We've all come to expect excellence from the Dremel brand, but is the same true of their Digilab 3D45 professional 3D printer? Find out if this printer makes the grade in today's Dremel Digilab 3D45 review.
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Printing Speed
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Build Size
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Precision
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Value
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Design
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User Experience
Dremel Digilab 3D45 Review Basics
Designed for professionals, Dremel Digilab 3D45 backs that claim with specs to match. Featuring a standard 10×6.0x6.7-inch build volume with heated glass build plate, the 3D45 is capable of reaching resolutions from 50 to 300 microns. Print at speeds up to 150mm/s, though you’ll want to slow down considerably when printing at higher resolutions. As you would expect, the 3D45 includes an all-metal hotend capable of printing with a wide range of filaments and reaching temperatures up to 280C.
Considering this 3D printer’s average build space, the machine itself is quite large, measuring 23x19x19-inches and weighing over 40lbs. Be sure to make space for this printer before it shows up on your doorstep! Speaking of which, the Dremel Digilab 3D45 comes pre-assembled and features plug-and-play operation. WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options provide connectivity options for every kind of user and professional environment.
Dremel Digilab 3D45 Review Pros
Reliability
Although the 3D45 is known to reliably run for hundreds of hours without failure, the interior 720p camera allows remote monitoring of a print’s progress. Watch one or many 3D45s from anywhere, all accessible from the Dremel Print Cloud. This app also allows you to upload and initiate prints remotely or through the wireless function on the 3D printer itself. The large 5” IPS touchscreen makes navigating the 3D45’s menus easy.
Adding to the 3D45’s reliability, this 3D printer is fully enclosed and includes quality components like an all metal hotend with smart technology to help reduce clogging, and a superior print bed heating element which maintains even temperature throughout a print.
US-Based Customer Support
Unfortunately, too many 3D printing companies have reputations for awful customer service. Sometimes they give wrong information, sometimes you can’t even get someone on the phone, and at the end of the day there’s poor communication due to language barriers. English-speaking customers and those in the US will be happy to know that Dremel is the exception, providing their customers with US-based customer support. Not only is Dremel customer service friendly and easy to talk to, they are also willing to stay with you on the line until your problem is resolved.
Dremel Digilab 3D45 Review Cons
Proprietary Filament
Proprietary filament is relatively rare in 3D printers. Most companies allow you to use any 3rd party filament brand you like. Again, Dremel is an exception. While technically the 3D45 can use any brand filament, it’s specially designed to accept Dremel filaments. First, the filament spool holder is specially sized to fit only Dremel filaments. Next, Dremel filaments come with chips that communicate with the printer. These chips tell the printer what type of filament is being used and how much is left. Then the printer automatically alters print settings depending on the material.
All this may not be so bad if Dremel filament wasn’t so much more expensive than 3rd party brands. Of course, you MAY use other filaments but doing so requires altering or replacing the filament wheel.
Dremel Digilab 3D45 Review Verdict
Normally, putting 3D printers behind a proprietary filament wall earns an automatic thumbs down for us. As it has been this whole review, however, the Dremel Digilab 3D45 is an exception. Enjoy thoughtful additions that other printers lack, like assisted bed leveling, a huge IPS touch screen, interior camera, and particulate filters for healthier exhaust. Built with care and quality, the rugged 3D45 isn’t an eyesore like other industrial 3D printers, either.
When comparing the 3D45 to others in its price range, like the Lulzbot Mini, there’s really no competition. While most home users probably won’t be able to afford this awesome 3D printer, it still represents a smart and budget-friendly choice for professional applications.
