Thanks for the in-depth review. I have backed this Kickstarter as I see it will get development but even the initial capability is decent. They now have add-ons like all metal hotend which I’m also interested in as it will increase the reliability of printing ABS, along with high temp filaments.
I do really appreciate the follow up to the unboxing. I know you are pretty handy when it comes to IDEX (amongst other things) so look forward to future IDEX videos..
IDEX stands for Independent Dual Extruder. Independent is the key, meaning they can work independently, that's what allows for the modes like mirror. Nice video though. I enjoyed it.
Thanks for the full review. I was wondering if in the meantime you did more tests with different filaments. The dual extrusion examples look horrible while the examples made by other reviewers were smooth as butter.
the pre-sliced Dual colors are flawless. I haven't seen if others are doing that yet (or if they are using mac and have the Cura setup). The thing is that when you use all the "saftey" like ooze-shield, prime tower etc. you get great dual color mixing. It's my oppinion that an IDEX should do good dual color without those features turned on, but as I show, it's not there yet =). as soon as there are new firmware/software I'll get cracking on more dual colors =) Btw, I also mix more materials than colors =)
@@3DPrintTechDesign I'm still a bit confused, the boat was printed with a shield around it, yet the quality looks awful, this makes me worry about the overall quality of this machine. Just like the example of the astronaut, the layer stacking is all over the place and much worse than in for example the one in American Tech's review.
Neither Ultimaker nor Prusa Research seem to have IDEX printers so far, that's probably why there is not much upstream support in Cura or Slicer. For IDEX printers to become more useful and more common, I think those slicers need to incorporate it.
Can you set up the printer to switch to the other extruder if one runs out of filament? This way if you load up 2 of the same rolls and print until one runs out then switch to the other.
I'm looking at possibly getting this. It would be my first 3d printer. After having some time with it since this video, would you recommend it or a different printer?
Hey Trevor, I have actually used only very little since this video. They have not really released enough updates for me to use the dual extrusion that much. It works, and is one of the cheaper IDEX out there, but if you don't NEED IDEX dual extrusion maybe look for something more common, that gets more updates =)
Hi, nice test and review, thanks! Maybe ask what grade of tpu filament you used on the dual material models? I'm wondering how soft a filament you can use before it starts having problems. I'm already a backer, I like the size and features it has and have some ideas of how to use the idex function, like making wheel and tyre in one.
Thank you! That would be 60D, so pretty soft considering it's a bowden. The entry to the PTFE-tubes are well designed so I feel confident it can push the filament. I use filamentfilter+thin oil as well, so that might help with the TPU sliding through as well =)
Sadly, the software has not been improved since this review came out. The control you have over prints is still extremely limited to what you showed here, and the source code is still not publicly available so people aren't even able to make their own necessary changes. The filament outage sensor is still buggy (giving false readings) as well. Also, something seems really wrong with the speed of the prints. I set my print and travel speed super low (nearly 40mm/s) in the slicer, but the machine still whips around very hard, causing slips in the belt and the frame to shudder. Sadly, this one is getting returned.
I have also keept pushing for updates and changes to the software setup. I think for the speeds I'm not sure I had the same experience, sounds really bad with slippage! As I mentioned, this really needs updates to be as good as it could!
@@3DPrintTechDesign I ended up getting the one I received, and installing a BTT Octopus, and giving each Z axis their own motor. I'm not a fan of the non-stock hotends, so I am also working on making a custom mount for standard MK8 hot ends like Creality or Microswiss, plus a way to easily adjust nozzle height by using a scre adjustment accessible at the top of the hot end.
Haha, that's what I'm saying too. And it's getting fixed. No I didn't test those since I can't just figure a profile out when it's IDEX, much more special codes for swaps and etc =)
I'm in so much doubt, should I keep my pledge or should I go with Ender 5 Plus. Those print you show, all the lines/layers you can see, that is a no go for me. Question for you: Would be doing to pure software alone or? Even my Ender 3 Pro make better print then you have show… I will mainly print in PLA and PETG, also build enclosure, so ASA print would be possible. Please give me a hint of what to buy.
Remember the software is really beta. I think all the hardware and possibilities are great. During my weeks they've already done changes and as you can see on the kickstarter page they are working on it as we speak. Mine is really pre-production on everything. Dual extrusion (IDEX) is still epic. And as soon as I have Cura profiles to work from I'll do my best to get some profiles to the community that works =)
I have also pleaded and also have an Ender 3 Pro. I approach this as an upgradable printer with decent hardware. Being IDEX I see it almost as a two for one system that has weaknesses at the moment. As it prints very well single extruder and possible duplicate and mirror. Any tuning required with dual extruder will be refined over time. Other reviews and even the unboxing have shown me the potential. My Ender was good but even that is now running a different control board and direct drive extruder.
