LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer Review

The Mini is the smallest FDM printer by Aleph Objects. It has a build volume of 6in x 6in x 6.2in. The Mini prints with any 3mm filament. It reaches a maximum resolution of 50 microns. Lowest resolution is 500 microns.

Product Features

Enjoy awesome ease-of-use features including auto-bed leveling, auto-nozzle cleaning, an easy carry handle, new Cura software, and a low maintenance PEI print surface

Print Volume: 6in x 6in x 6.2in (152mm x 152mm x 158mm). Layer resolution as fine as 50 micron and as coarse as 500 micron, depending on part geometry and speed/finish requirements

The LulzBot Hexagon all metal hot end can heat to 300°C (572°F) and the print bed can heat to 120°C (248°F), both software configurable for advanced users. Material versatility is built-in

Freedom to use any number of 3D printing software programs, Cura LulzBot Edition comes standard. Other compatible software includes OctoPrint, BotQueue, Slic3r, Printrun, MatterControl, and more

Specifications

PRINTER TYPE FDM

MATERIAL ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, Bronze, Copper, Wood, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, Alloy 910

BUILD VOLUME  6in x 6in x 6.2in

MIN LAYER HEIGHT 50 microns

MAX LAYER HEIGHT 500 microns

EXTRUDER HEAD 1

PRINTING SPEED 275mm/sec

OPEN SOURCE Hardware & software

CAN YOU USE 3RD PARTY MATERIAL? Yes

HEATED PLATFORM Yes

FILAMENT DIAMETER 3.00

ON-PRINTER CONTROLS No

CONNECTIVITY USB

This is a pretty nice printer. With a lower price point than the TAZ 5, I was still able to get the quality prints lulzbot is known to offer. The auto-leveling bed is a lifesaver for beginners, and the reliability is great. My only complaints are the constant connection to a computer (I fixed this with use of a raspberry pi) and the noise level.

The Mini is a great printer for someone just starting with 3D printing. The ease of use and large online community makes most issues quickly resolvable. The open source software and open hardware of the machine is an added bonus because you can keep up with the latest technology within this industry as it advances.

Customer Service is great. The complete package is excellent. Easy to setup and easy to use.