When it comes to selecting a 3D printer, the LulzBot brand has secured a trusted spot in the hearts of makers, educators, and professional engineers alike due to its commitment to reliability, open-source hardware, and user-friendly operation. Below, we take a detailed look at the LulzBot TAZ Pro, a stand-out model from the LulzBot lineup, to understand what sets it apart in a crowded market.
Brand Overview
LulzBot, a prominent name in the 3D printing world, has distinguished itself from competitors through its unwavering commitment to open-source principles. The brand’s parent company, Aleph Objects, Inc., a manufacturer of 3D printers and an advocate for the free exchange of knowledge and community collaboration. By adopting an open-source model, LulzBot provides its customers with complete access to the printer’s source files, from hardware designs to software configurations. This transparency is about user empowerment; it’s at the heart of LulzBot’s philosophy to ignite continuous improvement and innovation.
The open-source model allows anyone with the skill and interest to modify their LulzBot printers, optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, or even create and share upgrades with the global community. This has created a symbiotic ecosystem where both the manufacturer and the user base contribute to the product’s evolution. For example, a user discovered a way to improve print bed adherence; they can share this enhancement with the wider community, enabling other users to benefit.
Price
As of the latest information available before 2023, the LulzBot TAZ Pro is positioned as a high-end model in the LulzBot range and is priced accordingly. Prospective buyers would be looking to invest around $4,950 USD. It’s important to verify the latest pricing as it can fluctuate due to various factors such as regional availability or product updates.
Advantages of LulzBot TAZ Pro
The TAZ Pro sets a high standard for print quality and precision. Its ability to achieve layer resolutions as fine as 50 microns is indicative of its industrial-grade capability to create highly detailed and smooth prints that are essential for professional applications where tolerances are tight, and finishes need to be top-notch. The dual extrusion system takes this precision a step further, allowing for the creation of complex structures with elaborate geometries that would be impossible to fabricate utilizing a single extruder. This two-material capability is an immense advantage for fabricating intricate parts that require support structures, which can be constructed from soluble filament and later dissolved, leaving a flawless finished product.
The TAZ Pro stands out even further through its inclusion of dual hardened steel E3D hotends. These are particularly well-suited for working with advanced and abrasive materials such as carbon fiber-infused filaments, nylon, polycarbonate, and more, without the risk of premature wear that can come with standard brass nozzles. This also means a broader range of material compatibility, allowing users to delve into a wide spectrum of 3D printing applications. With the use of soluble supports provided by the dual extrusion system, users can push the boundaries of overhangs and internal cavities in their designs – crafting detailed models once thought too challenging to print.
One of the significant pain points in 3D printing is the time-consuming and often finicky process of manual calibration. The TAZ Pro addresses this head-on with an advanced automatic X/Y/Z offset calibration system. This feature notably decreases the setup time and simplifies the process, making the printer accessible to novices and saving valuable time for more experienced users. Accurate calibration ensures a smooth printing process with fewer errors and less manual intervention, leading to better print quality and reliability across multiple uses.
Complementing these practical features is the TAZ Pro’s modern touchscreen interface, which brings a touch of simplicity and sophistication to the machine’s operation. The color touchscreen is not just a cosmetic enhancement – it improves user interaction, making it easier to navigate through menus, tweak settings, and monitor the progress of prints in real time. The interface design has been thoughtfully constructed with the user in mind, streamlining tasks that previously might have required navigating through complex software on a computer. By enhancing the intuitiveness of system interactions, the touchscreen bolsters the overall user experience, reinforcing the TAZ Pro’s user-friendly certification.
Disadvantages of LulzBot TAZ Pro
Cost: the professional feature set and capabilities come with a significant investment, making it less accessible for casual hobbyists or beginners.
Size: with a prominent build volume of 280 x 280 x 285 mm, the TAZ Pro demands a considerable amount of workspace.
Learning Curve: though designed to be user-friendly, the advanced features may necessitate a steeper learning curve for less experienced users.
Design and Usability
The TAZ Pro’s design prioritizes functionality and user-friendliness. It sports a modular bed system, making it easy to switch between print surfaces for optimal adhesion and release based on the material being used. The inclusion of belt-driven Z-axis leads to smoother print quality and faster cycle times.
Advanced Features
In terms of advanced features, this model is equipped with premium electronics for improved heat-up times and greater temperature accuracy. Automatic calibration technology eases the setup process, while the dual extruders allow for multi-material printing, including soluble support materials – an invaluable feature for complex prints.