@@alanjones4747 I say thank for your thoughts also big thanks to reviewer. It always a risk with new stuff, special first model. So thats the reason for my doubt. I will keep my pledge, and drop the idea of Ender 5, since ender allready need better (silence) mainboard and better fan to keep it low noise. I do hope someone in future can help me with this printer and Cura. I do not learn fast anymore 🙃
Oh crap, I forgot to mention the PSU fan is "loud" in the x40. The rest is quiet, but the PSU is loud. Haven't seen any updates on that in the Kickstarter yet
@@3DPrintTechDesign That is a very very easy fix. Just replace the fan with a new one. They allways use ultra cheap models that hurt your ears, I self use them fan from Arctic, and they don't say a darn ting. My Ender 3 Pro fan was also extreme noisefull, but there I just printet a honeycomp shell, no fan needed :)
@@3DPrintTechDesign I didn't realize they did that. I would think you could keep it for a longer use review. Hard to judge what problems you have down the road if they take it away??
Well that is different for every printer how long one keeps it. I'm always clear that they are responsible for returning it as well, if they can't accept that we have no deal with that said, they sometime don't care after the review and just want me to keep it, give away or something. Thing is that if me getting the printer for free was a deal for the review, it wouldn't be unbiased enough legally here. Any compensation for reviews have to be disclosed, Buying a review with a free sample isn't optimal...
The dice did NOT go well. But, I could do the same print on the BCN3D without issues, and only difference is that I cant control the speed and how this machine does the PVE right now. You really have to treat PVA like TPU with speeds/retractions/behavior being conservative. Hold your horses and when the kickstarter is done, I have better software options I'll make it work for ya =)
@@3DPrintTechDesign I can't buy then wait for changes. But I'll see what they do through you :) I think 2021 can be a great year for resin and FDM printers.
@@3DPrintTechDesign yeah, i was thinking that was the reason. But the fine thing about that is that it is code related. I have supported the campaign myself. Thougt that well, i could Always just use one hotend if the idex doesnt really work
Thanks for the in-depth review. I have backed this Kickstarter as I see it will get development but even the initial capability is decent. They now have add-ons like all metal hotend which I’m also interested in as it will increase the reliability of printing ABS, along with high temp filaments.
Yeah the development looks really promising! I'll help the folks with as much feedback as possible =)
I do really appreciate the follow up to the unboxing. I know you are pretty handy when it comes to IDEX (amongst other things) so look forward to future IDEX videos..
IDEX stands for Independent Dual Extruder. Independent is the key, meaning they can work independently, that's what allows for the modes like mirror.
Nice video though. I enjoyed it.
Aaaah, independent. Yes, brainfart from me =)
Very nice review, Anton! Thank you!
Nice review, thank you.
Thanks for the full review. I was wondering if in the meantime you did more tests with different filaments. The dual extrusion examples look horrible while the examples made by other reviewers were smooth as butter.
the pre-sliced Dual colors are flawless. I haven't seen if others are doing that yet (or if they are using mac and have the Cura setup). The thing is that when you use all the "saftey" like ooze-shield, prime tower etc. you get great dual color mixing. It's my oppinion that an IDEX should do good dual color without those features turned on, but as I show, it's not there yet =). as soon as there are new firmware/software I'll get cracking on more dual colors =)
Btw, I also mix more materials than colors =)
@@3DPrintTechDesign I'm still a bit confused, the boat was printed with a shield around it, yet the quality looks awful, this makes me worry about the overall quality of this machine. Just like the example of the astronaut, the layer stacking is all over the place and much worse than in for example the one in American Tech's review.
Tenlog label model is sold with very affordable price in banggood.
this review helps me a lot. thanks
Neither Ultimaker nor Prusa Research seem to have IDEX printers so far, that's probably why there is not much upstream support in Cura or Slicer. For IDEX printers to become more useful and more common, I think those slicers need to incorporate it.
That's true, BCN3D Have been running with custom cura for a long time and they have it working well, but not as perfect as I'd like though =)
Can you set up the printer to switch to the other extruder if one runs out of filament? This way if you load up 2 of the same rolls and print until one runs out then switch to the other.
I'm looking at possibly getting this. It would be my first 3d printer. After having some time with it since this video, would you recommend it or a different printer?
Hey Trevor, I have actually used only very little since this video. They have not really released enough updates for me to use the dual extrusion that much. It works, and is one of the cheaper IDEX out there, but if you don't NEED IDEX dual extrusion maybe look for something more common, that gets more updates =)
Hi, nice test and review, thanks! Maybe ask what grade of tpu filament you used on the dual material models? I'm wondering how soft a filament you can use before it starts having problems. I'm already a backer, I like the size and features it has and have some ideas of how to use the idex function, like making wheel and tyre in one.
Thank you! That would be 60D, so pretty soft considering it's a bowden. The entry to the PTFE-tubes are well designed so I feel confident it can push the filament. I use filamentfilter+thin oil as well, so that might help with the TPU sliding through as well =)
does this work well using only one extruder?
