Maker Select 3D Printer V2 vs Maker Select Plus 3D Printer Review Showdown
Same brand, same look, same printing specs – the Maker Select V2 and Maker Select Plus are almost the same 3D printer! Today’s comparison looks at what actually makes these two printers different. We also decide a winner to help you decide which machine is right for you in this Maker Select 3D Printer V2 vs Maker Select Plus 3D Printer review.
Maker Select 3D Printer V2 Basics
As the less expensive of the two models, you may expect the Maker Select V2 to offer worse performance. In fact, the Select V2 stands well on its own with many of the same specs as the Select Plus.
To start, the Maker Select V2 uses a roomy 7.9”x7.9”x7” build space and heated PEI print bed. The extruder heats up to 260C, allowing you to print with a wide variety of filaments, including ABS. Print speeds are nothing special, making out at 100mm/s. Choose from resolutions between 100 and 400 microns for average print quality.
Connect via USB or MicroSD card, you control this printer through the separate control box. The control box is a clunky addition to an otherwise well-designed printer, and the Select V2 only weighs 22lbs all told. Check out our full Maker Select V2 review here.
Maker Select Plus 3D Printer Basics
Just like the Select V2, the Maker Select Plus features a 7.9”x7.9”x7” print volume over a heated print bed. The Select Plus reaches considerably faster print speeds, up to 150mm/s, but you won’t likely notice the difference. Both printers perform best at 70mm/s or less. And just like the Select V2, the Select Plus offers resolutions between 100-400 microns.
The similarities don’t end there. The Select Plus also includes MicroSD and USB connectivity options, and shares the same steel-frame design. Instead of two pieces, however, the Select Plus is a self-contained machine with modern touchscreen interface. The Select Plus weighs over 30lbs, too, as opposed to the Select V2’s lighter overall weight.
Maker Select 3D Printer V2 vs Maker Select Plus 3D Printer Review Similarities: Print Quality
We’ll be frank, the resulting models from these two 3D printers are indistinguishable. Both the Select V2 and the Select Plus use the same heated print beds, same durable steel construction, same open-frame design, and same stock nozzle.
To reiterate, both of these 3D printers produce average consumer results. That means your models may need some post work and polishing to look great. Still, these 3D printers are both well-priced for what you can achieve with a little tweaking and experimentation.
Maker Select 3D Printer V2 vs Maker Select Plus 3D Printer Review Differences: Design
For all their similarities, there is one major difference between the Maker Select V2 and the Select Plus. The Select V2 comes in two parts: the printer and the control box. All electronics, including motherboard and power supply, are located in the Select V2’s control box. This is also where users control the printer’s interface.
On the other hand, the Maker Select Plus is an all-in-one unit like most 3D printers. The motherboard and power supply are located in the base of the machine. The Select Plus also features a more contemporary touchscreen user interface. Being in one piece makes the Select Plus easier to move and place. Many people prefer the convenience of a touchscreen, too. One downside, though, is that the Select Plus is over 10lbs heavier. The touchscreen is also more prone to failure than the Select V2’s simpler turn-knob operation.
Maker Select 3D Printer V2 vs Maker Select Plus 3D Printer Review Verdict
Whichever of these printers you choose, don’t let the Select Plus’ “superior” print speed sway your opinion. Beyond that, the only real consideration is your convenience. Would you prefer the simplicity of an all-in-one machine, or would you prefer to save a few bucks in exchange for a clunkier printer? At the end of the day, both these printers offer the same affordable, entry-level experience.
In our opinion, these printers are the very definition of average. They both fit right in with other 3D printers in this price range, so you can buy with confidence if either of them catches your fancy.
