Duplicator D7 PLus is a resin desktop 3D printer by Wanhao – a 3D printer manufacturer based in China. It uses the DLP i.e., Digital Light Processing 3D printing technology for creating parts and functional prototypes. The printer selectively cures the liquid resin layer by layer which results in increased print quality.
D7 Plus is compatible with most of the resins available in the market and can print up to 35 mm per hour. In other words, it’s one of those rare 3D printers that deliver high-quality objects in minimal time. The machine uses Creation Workshop software for slicing and controlling the 3D printing process.
The printer is equipped with an HD LCD screen that offers a 2560 * 1440 pixels resolution with an HDMI input type. Using this, D7 Plus is able to offer a layer resolution of 35 microns. But what makes D7 Plus a unique printer in the price range at which it is available? Well, let’s find out by going in-depth.
Features
Wanhao Duplicator D7 Plus lets you print objects with a maximum build area of 120 mm * 70 mm * 200 mm. The curing of resin is made possible using a 405 nanometer UV light.
D7 Plus hosts a large built-in screen using which users can monitor as well as control various functions on the printer. Moreover, the Wi-fi functionality, as well as the Ethernet port, gives enough options for operators to connect with the printer.
Below mentioned and explained are more such intriguing features because of which D7 Plus stands out in the market when weighed with other options available in the same price range.
Reliable Design
D7 Plus is larger compared to general DLP 3D printers which offer the same build volume and print quality. Also, it features a steel outer enclosure that makes the printer studier than its competitors. Moreover, the machine’s inner construction makes it possible for straightforward mechanisms which deliver increased efficiency.
The resin basin and print head of the printer are kept as simple as possible which makes the operation extremely easy even for those who’ve never used a DLP 3D printer before.
Above all, the printer can be controlled either by using a PC or directly by the large built-in screen which features menus that are not only clean but also easy to navigate. All of which accounts for uninterrupted 3D printing.
Detailed 3D Printing
Compared to FDM or SLA 3D printers, DLP 3D printers are known to offer more layer resolution in minimal time. Duplicator D7 Plus is compatible with almost any resin that is available in the market.
UV light curing makes it possible for the creation of more detailed objects at a slower pace. The printer does a fantastic job of building complex items and even intricate structures at dimensional level accuracy.
Curves and edges with the high-level surface finish are possible to achieve on parts created using Duplicator D7 Plus.
Even at print speeds of around 35 mm per hour, users can achieve layer resolutions in the range of 35 microns. All thanks to the 395-405 nanometer UV light that cures the liquid resin layer by layer.
Starts Printing in 3 Steps
Unlike other DLP 3D printers that typically consume a lot of time in starting the 3D printing process, Wanhao Duplicator D7 Plus is an anomaly. Users can get to 3D printing following the quick three-step process.
- Clicking the LCD to ensure correct projection.
- Tapping on leveling and following image instructions for leveling the printing platform.
- Choosing home Z-axis.
These are the simple three steps that every user needs to follow pre-printing. Such simple navigation makes the pre-printing phase completely straightforward even for the first-time user.
Intuitive Software
The workshop is a fairly simple and easy-to-use software that completes the entire process of slicing in five simple steps starting from Import, Layouting, supports creation, Previewing, and finally Exporting.
The step that gets most confusing for any user is support creation. But, don’t worry! Wanhao has taken care of this in advance.
Depending on the geometry, the software automatically suggests support as well as bracing creation making things easier for newbies in the field of 3D printing.
Moreover, advanced users can monitor as well as regulate minute settings and customize the print quality accordingly. Some of the typical criteria that the software allows to amend are overhangs, interval, tip diameter, etc.
Also, Workshop has a unique feature that most other software does not offer. AI selecting allows users to get a free hand with high intelligence.
In addition, the application permits operators to view their design in a multi-split preview mode that enables them to capture flaws in design pre-hand and ensure that they are not reflected in the printed object.
High Wavelength UV Light Source
Duplicator D7 Plus is equipped with a UV light source of 395 to 405-nanometer wavelength. Coordinating with an HD LCD screen offering a 2560 * 1440 pixels resolution the printer makes it possible to build an object with 35-micron layer resolution irrespective of the intricacy level in its geometry.
Based on DLP 3D printing technology, D7 Plus cures liquid resins such as Tough, Flexible, high temperature, etc. This allows users to not only create parts of varying geometry but also from distinct resins.
Specifications
Duplicator D7 Plus allows users to print parts and functional prototypes with a maximum build volume of 120 mm * 68 mm * 180 mm using DLP 3D printing technology.
All the objects manufactured on the printer are known to have a layer resolution that ranges from 35 to 100 microns. They are created with a print speed ranging between 15 mm per hour to 35 mm per hour.
The printer is compatible with various kinds of resins because of which users get a variability of manufacturing parts with varied materials. A 405 nanometer UV light source cures these resins and ensures high-quality objects with dimensional level accuracy.
