Independent which printer on the market you’ll buy, I’d like to start with the most important information. 3D printing will never be Plug’n Play, a technical background and expertise is needed being successful in any case. But finally there is something more important than the technical background, it is the Hard- & Software you use.
I have started 3D printing with a 3D printer of 799€, after 14days I was so frustrated about printing, almost stopping it forever saying “it is to early”, but then I decided not giving up and spending more money. I started researching printers with dual capabilities and a supplier with support at least in Europe. After certain pro & con comparisons I finally decided for the Leapfrog Creatr HS supplied with the software Simplify.
To make it short, between the 799€ and the Leapfrog Creatr HS there are worlds!!! Whereas the Leapfrog starts printing right first time with already acceptable results, the cheap printer failed. Still this doesn’t mean it is Plug’n Play, you can fine tune your results using slicing software Simplify, which has a lot of capabilities.
For the people who don’t like long reads, I will rate now the different functionalities by up to 5 stars (1 is worst, 5 is best)
- Space needs: ***
- Robustness: *****
- Components and materials used: ****
(5 stars if the linear bearings will be changed to Igus DryLin®)
- Stand alone function: ***
(100% without a PC is compared to competition not possible.
(The blue backlight just looks nice, but doesn’t bring any technical advantages, It should be changed to white.
The selection button doesn’t work properly and is less comfortable to use. Leapfrog doesn’t give me proper solution so far)
(3D printers are all loud, as the printer is fully open design, I just give 3 stars, also the linear bearings are making too much noise)
(If the software is understood and the optimum filament setting has been found, the Leapfrog is giving very good surface finish and print quality)
- Print Volume: *****
- Dual print precision and quality: ****
- Leapfrog Support: ***** (They are fast, but it requires to have technical background by communicating with them. The instructions are well prepared and explained.
- Spare parts: ***
Partially too expensive and the shop is not maintained well, would be nice to have all accessories and spare parts available there without contacting support.
Overall the Leapfrog Creatr HS gets from me 4 Stars ****, there are still some improvement todo, but I trust on Leapfrog that they are working on solutions, as according my contact with the support gives me always a feedback which confirms that I did the right decision.
I can clearly recommend the Creatr HS for those who have technical background and expertise, but this you need for all 3D printers.
