the middle and 0-1 layer on the right side. I cover the entire thing with five inch wide blue painter’s tape. The painter’s tape holds the item while building much better than the recommended tape and releases it when the build is finished. Now I get consistently good builds despite the droopy print head arm.
Horrible! Cheap, but that is to be expected from an inexpensive printer. The problem is the customer support. They claim 1-year warranty but will only do something in the first 30 days. Then they drag out the “troubleshooting” until it is past the period. It took 6 months before they admitted it was their problem and now won’t pay for it to be shipped back.
I have had mine for about 3 weeks as a first entry to 3D printing and I’m very happy with it for the price. If you accept the low resolution and don’t try to print anything too small or detailed it’s great value for money.
I have printed cases for electronic projects, novelties and gift boxes and so far have only had one fail to stick in about 30 print jobs. You get used to the idea you cannot print things like a 10mm thread, the low resolution deforms the roundness and squares off the objects when they are that small.
Now I’m just waiting for my SnapMaker to be delivered later this year and then I’ll pass on the Junior to someone else, meanwhile I will probably continue to use as I have since it arrived, printing something virtually every day.
For all those concerned about the lock-in to their filament, there is a widely available hack for the chips in the reels.