Top 10 Direct Drive 3D Printer of 2022
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Buying a Direct Drive 3D Printer seems like an easy job, but not everytime. There are hundreds of Direct Drive 3D Printer available on the market from various producers, which is enough to confuse you. They are so similar in terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that choosing a final buying decision may be tough. All you need at that point is a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the ideal Direct Drive 3D Printer for your needs.
In this article, we will go over a few important points to consider about before buying a Direct Drive 3D Printer. You can call it a proper review guideline for you which will cover pros and cons of your desired product including its sustainability, affordability, functions, and also practical benefits. There will also be a solid comparison of a few related products. As a result, you’ll be able to quickly select the best option for your needs. Let’s take a look at what’s going on inside.
Best Direct Drive 3D Printer : Top 10 Picks
Last update on 2024-02-20 at 13:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Direct Drive 3D Printer Reviews According To Experts
We tried to find the top ten Direct Drive 3D Printer from thousands of different products in this section. This list will make you feel easy to get your desired Direct Drive 3D Printer within a few minutes. We emphasized their usefulness, performance, durability, outlook, affordability, and previous user experiences. We are confident that this list of the top 10 Direct Drive 3D Printer will help you find the one that best fits your needs.
- 【Overview of Neptune 3 Pro】225x225x280mm/8.85x8.85x11 inch market mainstream printing size can meet the needs of most users. With an STM32 motherboard, all axes of ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro are driven by silent stepper motors for quieter and more precise movement during printing, which reduces the noise as low as 47-48dB. The easy-to-setup printer comes with the main components pre-assembled, as well as a complete tool kit for quick installation.
- 【Dual-Gear Direct Extruder】The new dual-gear direct drive extruder is made of SUS303 high-quality stainless steel with a 3:1 reduction ratio and stronger extrusion force for smoother filament feeding and more stable & accurate printing, which greatly reduces nozzle clogging and under-extrusion issues, printing effect is better than Bowden extruder. Compatible with multiple filaments such as PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS.
- 【Nozzle Kit for Better Printing Effect】The nozzle kit contains a TC4 titanium alloy throat pipe, an aluminum alloy flat heat sink structure, and a brass nozzle.The widened aluminum heat sink paired with the front close-fitting efficient cooling fan for a better heat dissipation effect and lower the temperature of the throat pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of nozzle clogging.
- 【Smarter Printing Experience】Auto mesh bed leveling adopts a non-contact high precision sensor to automatically scan 36 (6x6) points of the hotbed and collect data in real-time, and then adjust the Z-axis height to compensate for any irregularities and unevenness of the printing platform. (Only applicable to metal printing platforms) Smart resume printing: the printer will auto-pause when the filament runs out or breaks, and you can resume printing after a power outage.
- 【More Stable Printing】The Z-axis with dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive for more stable movement of the print head and higher printing accuracy, avoiding the printing deviation driven by a single Z-axis lead screw motor. The 4-wheel V-guide rail pulley is made of POM with more stable movement, low noise, wear resistance, and longer service life.
- 【Wide Compatibility】2023 brand-new sprite extruder compatible with most 3D printers such as Creality Ender 3/ Ender 3 V2/ Ender 3 Pro/ Ender 5/ Ender 5 Pro/ Ender 5 Plus / CR 10. More compatible performance supports you to adapt to more 3D printer models, making it more convenient for your modifications. Suitable for both professional and personal use.
- 【Durable & Stable 】Dual gear drive does not damage the filament, supports stable, smooth and precise filament feeding. The premium full-metal body design is compact, exquisite and efficient heat dissipation. It's only weighs 210g, but the structure is durable, the function is powerful and complete.
- 【Smooth Feeding & High Torque】3.5:1 reduction ratio improves the extrusion performance of fliaments, supports more smooth printing. The adjustable tension allows you to fine-tune the pressure exerted by the drive gears onto the filament according to your preferences which helps to print more exquisite models.
- 【100% Creality Original New Product】 Upgrade your 3D printing experience with Creality's 100% original sprite extruder.With its unique design, this extruder provides unparalleled precision and control, making it ideal for creating intricate and complex designs. Please Note: the Hotend is not included, but the extruder is compatible with original hotends for even more DIY possibilities. Other modified hotend may have slight deviations, but they will not affect the usage.
