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LulzBot Mini 2
About the LulzBot Mini 2
The LulzBot Mini 2 3D Printer has a print area of 160 x 180 mm, and a number of hardware improvements under its hood, including Einsy RAMBo electronics with Trinamic 2130 stepper motor drivers, which effectively silences the printer during operation. This includes a lightweight Aerostruder Tool Head that is designed around the E3D Titan Aero hot end extruder, offering a more constrained filament path to improve compatibility with flexible filaments like Ninjaflex. The Mini’s modular print bed system, which is a two-piece replacement for the standard LulzBot heated build plates and features a reverable borosilicate glass/PEI print surface, offering unparalleled flexibility in material adhesion during printing. With an innovative belt-driven Z-axis add motion planning from Marlin firmware along with hundreds of tested print profiles in Cura LE software, combined with 360-degree part cooling, you've got quality clamped down.
Benefits of the LulzBot Mini 2
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Premium components - This printer is known for using the highest quality components, and prioritizes this over providing a lower price point on their printers.
Fully assembled - This 3D printer is shipped completely assembled, and is ready to plug in and start using as soon as you unbox it. You will still need to follow the included calibration procedures, but this will not take a significant amount of time.
Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's adhesion.
All-metal hot end - An all-metal hot end allows for printing at high temperatures up to 300C, while standard hot ends are capped at 260C before the PTFE material begins to degrade. All-metal hot ends are also less susceptible to jamming, and do not degrade as fast.
Dual gear extruder - A dual gear extruder grips filament from both sides and can exert much more force on the filament before slipping. It helps with all filaments but especially with flexible, slippery TPU.
Disadvantages to consider
No touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.
Limited build volume - This printer has a smaller than average build volume, which will restrict the possibilities of what you can print. Especially with functional parts, having a larger printer can open up a lot of options without the need to print parts in smaller pieces. On a positive note, this makes the printer easy to fit on a desk and very portable.
Where to buy the LulzBot Mini 2
Brand Summary: LulzBot
LulzBot caters to users who prioritize long-term value over upfront cost. Their focus is on building reliable, high-performance machines with American-made parts. This translates to a premium price tag, but also a reputation for durability and consistent results. LulzBot empowers users by providing detailed assembly guides and excellent customer support. This approach is ideal for those who enjoy understanding how their 3D printer works and taking a hands-on approach to setting it up. While LulzBot have an official online forum, the active 3D printing community readily embraces LulzBot users. Numerous online forums and communities offer a wealth of knowledge and troubleshooting resources specific to LulzBot machines. This means you'll have a supportive network to turn to for assistance and learning beyond LulzBot's direct support channels. In summary, LulzBot is a strong choice for users who value a reliable, high-quality machine, appreciate the ability to understand its inner workings, and prioritize long-term value over immediate affordability. They excel in user empowerment and are backed by a resourceful online 3D printing community. However, be prepared for a higher upfront investment due to their focus on American-made quality.
Pros
- Auto bed leveling
- Premium components
- Fully assembled
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal
- All-metal hot end
- Dual gear extruder
Cons
- No touch screen
- Limited build volume
Printer Comparisons
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