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The printer designed by CraftUnique is not the first from its series. The company earlier released its predecessor, the CraftBot 3D printer and it was a huge success.
In a short span of time, it impressed a lot of users from the 3D printing community. CraftBot Plus is an upgraded version.
Hence, even before it started setting this machine, there was quite a buzz about it. The CraftBot Plus review tries to find out if the machine lives up to the user’s expectations.
It was 2014, with crowdfunding, CraftUnique was able to gather much more than it aimed for in the first month itself. Hence, that is when the first 3D printer from the CraftBot line surfaced.
It does stir a lot of gossips within the niche. And, the users still feel the machine deserved all the hype. Also, because this next one, from the same series, offers added features from its predecessor, it does become important to find out its worth too.
Ranging around $1000, the machine is not only affordable but provides huge potential to the users. It can help makers realize what else could be done with additive manufacturing.
With its large print volume and many other amazing upgrades, the 3D Printer sure makes us turn our heads and the question ‘How’.
If you too are interested to find out the various aspects of the CraftBot Plus, you must go through the long read. And, if you are looking for buying a 3D printer, it becomes even more important to explore the 3D printer’s benefits and limitations.
Features
The growing competition within the 3D printing niche has benefitted users the most. With low-cost 3D printers equipped with amazing and advanced features, users have more options to choose from.
However, that does make the selection process a bit tedious. But when it comes to choosing from the best, there are few to browse through. And, CraftBot Plus is one of those few machines that users can trust completely.
You must be wanting to figure out the different features that make it irresistible. Here is what you can expect from CraftBot Plus.
Compact: Lots of times, arranging space for desktop 3D printers isn’t that simple. Machines with the smallest print space come with a huge footprint. However, with CraftBot Plus, this is not the scenario. On the contrary, it occupies less space but offers considerate print volume.
Sturdy Design: The manufacturer has used a complete metal frame to offer great reliability for the prints. By minimizing the vibrations during prints, one can achieve high accuracy. Thanks to the sturdier frame that manages to stay still when the printing is taking place.
Heated Print Bed: With a mid-range cost, the 3D printer ensures to include all the expected features. Hence, there was no way the company would have missed a heated print bed with this powerful design. The heated bed allows for better adhesion of the first layer. Therefore, offering greater accuracy for the overall print. Moreover, it reduces the chances for the occurrence of warping, a problem usually connected with the bad first layer adhesion.
Removable Print Bed: Along with the heated print bed, the build plate also comes out of the 3D printer. This makes the post-processing easy and simple. Once the parts complete, users can simply take the bed out of the printer and scrap the parts away. Also, this makes it easy to clean the build plate after every print job.
Multi-Material Support: With a heated bed and such a powerful extruder, it is no brainer to guess that the printer must be compatible with PLA as well as ABS. The good news is that CraftBot Plus not only supports these two materials but lets users print with a variety of other tricky materials. You can work with HIPS, Nylon, and many other filaments.
Color Touch Screen: Although this feature isn’t very unusual and has become very common among 3D printers, it still is a very important addition. And, does deserve a mention. Using the on-body control, the users can alter the settings and check the print progress during the job. It allows providing complete flexibility to the users when optimizing the 3D files for printing. Hence, the printer can run as a standalone device.
Noiseless Operation: Wondering why is it such necessary to mention this feature? You must work with a loud machine to know what difference does this inclusion makes. It is completely annoying to work close to a 3D printer that makes a lot of noise. But you would be awestruck to find out how quite this printer is. Either you are working in the office among other colleagues or 3D printing at home beside your sleeping baby, this printer won’t disturb anyone. And, you can continue creating amazing designs without disturbing others.
Easy Leveling: The leveling is very easy. You just have to follow the instructions through the touchscreen interface to make the adjustments. It takes very little time to set up and you can go straight to the 3D printer afterward.
Specifications
The CraftBot Plus has a compact footprint of 400 x 460 x 450mm. And, it provides a build volume of 250 x 200 x 200mm.
Regarding the precision, you can achieve a minimum of 100 microns of layer resolution. It also provides a very capable extruder that could reach to a printing temperature or 260 degrees Celsius starting from 180 degrees Celsius.
You get an LCD touch screen to control the settings of the print and check the progress at the same time. The printer would work between the speed of 50 mm/sec to 200 mm/sec.
Hence, you can utilize a high speed in case you want to finish the job early, considering that it will trade-off with the resolution though.
