Are you an artisan? Do you love creating? Are you constantly seeking out new mediums to experiment with?
Trying out new processes to creating art can be quite a daunting challenge for creatives. The learning curve associated with mastering 3D printing may seem even more so. The possibilities with 3D printing are near endless. But if 3D printing has intrigued you to the point of considering purchasing a 3D printer for your art, the LulzBot Mini may just be for you.
Bottom Line Up Front
Our Pros: The Lulzbot Mini is ease of use personified! This 3D printer was developed specifically for artisans. It allows you concentrate on your craft without having to constantly monitor the technical 3D printing process.
Our Cons: As its name suggests, the Lulzbot Mini‘s build capacity is quite small. This makes it a great 3D printer for miniatures and medium-sized models but a poor option for large projects.
Our Bottom Line: The Lulzbot mini works with extreme precision and accuracy. Whie not cheap for a mini 3D printer it is the most affordable way to get involved with a very well known and trusted 3D printer brand, LulzBot. There is a peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve purchased the quality obviously provided by this machine. The ease of use, and high quality make this an excellent choice for creators looking to make small, highly detailed work.
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A Peak at the ‘Mighty’ LulzBot Mini
Starting with aesthetics, the Lulzbot mini is durably built with black rolled steel which adds stability to its entire structure. Its design is more open unlike other desktop 3D printers in its category. The term ‘open’ means that while in action; you can see the mechanics of the printing process and make observations where necessary.
Sadly, the Lulzbot Mini open-build means users have access to exposed parts which are actively in motion and hot. This makes the Mini unsuitable for getting your kids interested in 3D printing or for use in STEM camps.
The Workings of the Lulzbot Mini
The Lulzbot Mini makes use of the popular FFF/FDM technology. The 3D printer works by using the movement of its print bed for one axis, while the extruder moves on the other two axis. The Lulzbot’s print bed compliments the left-right, up-down movement of the nozzle by moving from front to back.
The dimension of the Mini’s extruder is 0.5mm which produces larger filament layers. You won’t have as sharp of corners, but you will have much faster print jobs. There is an added benefit of slightly stronger prints due to thickness, and possibly less nozzle clogging.
Keep in mind you can switch this part for a very little price, and with relative ease. This highlights the open-source nature of the LulzBot Mini’s hardware which will also be covered in some details as you read on.
Many makers will change it to fit job criteria. On this printer, the .5mm is a better option for the day to day printing, while a smaller nozzle would be job specific. This extrusion size is definitely not great for 3D printing fine details but thankfully, you can swap the nozzle with a smaller-sized one.
A Manageable Build Capacity
As I said previously the LulzBot Mini has a relatively small build volume and with a dimension of 150 x 150 x 160mm, this is indeed true. Therefore, take the size of projects intended into consideration. The LulzBot Mini excels for 3D printing miniatures, jewelry, and smaller models without hassles.
Taking a look at its printing capabilities, the LulzBot is equipped with a self-leveling print bed and a single extruder that prints with a speed of 275mm/sec. And in terms of its print quality, it is capable of printing at a resolution of 50 microns. This highlights its ability to be precise and accurate when put to work.
LulzBot is a well known brand, and has been around for awhile. They know how to make a 3D printer that can handle multiple filament types, and brands with ease. With the Mini, you can 3D print with multiple materials such as; AbS, PLA, Wood Copper and many more. This is due to the fact that it can produce temperatures of approximately 300 degrees Celsius which is above the melting point of many materials. While I won’t say you every filament will work well, I will go out on the limb and say this 3D Printer will be able to cater to your needs better than many other models. For many other 3D printers it is not uncommon to have to be more selective in filament brands.
Open-source Software
The open-end design of the LulzBot Mini also means that it comes with no control buttons and instructions must be inputted through a computer. The open-source feature of the Mini means that you can control it with most of the available software apps.
This does not mean that it comes out-of-the-box without its own custom software. The LulzBot Mini is equipped with the Cura software which when installed automatically loads a test model for you to work with. It is also important to note that you would have to tether this 3D printer to a computer before use. Cura is one of those most pouplar software packages out there for 3D printers, and is the best to start with. I personally enjoy USB connectivity with 3D printers as it allows for later customization. There is an easy way to set up a wireless capability using the USB and a Raspberry Pi if you are interested.
A DIY User’s Dream
Here again, the open-source nature of the LulzBot Mini comes into play. One of the reasons for its open-design is the opportunity it gives users to tinker with its build. With some understanding of electronics, you could create physical controls to manage it, integrate LED lights around it, build a case to cover its mechanical parts etc. This is a 3D printer that comes with high quality and standards, that you can tinker with in your own time. You know you are starting from a good base, and you can focus on doing fun things as this addicting hobby really takes its hold on you.
The LulzBot is indeed a DIY user’s best friend and with a little knowledge of microcontrollers, you can get this 3D printer to do so much more.
What are Some Other Cool Features of the Creator Pro?
Although its open-source hardware takes the cake, the LulzBot still integrates some other features of note. One feature which is cool and practical is the integration of a self-wiping mechanism that wipes off its nozzle after each project. This goes a long way to eliminate certain problems your 3D printer faces such as a blocked nozzle. Once again, this is a peace of mind addition. I think of it like automatically changing the oil on your car. (Wouldn’t that be a dream) It’s a piece of maintenance that saves you a headache.
The Choice is in Your Hands
Here we come to the moment where a decision must be made. You have heard about the ease of using the LulzBot and how it can be played right out of its box as well as its open-source features. It is also quite affordable and a great way to get started with 3D printing.
The LulzBot Mini is a durable 3D printer for artisans, makers, hobbyists, and creators. Do you fit in one of those categories, or are you interested in the LulzBot Mini for another reason?
It’s time to say goodbye now, but first here’s what you do now. Click the button below to go to Amazon, add this bad boy to your cart, and proceed to checkout. Don’t forget to stock up on filament to start too.
I’m Ready to Buy a LulzBot Mini Now!