The 3d printing community is pretty close-knit and inclusive. While it suggests that we share similar feats, it also means that we face similar problems. One of the biggest challenges is that however exciting, 3D printing is an expensive hobby. This is especially so in the case of first-timers. So, if you find yourself looking at printer costs online and wondering whether or not to buy one, do not worry. As fellow printers, we have all been at that dreaded stage, some time or the other.
The first thing that people say about the Monoprice Delta is also its bottom line. It was touted as the most pocket-friendly delta printer upon its release, and it stands true. If you are a beginner and would like to try out 3d printing as a hobby, the Monoprice Delta is one of the best choices. It is very affordable, and yet does not compromise on print quality or printing speed, depending on your preference. Let us delve a bit deeper and find out more for ourselves.
How was This Review Made
We like claims at being the best as much as the next guy. So when we heard Monoprice claiming this printer as the cheapest premium quality delta printer, we put on our working boots and got down to testing it. The process included testing the printer, scouring 3d printing forums for professionals’ advice, and going through countless customer reviews. When the dust settled, we were pretty sure of the story we were about to tell, so read on.
Things to Consider Before Buying a 3D Printer
Now, a word of advice. Before you go on to purchase a 3D printer, it is recommended that you know your printing requirements like the back of your hand. There is a world of difference between creating an elegant 3D skull or pen stand for your desk and building complex 3d structures and designs. For the best results, it is best to address these questions beforehand.
Why are you buying a printer? For what purpose (home, office, school, hobby) do you intend to use it? Where do you intend to set up your printer? What is your budget and what kind of compromises are you willing to accommodate? All these and many more are the obvious questions that arise here.
The Monoprice 121666 Mini Delta at a Glance
an affordable 3D printer with modern features
The primary reason why this little piece of joy stays on top of all budget printer lists is that its features are usually found only in more high-end printers.
This handsome black steel framed delta printer comes with a 50-micron layer resolution and gives the vibe that it means business. It comes with self-calibration, which, honestly speaking, is a boon, taking away the painful process of leveling the bed manually. Both the print bed and the extrusion nozzle allow reasonably high heat to transcend, thus being capable of printing with various materials. Add to it the fact that it is WiFi-enabled and can use other software, and you realize that this is actually a premium printer in the garb of a pocket-friendly one.
Best Features and Benefits
- Specifications
Let us begin with the specifications. The Monoprice Delta is a compact machine, standing at 110 x 120 mm and weighing a mere 10.2 pounds (approximately 4.6 kgs). It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and twelve months repair warranty for manufacturer defects.
- Fully Assembled
The MonoPrice Mini Delta 3d Printer comes fully assembled, ready to print out of the box. Now, we know this term is used pretty loosely by advertisers all around, but it stands a hundred percent true for our little bundle of fabulousness here. All you have to do to start printing out your brilliant designs on this printer is a two-step guide. Step one, carefully slice off the packaging (or tear it off, who are we to judge). Step two, plug the printer in a socket. And just like that, you are good to go. This feature makes it very helpful for beginners. Surely one would agree that the assembly is one of the most tedious tasks of using a printer? With the Delta, you do not have to worry about it at all.
- Durable and Portable
Now, we know what you’re thinking. ‘Hey, this doesn’t make sense! How can a 3d printer be portable? It’s not some briefcase, is it?’ And yes, it does sound like an inaccurate description.
But then, the MP Mini Delta is not your everyday 3d printer. First off, the exterior of the printer is very sturdy. The frame is made of steel and aluminum and can withstand substantial pressure. This was intended to make it durable, as beginners do tend to mess around a lot. As far as the portability is concerned, the printer has a full metal body case, attached with a handle for portability.
So, as long as you have a power socket nearby to plug it into, you can carry your printer around and basically print just about anywhere, anytime.
- Auto Calibration
In all our years of 3d printing, there is nothing we have found to be more irritating than manually leveling a bed. Ask any old-timer, and they will regale you with the (sometimes irritating) tales of the countless times their designs were interrupted due to recalibrating or an uneven bed. For genuine printing lovers, this is nothing short of a disaster. Well, we say enough!
As you’ve read, this printer is portable. But if you have to painstakingly level the bed every single time you have to use it, it would not look that attractive a feature. Luckily, the MP Delta comes with the ability to regularly self-calibrate itself. As you plug it in and switch it on, the printer bed levels out within seconds. This means that you will never have to struggle with leveling the bed, and nothing will interrupt your printing drive. Not to mention the precious time and effort that it saves.
- C for Compatibility
The Delta is very compatible and open to upgrades, stretching itself out both on the exterior and within. The print bed and extrusion nozzle can bear heat up to a very wide level, thus allowing you to use different filament types, manufacturer notwithstanding. The tested limits put the range somewhere near 180 degrees Celsius, going up to 260 degrees. For reference, that is how hot the external metal on a spaceship gets when in the vicinity of the sun. Even the build plate can bear the heat up to 60 degrees celsius. Trees and bushes in the Sahara desert catch fire when it nears that temperature. Yes, it is that hot.
The second mode is internal, i.e., with the software. The printer is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X. It gives you the ability to print from any computer using a WiFi connection. Also, lest you forget, it has the offline options of an SD card and a USB too.
- Professional-Quality Prints
Last but not least, let’s talk about the quality of the prints. Now, all of the aforementioned features would be of small consequence if it did not deliver good quality prints. The good thing is, it does not compromise on quality. With a print resolution of up to 50-micron layer at a steady speed, it passes the quintessential barrier with flying colors.
Delta printers are renowned for their speed, and the case is no different with this one as well. With a maximum printing speed of 150 mm/sec, the Monoprice Mini Delta can give the best of speed-centric products a run for their money.
Pros: Things We Love!
- Cost-effective, Great Value for money
- High-Quality Prints
- Self Calibrated and durable
Cons: Points of Improvement
- Small print size
- Filament fibers stick to prints (easily removable)
- Not 100% connectivity all the time (USB, WiFi)
Alternatives to The Monoprice 121666 Mini Delta 3D Printer
Like the Delta, it also supports all filament types and allows Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Also, it supports all slicing software like Cura and Repetier. It has a small footprint and a compact, open frame design, suitable for any desk. It is also fully assembled and calibrated before shipping.
Also Check: Best Table for 3D Printer
This device features a unique shroud that keeps the extruder hidden, protecting any subconscious (adults’) or curious (children’s) hands from getting burnt by it.
The one problem this cover creates is that it does not allow you to see the slicing process, at least the initial steps. It is quick and easy to navigate around, and also delivers fine quality prints. However, it is substantially more expensive than the MP Delta. Also, it does not have a default heating bed.
3. He3D K200 Delta
On a good day, it can generate a printing speed of above 200 mm per second, which is very fast, as far as 3d printers go. However, the increased print speed inadvertently causes the print quality to drop down a few notches. Check out more 3D printers if your are interested in more categories.
Final Verdict
While 3D printing is an exciting hobby, it can surely be a burden on one’s pocket. But compromising on the budget usually leads to people buying a substandard product, and it causes greater problems like a short life, slow machine or bad quality prints later on.
The Monoprice 121666 Mini Delta is a machine that takes care of all these problems. It is cost-effective, very fast, and not compromises upon the quality of the prints that you generate. It is very sturdy, durable, and portable. So, you can finally wipe that sweat of worry off your brow and start printing.