TL;DR: Great printer
Pros: Great value. Super easy to use. Compact. Excellent print quality. Little to no leveling required.
Cons: Small-ish print area. Crappy camera. Needs external spool holder if you want to use standard 1 kg filament. Uses non-standard .gx format.
UPDATE 3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE:
I still think this is a great machine. I have used it now for PETG, and it did fine. Bought a few replacement nozzles when they became available. I saw occasional clogging of the nozzle, more frequently than on my Wanhao DI3 with an all metal hotend, but somehow with the new nozzles this seems to occur much less frequently. Need to relevel bed every 10 prints or so. I went back from glass to the original bed because I really like how easy it is to remove the prints. The external I gave up completely on the inbuilt camera and use a Wyze camera instead to monitor prints. PolarCloud is garbage. My main issues are
1) The MAC address for Wifi changes every time you start the Voxel, so you have to look for the IP address to enter into the FlashForge software. Better to stick with Ethernet or set the Voxel up as a hotspot.
2) I wish it could read standard .gcode files. I actually like the FlashForge slicer. Loads so much faster than Cura and in Windows actually changes the .gx file icons to display the actual model. It's super easy to use and from a UI perspective much cleaner than Cura. But it doesn't offer the range of options that Cura does. E.g., there are only very few types of infill to choose from. But overall it does an excellent job.
3) Small print surface. Wish it was at least 20 x 20.
I'm really happy I bought this machine. It has almost immediately become my go-to printer for any smaller-sized projects. The print quality is amazing -- after a few adjustments. It's a compact machine, not heavy, with full enclosure. Can print a wide range of filaments but I have only used it for PLA so far. I read reports of clogging when you change filaments so I'm waiting for the exchangeable print nozzles to become available again before I try PETG. This is actually one of the negatives. Very surprised that Monoprice doesn't have those exchangeable nozzles in store as this is one of the positive features of the system.
Anyway. Initial setup was easy, included quick start guide had me up and running in no time. Unfortunately, the initial build quality didn't impress me. Lots of strings produced when the nozzle moved across internal areas. This was particularly visible with the included semi-translucent red filament, but also happened with other filament I tried. However, this was fixed easily by changing the retraction parameter in the included Flashprint software from 5 to 6 mm and by slightly lowing the print speed. Haven't seen any of these artifacts since. While I actually liked the included bendable print bed, I immediately replaced it with a glass plate (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHG37PX) attached by placing a thermal pad (https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-400mm-Silicone-Thermal-Heatsink/dp/B007PPEW52) between the plate and the heated bed. Using glue stick, models stick perfectly.
Highly impressed with the quality of prints using the default parameters of the included FlashForge software (with the above mentioned modifications). The simplicity of getting a print going should make this a total gateway drug for anyone new to 3D printing. Where my other printers require endless fiddling to level the bed, here you just select Print and you're on your way. With the glass plate, I had to relevel but it's very easy to do and doesn't require any tools. Leveling is done in the middle of the plate. This was one of my concerns about this printer as there is no way to level the bed along the x or y axis but I have not seen any issues at all. This is probably due to the somewhat small size of the print bed, which is one of the only knocks I have on this system. I wish it had a 20x20 print bed, as I frequently print models that exceed the size of the Voxel's bed. I have printed models across the whole bed, using a raft, and have not seen any warping.
I was also intrigued by the camera that is built into the system but it actually turned out to be pretty awful. You can use it using the Polar Cloud software to watch your print, but the images are generally dark and lo-res, and it only works over local network. I ended up using a cheap webcam mounted on a small stand next to the printer and Youtube streaming to monitor prints when I'm on the road. Another problem is -- and that's just a stupid engineering decision -- you can only use the USB port or the camera. Huh? The "automatic" setting that should turn the camera on when a print job is active and the USB port on when not doesn't work in my hands. If I want to use the camera, I turn it on manually. A pity, because I found using a USB stick to be my preferred way of transferring files to the machine.
The system uses .gx files, which are a variant of .gcode. I was initially concerned I couldn't use Cura to slice, but I'm now actually very happy with the included Flashprint software (which I understand is built on top of Cura). By and large it does what Cura does but feels more limited in what you can do with supports. But then again, for most of what I do, no problems. You can also use Polar Cloud as a web-based solution. I was at first very excited about it because I was hoping I could use a cheap chromebook I have lying around to control the machine but a) the cloud software is very convoluted, with lots of features that may be useful for schools that need to manage several printers and print queues in their print shop but only get in the way if all you want is slice and control your one Voxel, and b) I found the print quality produced by its slicer to be inferior to what comes out of Flashprint. Flashprint allows you to connect to your printer and shows you the print status but doesn't connect to the printer's camera.
Be aware that this printer is not designed for tinkerers who want to mod their machine. It's for those of us who just want to get the job done. You can replace the print nozzle but that's pretty much it, and then again looks like nozzles are actually out of stock.
Couple more observations:
Loading and unloading filament is super-easy. However, the system is designed to mount small 0.5 kg spools on its side. So if you're like me sitting on 1 kg spools used in other printers, you will have to print either some spool adapters or use an external spool holder (which works fine). I guess this was a necessary design decision to keep a compact profile. I did at times notice some stuttering and knocking sounds when the filament is pulled in but I didn't see any impact on print quality.