- 【Easy To Install & 180- Day Warranty】Fix it on the mounting bracket, Plug and play, simple installation, suitable for more compatible nozzles without changing your nozzle structure. Simpler to install compared to other extruders. The packaging contains the necessary parts for installation. If you encounter any problems during the using the extruder, please contact us, we have a 180 day warranty
- 【Application】:The direct drive upgrade kit is suitable for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro,Ender 3,Voxelab Aquila 3D printers,NOT compatible with Ender 3 Max,Ender 3 Neo,Ender 3 V2 Neo,NOT compatible with TITAN extruder.NOTE:Extruder or hotend are NOT included in the package;For Ender 3 V2 users, you can print the following fan cover(STL:5340394)
- 【Outstanding Extrusion Control】:A direct drive extruder improves extrusion and retraction by removing the need for the Bowden (PTFE) tube. It provides precise retraction and a better print result.
- 【Stable Operation】:The holes of the Split Type conversion bracket are perfectly aligned, with supports on both sides to keep the center of gravity in the middle, and the structure is more stable.
- 【Flexible Filament Supported】: Compared with bowden extrusion,this direct drive extrusion greatly improves print quality of TPU and other flexible materials.
- 【Easy Installation】:No X,Y or Z-axis build volume lost. No firmware or wiring modification.Just tear down the original Ender 3 series plate and mount this direct drive upgrade kit.
- 【Classic I3 Structure Combines with Sovol New Design】Different from most 3D printers run by wheels in the market, SV06 has a classic I3 structure which avoids wear and tear of wheels and multiple replacements and it is widely applied into industry. We did something new to make it more applicable for household use. Modular design allows you to assemble SV06 within 5 steps easily. Working with SV06 Klipper screen (does not come with the printer, need to purchase additionally), SV06 can reach a fast and upgraded printing speed of 250mm/s.
- 【Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive】Sovol self-developed All Metal Direct Drive Extruder with planetary dual gear set, provide SV06 with higher drive ratio and a lighter motor, helps to achieve more accurate extrusion. Add large external knob for easy feeding.
- 【300℃ High Temp Printing】All metal Hotend Setup makes it possible to print up to 300℃. No need to deal with PTFE replacement anymore, and even no need to flash the firmware, you can print with different materials better and more easily. ( Enclosure is still needed if you want to print over 260℃.)
- 【25-point Auto Leveling】With inductive sensor, detect the metal print bed through 25 points automatically and compensate the unevenness of the heated bed. The fast, smart, precise detection and compensation help you to get the bed leveled perfectly and get an fantastic first layer. Note: Set the height of initial layer to 0.3mm when you slice that would help you to printer better initial layer and make the filament stick to the plate better.
- 【PEI Build Plate】The flexible PEI-coated build plate with mesh surface design makes the prints can be removed easily without any tools. 220*220*250mm print size, enough for daily use and household use.
- 100% Creality Official - Creality Ender 3 direct drive upgrade kit, compatible with Ender 3/Ender 3 V2/Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer. Supporting all 1.75mm diameter filament especially for flexible filament such as TPU, PLA and other flexible filaments.
- Easy Assemble - Switch Bowden extrusion to direct extruder at any time and easy to disassembly. It doesn't affect the inherent function of the printer because it's a full extrusion kit. Come with longer connecting cable, tools, accessories and diagram instruction, easy to assemble.
- Smooth Feed-in - Lower torque requirements on the stepper motor, reducing the possibility of the nozzle blockage when retracting filament and malfunction when loading new filament.
- Strong & Sturdy All Metal Hotend - This direct extruder kit is all metal structure, durable and wear resistant and Integrated structure is convenient for wiring and replacing.
- After-sale Service - There are more than 20 engineers for after-sales service and provide 24/7 customer service with 1-year limited and lifetime technical assistance. Please contact us via “ask a question”directly to get the professional assistance.
- Compatibility with - Creality Ender 3/Ender 3 V2/Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer.
- Easy to Install and Use - Switch Bowden extrusion to direct extruder at any time and easy to disassembly. It doesn't affect the inherent function of the printer because it's a complete extrusion kit. With longer Extruder motor connecting cable, tools, accessories, and wiring diagram instruction for installation, easy to assemble.
- Direct Extruding Smooth Feed-in - Lower torque requirements on the stepper motor, reducing the possibility of the nozzle blockage when retracting filament and malfunction when loading new filament. there is more even feed-in with direct extruding than Bowden tube extruding.
- Integrated All Metal Hotend - It's sturdy and wear-resistant with an all-metal shell and surface oxidation treatment; an Integrated structure is convenient for wiring and replacing.
- Printing at High - Temperature, Strong Compatibility: Compatible with more types of filament like PLA filament, PETG filament and TPU filemnt. When printing flexible TPU under high temperature, it can optimize TPU printing performance.
