The da Vinci 1.0 and Printrbot Assembled Metal Simple both have plenty to offer, but which one is right for you? If you’re not sure, keep reading. We’re about to delve into how these two 3D printers compare. This might be just what you need to read before making a final decision, and taking your first step toward 3D printing.
Printing Platform and Specifications
XYZPrinting’s da Vinci 1.0 features a glass bed and the larger build volume of the two printers. It is about 475 cubic inches and is divided evenly as dimension of 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches.
The da Vinci is set up with a 0.4 mm nozzle, which takes 1.75 mm ABS filament and has a variety of print resolution settings ranging from 100 microns for a fine finish to 400 microns for an ultra fast print.
As far as software, the da Vinci comes with the proprietary XYZware that guides you through the process of preparing your design for printing.
The metal Printrbot Simple features a steel printing surface with a build volume of 216 cubic inches and is divided evenly as dimensions of 6 x 6 x 6 inches.
The printer is set up with a 1.75 Ubis hot, uses a 0.4 mm nozzle, and takes 1.75 mm PLA filament. All of these components work together to create great prints with a resolution of 100 microns.
The Printrbot does not offer a proprietary software for it’s printers, but you can use Ponterface, Repetier-Host, SketchUp, Slic3r, or any other software you would like, to set up your designs for printing.
Printing Platform Calibration
da Vinci 3D printers are calibrated before being shipped out, but if there is a need to recalibrate, this can be done automatically by using the calibrate function. The calibrate function can be found by navigating through the onboard LCD screen.
If problems persist manual calibration can be completed by hand-turning screws on the three leveling points below the build plate.
For the metal simple, leveling the build platform is carried out by with the help of a sensor on the z-axis and software assistance. Once you have manually brought the nozzle down, close to the printing platform, you use the software to home the x and y axis, and enter values to test the x axis height, until you reach a setting that allows the filament to adhere consistently to the platform.
The Exterior Construction
XYZPrinting’s da Vinci 1.0 3D printer features a full, plastic enclosure of the printing environment (with the exception of two small vents, one on the door and one on the top panel) with a large, transparent window panel, which serves as the access door to the printing platform.
Printrbot’s metal Simple 3D printer features all-metal, aluminum and steel, powder-coated, exterior construction with an open platform design.
Da Vinci 1.0 vs Metal Simple
Both XYZprinting’s da Vinci 1.0 and Printrbot’s assembled, metal Simple are great, single extruder 3D printers with no shortage of great features. Check out the individual review for each of these printers if you want to learn more before you buy.