The system is easy to operate with the built-in touch panel. It's easy to read, with a logical menu system, but occasionally it takes a bit to register your touch.
Plenty of internal storage so you can keep .gx files around on-board for repeat prints.
All in all, I am very surprised by how much I like this system. I bought it as a backup system but ended up using it as my primary printer for anything smaller than 15 x 15 cm.
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From the manufacturer
Service & Support
You're never on your own with Monoprice products! We have a full team of friendly and knowledgeable technicians available to answer your questions, both before and after the sale. Contact our support team for questions about our products, troubleshooting, or even suggestions for products to fit your particular needs.
Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer - Black/Gray
Removable Heated Build Plate (150 x 150 x 150 mm) | Fully Enclosed | Touch Screen
The Voxel is a unique, easy to use, beginner-friendly 3D printer that brings 3D printing to the masses with its simple menu system displayed on a 2.8" color IPS touch screen. The assisted leveling system reduces calibration to a single tap on the touch screen and the print nozzle can be swapped out in seconds, without the need for tools of any kind. It features 8GB of internal memory, a USB port, a Wi-Fi radio with a hotspot, and a built-in camera for monitoring print operations.
- Please visit monoprice and search for 'Voxel' or type part number 33820 in the search bar to visit the product page and download the latest software and manual
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Quick Change NozzleThe Voxel has a quick change nozzle that allows you to change the nozzle in seconds, without the need for tools of any kind. |
Heated, Flexible, and Removable:The removable, flexible build plate makes removing a model a breeze. Simply remove and flex it to dislodge the model. You can easily replace it if it becomes damaged or can swap in a second build plate to start a new print immediately after completion of a project. Additionally, it can be heated to temperatures up to 60°C. |
Assisted LevelingAuto Leveling: The printer ships fully calibrated and ready to print out of the box. If necessary, you can easily adjust the distance between the nozzle and the bed via the touch screen interface. |
Polar Cloud EnabledPolar Cloud Enabled: The MP Voxel comes Polar Cloud enabled straight out of the box, meaning you can control your 3D printer from anywhere with an internet connection, connect and manage multiple printers at once, queue print jobs, slice models, access unique educational curriculum, and even check in on how your print is doing with the built-in web cam! |
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| MP Cadet 3D Printer | MP Select Mini V2 | Maker Plus 10 Mini | Maker Plus 10 | Voxel Adventurer | Ultimate 2 | |
| Build Area | 100 x 105 x 100 mm | 120 x 120 x 120 mm | 200 x 200 x 180 mm | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 150 x 150 x 150 mm | 200 x 150 x 150 mm |
| Resolution | 100-500 microns | 100-300 microns | 50-300 microns | 50-300 microns | 100-400 microns | 100-400 microns |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm | 0.4mm | 0.4mm | 0.4mm | 0.4mm | 0.4mm |
| Hotend Setup | Bowden | Bowden | Bowden | Bowden | Bowden | Bowden |
| Print Speed | up to 150 mm/sec | up to 55 mm/sec | up to 100 mm/sec | up to 100 mm/sec | up to 100 mm/sec | up to 150 mm/sec |
| Maximum Extruder Temperature | 250 Degrees (C) | 250 Degrees (C) | 280 Degrees (C) | 280 Degrees (C) | 240 Degrees (C) | 250 Degrees (C) |
| Maximum Build Plate Temperature | 60 Degrees (C) | 110 Degrees (C) | 110 Degrees (C) | 100 Degrees (C) | 100 Degrees (C) | |
| Heated Built Plate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Removable Build Plate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer reviews
Your answer to frustration free, working fresh out of box printer.
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2018
Perfect first layer. Ninth time printing with this thing, still did not tweaked a single thing with any of the hardware. I show this in the picture uploaded. Perfect first layer. I'm using the exact program listed on it's product page on the Monoprice website. Hands down, the easiest printer I have ever used besides the TAZ 6 and a few Stratasys printers at work. I have never experienced using a printer that worked right out of the box with this much ease. Fully 100% assembled. Took me exactly 13 minutes and 51 seconds to cut the box open, take the printer out, plug it in, start the 20mm cube print, and finish the cube print. This is unheard of. I completed an impressive quality print fresh out of the box in under 15 minutes.For those who have had to frustratingly tinker for hours upon days upon months with their printers and just want to start over with a new one without a headache, this is your answer. This is coming from someone who operates 32 printers on a daily basis for work ranging from the Form 2 to the cruddy Robo R1+. Believe me, I understand the pain of struggling with printers with careless manufacturing. For this price, this is a no brainier.
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2018
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Calibration of this product
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2021
Calibration of this product
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2021
After getting very frustrated and not knowing the cause of the poor prints, I re calibrated the hot tip to the bed and wow what a difference this made, as you can see from the pictures linked the first 2 are epic fails, the 3rd if one of a test print i did and the result is way better and at the base slicer settings.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2021
I would most defiantly recommend this printer to any one wanting to starting 3d printing, just make sure you calibrate the hot tip, i used the tip leveling paper i got with my other printer,all you have to do is to move the hot tip from a negative number to a positive and then bring it down a bit at a time until the paper just grabs the hot tip. It should be around about +0.2-0.3 IMO.
One other note one of the fans is a little noisy but not to bad. AAAAA+++
Images in this review
Richard
Good value for money 3D printer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2020Pietro V
Worked great out of the box but has some caveats
Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2019