The print bed can also be heated to a pretty high temperature of 230 degrees Celsius. That completely describes how the printer is able to cater to so many different material requirements.
Overall, the technical specification is applaudable. And, CraftBot Plus does not seem to be an ordinary machine. But designed for great potentials.
Price
It is pretty interesting to note that the 3D printer is available just for $1099. Isn’t that amazing? Such a nice printer with amazing accuracy of prints is not affordable to most individuals.
If you can spare a little bit more, you can even use it for learning purposes at home. It would be a great way to start digging into the field of additive manufacturing.
First Impressions
You would simply fall in love with the way the printer looks. It has a simple design yet highly impressive. Plus, the package is secured properly to ensure that the printer reaches without any wear and tear.
Above all, the 3D printer does not seem to be too huge even when offering considerable build space.
Along with the printer, you will receive other components too. The build plate and filament spool are provided separately. Also, there are other tools and spares to help you configure the 3D printer after unboxing without needing any external assistance.
In short, the 3D printer would leave a very amazing impression on users. Knowing that the printer is made of all metal, you must get a feel of the extra sturdiness that the machine offers.
Try sticking a magnet anywhere on the body and it will attract. So, you get a very thoughtful design in the form of CraftBot Plus.
Setup
The 3D printer is a complete plug and play device. Without needing more than a few minutes after unboxing, you would be able to start printing your first model.
You can put the build plate inside, load filament, level the bed (using the steps provided on the touchscreen controls) and you are done with the setup.
Later, you just have to upload the USB pen drive consisting of the sample model and start printing. Wasn’t that too simple? It sure is. And, that is why CraftBot Plus is regarded as one of the most popular machines among beginners.
You can set a lot of control from the touch screen itself. From the selection of material to the heating of the extruder and print bed, many of the settings are already available with the control.
And, the best part is that you can anytime pause the print and change the settings in between. The printer will resume with the updated settings.
Printing Type/Cost
CraftBot Plus is an FDM 3D printer. Hence, it is easy to manage as compared to machines based on other printing technologies. It comes with the minimum hassle of maintenance and lets users print seamlessly. One layer upon another and the print job completes.
The cost of printing, on the other hand, would depend on too many other factors. For instance, the design complexity, the cost of the filament, the layer height, and a lot of other things.
You can optimize the design to save on the cost of printing though, anytime. And, selecting PLA for building parts could also help keep the budget low.
Print Quality
This is where the printer works like the boss. With an accuracy of 100microns and huge precision, the machine lets users print almost any design one can think of.
The designs just have to be operational. And, if that is true, the printer would make no mistake in getting users the best versions of their design.
Software
CraftWare is an intuitive slicing software that comes in handy with the machine. This is not any usual app with basic features for beginners. But also contains the advanced option to cater to the needs of experts as well.
Using the software, you can optimize the designs and create precise prints. Also, the software ensures that the machine hardware works in tandem.
The user interface is friendly, yet powerful. One receives huge flexibility of settings that different components of the 3D printer.
Customer Service
You would be happy to know that the company excels at serving customers after the sale. Yes, you won’t be disappointed at all. The website has all the necessary tips for setting the printer.
Also, it answers most of the usual questions and troubles. Alongside, the manual and video assistance, the company also has a dedicated team of professionals who can resolve the problem at the earliest.
Parameters Influencing the Buying Decision
If you are willing to purchase CraftBot Plus, you must find out if it serves your printing purposes. Here is the takeaway from the CraftBot Plus review.
3D Printer cost: It is an affordable 3D printer. Those wanting to access high-quality prints for home use can also buy the machine. Otherwise, it anyway is a wonderful option for professionals.
3D Print quality: The printer provides 100 microns of resolution and offers amazing print quality.
3D Print speed: It can reach up to a speed of 200 mm/sec. Hence, one can print at a very high speed, if needed.
3D Printer capability: You can create precise prints as well as the accuracy of design when working with this machine. On top of that, it supports a huge list of materials as well.
3D Printer Practicality: CraftBot Plus is great for creating final products as well as for testing functional prototypes.
3D Printer User expectations: It does offer huge satisfaction to the users. However, a dual extruder at this price range is very much welcomed.
The Verdict
Among all the popular 3D printers, there are very few that offer a balance of speed and quality. And, this one manages to provide that edge to the users.
Capable to suit needs for different applications, the CraftBot Plus review clarifies how far one can go with this printer. Hence, it is a must-try for makers, enthusiasts, and professionals.