For sure, it works like any other single extruder machine really =) maybe tid bit slower
Sadly, the software has not been improved since this review came out. The control you have over prints is still extremely limited to what you showed here, and the source code is still not publicly available so people aren't even able to make their own necessary changes. The filament outage sensor is still buggy (giving false readings) as well. Also, something seems really wrong with the speed of the prints. I set my print and travel speed super low (nearly 40mm/s) in the slicer, but the machine still whips around very hard, causing slips in the belt and the frame to shudder. Sadly, this one is getting returned.
I have also keept pushing for updates and changes to the software setup. I think for the speeds I'm not sure I had the same experience, sounds really bad with slippage! As I mentioned, this really needs updates to be as good as it could!
@@3DPrintTechDesign I ended up getting the one I received, and installing a BTT Octopus, and giving each Z axis their own motor. I'm not a fan of the non-stock hotends, so I am also working on making a custom mount for standard MK8 hot ends like Creality or Microswiss, plus a way to easily adjust nozzle height by using a scre adjustment accessible at the top of the hot end.
You tested others Slicers like PrusaSlicer , Cura or Simplify ?? I thinks the problems is more for slicers settings
Haha, that's what I'm saying too. And it's getting fixed. No I didn't test those since I can't just figure a profile out when it's IDEX, much more special codes for swaps and etc =)
I'm in so much doubt, should I keep my pledge or should I go with Ender 5 Plus.
Those print you show, all the lines/layers you can see, that is a no go for me.
Question for you: Would be doing to pure software alone or?
Even my Ender 3 Pro make better print then you have show…
I will mainly print in PLA and PETG, also build enclosure, so ASA print would be possible.
Please give me a hint of what to buy.
Remember the software is really beta. I think all the hardware and possibilities are great. During my weeks they've already done changes and as you can see on the kickstarter page they are working on it as we speak. Mine is really pre-production on everything. Dual extrusion (IDEX) is still epic. And as soon as I have Cura profiles to work from I'll do my best to get some profiles to the community that works =)
I have also pleaded and also have an Ender 3 Pro. I approach this as an upgradable printer with decent hardware. Being IDEX I see it almost as a two for one system that has weaknesses at the moment. As it prints very well single extruder and possible duplicate and mirror. Any tuning required with dual extruder will be refined over time. Other reviews and even the unboxing have shown me the potential. My Ender was good but even that is now running a different control board and direct drive extruder.
@@alanjones4747 I say thank for your thoughts also big thanks to reviewer.
It always a risk with new stuff, special first model. So thats the reason for my doubt.
I will keep my pledge, and drop the idea of Ender 5, since ender allready need better (silence) mainboard and better fan to keep it low noise.
I do hope someone in future can help me with this printer and Cura.
I do not learn fast anymore 🙃
Oh crap, I forgot to mention the PSU fan is "loud" in the x40. The rest is quiet, but the PSU is loud. Haven't seen any updates on that in the Kickstarter yet
@@3DPrintTechDesign That is a very very easy fix. Just replace the fan with a new one. They allways use ultra cheap models that hurt your ears, I self use them fan from Arctic, and they don't say a darn ting. My Ender 3 Pro fan was also extreme noisefull, but there I just printet a honeycomp shell, no fan needed :)
Do you have an update on this?
No updates unfortunately! I sent away the printer after the review, so I haven't really been in touch with any updates.
@@3DPrintTechDesign I didn't realize they did that. I would think you could keep it for a longer use review. Hard to judge what problems you have down the road if they take it away??
Well that is different for every printer how long one keeps it. I'm always clear that they are responsible for returning it as well, if they can't accept that we have no deal with that said, they sometime don't care after the review and just want me to keep it, give away or something. Thing is that if me getting the printer for free was a deal for the review, it wouldn't be unbiased enough legally here. Any compensation for reviews have to be disclosed, Buying a review with a free sample isn't optimal...
@@3DPrintTechDesign Makes sense.
I guess my dream of having an IDEX 3d printer is not there yet. RIP the dice I sent.
The dice did NOT go well. But, I could do the same print on the BCN3D without issues, and only difference is that I cant control the speed and how this machine does the PVE right now. You really have to treat PVA like TPU with speeds/retractions/behavior being conservative. Hold your horses and when the kickstarter is done, I have better software options I'll make it work for ya =)
@@3DPrintTechDesign I would hope so with the BCN3D those are a pretty penny.
@@3DPrintTechDesign I can't buy then wait for changes. But I'll see what they do through you :) I think 2021 can be a great year for resin and FDM printers.
Seems to be a lot of layer "shifts" on youre prints
It's mostly on dual-color prints due to the rough swapping on extruders (as you saw when it really wrecked over the print as one extruder moved in)
@@3DPrintTechDesign yeah, i was thinking that was the reason. But the fine thing about that is that it is code related. I have supported the campaign myself. Thougt that well, i could Always just use one hotend if the idex doesnt really work
i stay away from kickstarter its not a store i lost $300 KODAMA OBSIDIAN great way to steal money
Kickstarter has risks, for sure!