LulzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer Review Results
LulzBot released the TAZ 5, the latest iteration of their flagship 3D printer, this month. If you've had your eye on it, and are considering making it yours, I suggest you stick around for the review. I will highlight some of the highs and lows in order help you decide whether or not this will be a good investment for your needs.
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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
LulzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer Basics
The TAZ 5 aims at providing “industrial-grade 3D printing, on your desktop” It’s a heavy-duty 3D printer with a printing envelope of 11.7 x 10.8 x 9.8 inches, which will give you a volume of 1238 cubic inches of usable space. You can expect this printer, which has a resolution range of 50 to 350 microns, to reach a speed of 200 mm/sec.
LulzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer Pros
LulzBot Hexagon All Metal Hot End
The LulzBot Hexagon All Metal Hot End is a new addition implemented, for the first time, on the TAZ 5. What this all metal design means to you, is that, if you choose to purchase this printer, you will have the option to explore a greater variety of filaments, including those that require the extruder to reach higher temperatures. The LulzBot Hexagon All Metal Hot End reaches temperatures of up to 572° F (300° C).
TAZ 5 Filament Compatibility
Speaking of, the LulzBot’s TAZ 5 is compatible with a wide range of 3 mm filaments. You can use the basic ABS and PLA plastic filaments with this printer, but why stop there? Try printing with new, experimental filaments like those that aim to simulate natural woods, metals, and stones.
TAZ 5 PEI Print Surface
Another new feature for LulzBot’s TAZ 5 is the polyetherimide (or PEI) print surface, which lies on top of heated borosilicate glass. This surface helps reduce adhesion and warping issues without the need for additional adhesive materials like tapes, films, and those other (often flammable) concoctions that makers commonly add to bed surfaces in a desperate attempt to coax their prints into behaving.
LulzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer Cons
What features would I still like to see LulzBot implement?
Enclosed Printing Chamber
It would be great to see LulzBot implement a printing chamber. Not only would this be great for regulating the environment during printing, but it would also be a great safety feature to keep users and curious hands safe from the very hot, fast moving, and electrical elements that are otherwise largely exposed.
Wi-Fi Connectivity & Technology
I would also like to see LulzBot boost their printer’s connectivity technology. A wi-fi connection that works with apps, and lets users print more effortlessly and access their printer and online design libraries, easily and remotely, would be awesome.
LuzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer Review Verdict
This being said, LulzBot’s TAZ 5 is still a great printer. If you’re interested in this printer and are new to 3D printing, you may want to look into LulzBot’s Mini model before purchasing. The LulzBot Mini is designed with greater ease of use, and is also more affordable.
