In this 3D printer comparison, we will be looking at the top three printers on the market today, and a budget 3D printer. The first one is the Makergear M2, the third generation of 3D printer from Makergear’s US manufacturer. The second printer to compare, is the FlashForge Creator Pro, the second generation of 3D printers for FlashForge.
The third printer to compare is the Ultimaker 2, by a European company. It is the second generation for them. The original Ultimaker is still sold as a DIY kit and they advertise it as totally hackable. The UP Mini is a printer originating from China, and will be our budget printer review.
What Are 3D Printers?
The difference between printers, will commonly be in the size of the build area, the material it can use and the printing speed. Most will have heated platforms and some are easier to use compared to others.
The prices will vary greatly from around $500 for a budget or low end version to over $6,000 for a high end personal use, plug and play model. For professional/commercial 3D printers, the high
end models will top off at around $185,000.
What Are The Price Comparisons?
The Makergear M2 retail price starts at $1,475.00 and is recommended for intermediates and professionals. The FlashForge Creator Pro starts at $1,349.00 and is suggested for intermediates. The Ultimaker 2 starts at $2,500 and our budget model, the UP Mini, retails at $599.00.
How Do The Build Volumes Compare?
Makergear M2 has a build volume of 25.4 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm, FlashForge Creator Pro has 22.5 x 14.5 x 15 cm., the Ultimaker 2 has 23 x 22.5 x 20.5 cm, and our UP Mini has 12 x 12 x 12 cm.
The build volumes are one of the main shopping questions, your objects that are printed can be no larger than your build volume area. We can see that the Ultimaker has a larger price tag than the Makergear but the Makergear has a slightly larger build volume.
What Are The Materials Used?
The standard material used in most 3D printers, and in all printers we are comparing are ABS and PLA. With the exception of the FlashForge which can also use PVA material, a selling point for some users.
How Many Extruder Heads?
Out of all four printers, they all have one extruder head, with the exception of the FlashForge, which has two extruder heads. In reviewing, users have mentioned that having the extra extruder head speeds up print time. This is due to the time it will save changing out one material to another, or in changing to a different color filament.
What Are The Printing Speeds?
The Makergear has a printing speed of 80-200 mm/s, the FlashForge has a 40-100 mm/s, the Ultimaker is 30-300 mm/s and the UP Mini’s speed is unavailable.
Minimum Layer Height?
Makergear had a semi-impressive 25 micron minimum layer height, but was beat out by Ultimaker at an incredible 20 microns. FlashForge came in at 100 microns and UP Mini has a 200 micron minimum. The thinness in the layers affords for more precise details, the thicker the layer, the less definition you will have.
Open Source?
All of our printers had open source hardware and software, with the expected exception of the UP Mini.
What Do The Reviews Say?
For intermediate to the pro users, the level of customer service was the biggest concern after purchase. Those companies that have listened to, and made upgrades according to consumer suggestions, have a loyal following.
Based on many of the online reviews that you will see, it seems as if paying a little extra for a quality 3D printer is well worth it, especially if you plan on getting a lot of use out of it over a longer period of time.
The Conclusion Of The Comparison
All, with the exception of the UP Mini, allowed third party filament material to be used. Across the board, all have heated platforms, and all have a level of noise concern with the exception of the Ultimaker 2.
However, the lack of a two system extruder and the high running costs brought Ultimaker 2 down on our scale, as well as Makergear M2 which also lacks a dual extruder system.
Our choice, with consideration of the options and technology, is the FlashForge Creator Pro. According to reviews, it has good print quality and community support, and the price is competitive as well.
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