Testing 3D printers is a detailed process that involves evaluating various aspects of the printers. Different printers use different materials and processes to create models. In my testing, I assess SLA printers, which use resin and light to print, as well as FDM printers, which melt plastic onto a plate. Each type of printer has its own unique methodology. The key factors I consider during testing include:
1. Hardware quality: I evaluate the overall quality and durability of the printer’s hardware components.
2. Ease of setup: I assess how easy it is to set up the printer and get it ready for printing.
3. Bundled software: I examine the software that comes with the printer and evaluate its features and user-friendliness.
4. Appearance and accuracy of prints: I analyze the quality and accuracy of the prints produced by the printer.
5. Repairability: I consider how easily the printer can be repaired and whether replacement parts are readily available.
6. Company and community support: I research the company’s track record in providing customer support and the availability of online communities for users to seek assistance.
During testing, I use a key test print that represents the CNET logo. This print helps me assess the printer’s ability to bridge gaps, create accurate shapes, and handle overhangs. It also includes small towers that help measure the printer’s performance in different temperature ranges.
To test speed, I slice the model using the printer’s standard slicer and compare the actual print duration to the estimated completion time provided by the slicer. Different slicers can have varying completion time estimations. To obtain a more accurate measure of speed, I use PrusaSlicer to determine the amount of material the print should use and divide it by the actual print time, giving me the speed in millimeters per second (mm/s) at which the printer can operate.
I also use an InfiRay thermal imaging camera to check how well the build plate heats up. By setting the build plate to 60 degrees Celsius, the most commonly used temperature, and measuring it in multiple locations, I can determine how close the printer gets to the advertised temperature.
For resin printers, I use the AmeraLabs standard test, which involves printing a small resin model resembling a tiny town. This test helps evaluate the printer’s accuracy, its handling of small parts, and the effectiveness of UV exposure at different points in the model.
In addition to these specific tests, I conduct various anecdotal test prints using different 3D models to assess the longevity of the printer’s parts and its performance with different shapes.
Lastly, I research the company’s responsiveness to customer support queries and the availability of replacement parts for ordering and self-installation. For printers that come as kits requiring assembly, I consider the length and difficulty of the assembly process and the clarity of the instructions provided.