Users can connect to the printer using four options, they are:
- USB
- SD Card
- Wifi
- Ethernet
Multiple ways to exchange files on the printer make the pre-printing phase of any user very flexible and straightforward. A large built screen with easy navigation and detailed options on the menu makes the work of monitoring as well as altering various functions on the printer extremely effortless.
The printer features a steel outer enclosure which makes it vibration-free even while printing the part with the largest build volume possible on the machine.
Price
Wanhao Duplicator D7 Plus is available for $700.
First Impression
If you’ve already seen DLP 3D printers in the price range which D7 Plus falls into, finding the printer larger than others is obvious.
As mentioned above, the printer features a steel outer enclosure which gives it an overall sturdier appearance. A large in-built screen with tidy menus is not only clean but also easy to navigate with each icon large in size.
As is the case in usual DLP 3D printers, the laser source and the storage resin tank are present at the bottom of the printer and the print chamber is located above them.
Setup
Duplicator D7 Plus comes completely assembled. So, all you need to do is just mount the build plate that is accompanied in the box with the printer and add the resin with which you wish to print the object. A major benefit here is that users don’t need to buy anything apart from the occasional resin tank replacement and the resins.
Some experts do recommend the Raspberry Pi 3 in case operators wish to free their computers from 3D printing duties. But, that’s optional. So, overall, D7 Plus is a printer that does not require must preparation after it is delivered to your place. It’s almost a plug-and-play that’s ready to print in about 10 minutes.
Print Type/Cost
Credit: all3dp
DLP 3D printing stands for Digital Light Processing. It is one type of vat polymerization just like SLA i.e., Stereolithography 3D printing technology. In it, a light source of high wavelength is used for curing the liquid resin.
The main difference between SLA and DLP 3D printing technology is the use of the HD LCD screen which decreases the overall 3D printing time.
That’s the reason why DLP 3D printers are known to print faster maintaining the quality that SLA 3D printers claim to achieve. The resolution of a DLP 3D printer directly corresponds to the resolution of the LCD screen.
The cost of 3D printing a part of a functional prototype using a DLP 3D printer is higher than FDM 3D printing technology. But on the other hand, it offers finishes that are almost impossible to achieve with FDM 3D printers.
However, when compared with SLA 3D printers, the cost is about the same and the only difference that remains is in the print speed.
Print Quality
Credit: all3dp
Duplicator D7 Plus uses UV-activated resin which allows them to create more detailed objects. So, if you are looking to create an intricate geometry with a complicated internal structure that wouldn’t be a problem with the printer at all.
The LCD screen assists in the creation of high-resolution parts and functional prototypes with decent print speeds. Moreover, objects with sharp edges and a high surface finish are possible to create with minimal effort.
Software
D7 Plus is compatible with software named Workshop. It makes the work easy for users by placing the supports as well as bracings automatically. Thereby easing the work of all the newbies in the design field. Also, the new AI selecting criterion gives you a free hand with high intelligence.
That, combined with the multi-split previewing makes it possible for users to view the design in such a way that all the flaws are visible.
Customer Support
The printer manufacturer’s website has a quick start guide for each iteration of D7 Plus. Also, users can get access to complete documentation that lists the changes between each model.
Moreover, operators can ask for model-specific FAQs, manuals, as well as software downloads. There are video tutorials which one can look at for setting the printer up and solving common problems.
Parameters Influencing Buying Decision
Below mentioned are the key factors that are good to know before buying the printer.
3D Printer Cost: Available at under $700, Duplicator D7 Plus is extremely affordable especially considering the print quality it manages to offer.
3D Print Speed: The printer is faster than most of the SLA 3D printers available in the same price range and yet manages to deliver the same print quality or even better.
3D Print Quality: Even complicated geometries can be printed on small build volumes using Duplicator D7 Plus.
3D Printer Capability: The machine is compatible with almost all types of resin available in the market because of which users have plenty of options to juggle with.
3D Printer Practicality: When 3D printing a part or functional prototype, the printer provides smooth operation without any interruption. For newbies, it’s easy to deal with the huge touch screen interface and control most of the operations on it.
3D Printer User Expectations: The printer is primarily meant for users who are willing to spend money for getting high-quality parts with neat surface finishes. Although it offers lesser build volume than most FDM or SLA 3D printers, quality is where it steals the show and the print speed.
The Verdict
Wanhao Duplicator D7 Plus is one of the most affordable DLP 3D printers available in the market currently. It produces high layer resolutions of parts and functional prototypes in the optimal time frame.
The printer comes with a year’s warranty from the date of its purchase and with excellent support. Moreover, its extremely user-friendly software makes it possible for the user to easily go through the design aspects without much hassle. Overall, the printer does manage to outstand its competitors in terms of the print quality it offers.
