Thoughts on the Raise3D Pro3 Plus 3D Printer: Software, Print Results, and Final Impressions
Welcome back to the final part of our review series on the Raise3D Pro3 Plus high-speed 3D printer. In this post, we will discuss the software, print results, and our final thoughts on this impressive machine. If you haven’t read parts one and two yet, we highly recommend you do.
Let’s start with the software provided by Raise3D for the Pro3 Plus, called IdeaMaker. This tool is similar to UltiMaker Cura and offers compatibility not only with Raise3D equipment but also with other brands. While there isn’t much to say about IdeaMaker, as it shares many similarities with other slicing software, we did come across some curious interface differences.
One notable difference is that to access the detailed settings, you always have to click through, which may not be as intuitive as we would have liked. Additionally, since most of our other equipment is single extruder, we faced a new challenge with the Pro3 Plus and its IDEX system, which has two extruders. It’s crucial to ensure that the extruder configuration in the job preparation matches the physical state of the machine. Unfortunately, we found that operators sometimes mistakenly adjusted the wrong extruder settings in IdeaMaker, thinking they were modifying parameters for extruder 2 when, in fact, they were tweaking extruder 1. This confusion arises due to the lack of visual clarity in the software, making it easy to make mistakes. To avoid such errors, we suggest double and triple-checking which tool you are tweaking, especially during multi-color 3D print jobs.
One suggestion from our operators was the inclusion of more support options in IdeaMaker. Other slicing tools have adopted organic/tree supports, which are not yet available in IdeaMaker. This limitation can make post-processing prints with extensive support material more challenging. Additionally, although IdeaMaker provides access to the company’s cloud system where you can find profiles for various materials, we found that the process of locating and loading profiles was not as seamless as in other software with pre-installed profiles. Nevertheless, we were generally able to find the profiles we needed with some effort.
Moving on to the print results, we cannot praise the quality enough. We did not encounter any print failures, except for those caused by our own parameter mistakes. The surface quality of every print we produced on the Pro3 Plus was consistently outstanding. Even our first two-color print turned out remarkably well, boasting impressively even layers when viewed up close.
For a fun experiment, we decided to print a standard multi-color pylon 3D model at a giant scale, making full use of the Pro3 Plus’ enormous build volume. While the print came out exceptionally well, there was one issue. The model was initially designed to be tiny, resulting in overly thick walls at a larger scale. Nevertheless, this was just a minor setback.
We also put the Pro3 Plus to the test with a large print using clear PETG material. Although we couldn’t easily find a profile for this material, we created one ourselves and gave it a try with a rubber duck model. The PETG print turned out excellently on the first attempt, although we had to use slower speeds since PETG is not a high-speed material.
Furthermore, we successfully printed a large nautilus model, which we used in a theatrical production. All the nautiluses came out perfectly, even though they were printed at slow speeds, missing the opportunity to leverage the machine’s higher speeds.
The Pro3 Plus allowed us to produce several production parts, including a custom electronics box that served its purpose effectively. Thanks to the Pro3 Plus’ large build volume, we were able to create parts that couldn’t be made on our other equipment. In fact, we even printed a life-size helmet for a cosplay setup, demonstrating the immense size capabilities of this 3D printer. This machine truly excels at printing large items, and we’ve also crafted multiple prototypes of specialized safety helmets that we unfortunately cannot share publicly.
In conclusion, the Raise3D Pro3 Plus is an incredibly valuable professional 3D printer, particularly for large-format applications. It delivers high-speed performance on selected materials and consistently produces outstanding quality parts. Setting up the Pro3 Plus is a breeze, thanks to the fantastic interactive instructions provided.
We hope you enjoyed this review series on the Raise3D Pro3 Plus 3D printer. If you are in the market for a reliable, high-speed, and large-format 3D printer, we highly recommend considering the Pro3 Plus. Happy printing!
Title: Unlocking the Creative Potential of Raise3D: A Three-Part Series
Introduction:
Welcome back to the final installment of our three-part series on the versatile and powerful Raise3D printer. In parts one and two, we explored the machine’s impressive build volume, exceptional print quality, and impressive print speeds. In this concluding part, we’ll delve into some areas where the Raise3D printer could benefit from improvements. But before we get into that, let’s recap why this machine is a standout choice for beginner, enthusiast, and production-level users.
The Ideal Machine for Prototypes and Production Parts:
Raise3D has crafted a printer that perfectly caters to your printing needs, whether you are a beginner, enthusiast, or involved in production work. With a rating of 3/10 for beginners, 9/10 for enthusiasts, and 9/10 for production, this versatile machine has proven itself across various user levels.
✔︎ Build Volume:
One of the standout features of the Raise3D printer is its expansive build volume that allows for the creation of larger prototypes and production parts. No longer are creators limited by size constraints, and this opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
✔︎ Print Quality:
The print quality delivered by the Raise3D printer is nothing short of exceptional. The intricate details and fine finishes it produces are a testament to the machine’s precision and accuracy. Whether you are creating artistic sculptures or functional prototypes, the Raise3D printer will ensure your prints are of the highest quality.
✔︎ Print Speeds:
Time is of the essence, and the Raise3D printer recognizes that. Its fast print speeds minimize the waiting time between designs, allowing you to bring your creations to life more quickly. This is especially important for professionals who rely on production-level printing to meet tight deadlines.
Room for Improvement:
While the Raise3D printer possesses outstanding features and capabilities, there are a few areas where it could benefit from some enhancements.
✖︎ PTFE Tube:
The PTFE tube found in the Raise3D printer can sometimes pose challenges, especially when working with complex geometries that require frequent retraction. Enhancing the tube’s flexibility and durability could address this issue and improve overall user experience.
✖︎ HS Material Choice:
While the Raise3D printer is compatible with a wide range of materials, high-strength (HS) materials can be challenging to work with. Users have reported difficulties in achieving optimal prints with HS materials, and further research and development in this area could greatly enhance the printer’s versatility.
✖︎ Easy Profiles:
While the Raise3D printer offers a wide range of profile settings for advanced users, beginner-level users may find it overwhelming. Incorporating user-friendly profiles that streamline the printing process for newcomers would be a welcome addition to the printer’s already impressive features.
Conclusion:
The Raise3D printer proves to be a groundbreaking machine that offers unparalleled capabilities across various user levels. Its impressive build volume, exceptional print quality, and fast print speeds make it a preferred choice for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. While there are areas that could be improved, overall, the Raise3D printer is an excellent investment for those looking to unleash their creative potential.
We hope you have enjoyed this three-part series on the Raise3D printer. If you are interested in learning more about this remarkable machine, be sure to check out parts one and two. Share your thoughts and experiences with 3D printing in the comments below, and stay tuned for more exciting content from Raise3D!
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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