- For 3D printer beginner :JG MAKER R1 3d printer kit come with 98% pre-assembled,15mins assembly only,with STM32 bit silent main board,removable touch screen,X&Y belt tensioner,tool storage box,Magnetic PEI spring steel which are user friendly
- Auto leveling : 25 points auto leveling with baby leveling function makes your leveling easy,increasing printing accuracy and successful rate, double-faced usable PEI platform lead user both economic and printing model easy to be removed
- Dual gear extrusion and directive drive with dual cooling fan and titanium alloy throat makes filament feeding smoother and reduce nozzle clogging rate,increase printing successful rate.
- User-friendly design : JG MAKER pay attention to the details like positioning platform guide piece which leads magnetic PEI fit the bed perfectly,tool storage box makes your desk tidy and convenient for printing
- Reliable and stable printing: R1 Z-axis use dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive to achieve stabler movement and higher printing accuracy, standard filament run-out detection and resuming printing due to power outage are available
- Drop in Direct Drive Extruder for CR-10 and Ender 3 Series. It is Fully Compatible with Creality CR-10 / CR-10s / Ender 3 / Ender 3 Pro / Ender 3 V2
- High Torque: 3:1 Gear ratio
- This kit comes with everything you need to upgrade your printer to a Direct Drive Extruder. It comes with 1x Master Extruder Assembly 1x Adaptation plate 1x Stepper motor 1x Fan Shroud 1x Custom extension cable 1x Hotend assembly and hardware kit.
- This extruder overcomes the shortcomings of all current counterparts on the market, to create an optimal printing experience for everyone. With the Bevel Gear design, we are able to achieve the industry shortest filament path (less than 41mm). The unique motor placement allows for highly compact, low overhang design. This further increases system rigidity.
- It is made in the USA by Micro Swiss in-house.
- [IDEX 3D Printer with 4 Different Printing Modes] - Sovol SV04 3D printer is equipped with independent dual direct drive metal extruders that allow you to print two different colors, two different materials and two models simultaneously in the same or opposite direction. Better able to produce high-quality prints with a variety of materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PC, PA, wood, ASA and PVA.
- [More Space for Creativity] - Please download the latest firmware for SV04 from the official website of sovol before starting. Sovol SV04 size: 300 x 300 x 400 mm. Larger volume than SV01/SV02. Modular design for quick assembly allows for faster start.
- [Auto Leveling & 32-bit TMC2209 Silent Board] - The automatic leveling sensor on the SV04 makes adjustments to ensure that the bed and nozzle are at an optimal distance throughout the printing process, which improves bed adhesion and print quality. If you have any bed leveling issues please refer to the User Guide and leveling guide video on this product page. Upgraded 32-bit TMC2209 silent board, up to 7 additional drivers, more functions, more stable, super quiet.
- [Flexible Spring Steel Plate & 500W Power Supply] - The flexible magnetic building plate ensures that your prints grips well to avoid deformation and failed prints. You can peel off the prints without tools, just bend the plate and remove your prints. Built-in 500W branded power supply ensures stable and sufficient performance, fast heat hot bed and nozzle. It protects SV04 from unexpected power surges.
- [Fully Upgraded 4.3 inch LCD Touchscreen] - The upgraded LCD touch screen from Sovol has an excellent day/night mode and one-button control. The SV04 touch screen can be set to automatically replace the filament without printing paused. All modes are clear and easy to use. Double filament detector reminds you to replace filament, no more worrying about long time printing.
- 🌟【King of Speed】 Flashforge Adventurer 5M can realize Max 600mm/s speed and 20000mm/s² acceleration, which is 12X faster than most of 3D printers, it's remarkable speed ignites a passion for 3D printing. This greatly improves efficiency, shortens printing duration. Not only that, the printing size of the Adventurer 5M 3D Printer is 220x220x220mm makes efficient use of space, it can meet the printing needs of most people
- 🌟【Simple Operation& Stable Structure】Unboxing to use, set up within 10mins, beginner and kids will find it effortless to use. Adventurer 5M series features a full-auto one-click leveling system for more precise auto leveling without any operation or attention. Additionally, the enhanced Z-axis and agile Core XY system ensure precise positioning and reduced inertia. All metal frame ensures steady printing at high speed and the print quality is excellent the whole time.
- 🌟【32mm³/s Large Flow Hot End】Heating to 200°C just in 35s, to ensure that the consumables are fully melted during high-speed and high-temperature printing, built-in vibration compensation, effectively optimize the vibration pattern. Effortlessly achieve consistent adhesion and flawless first layers, saving time and eliminating frustration. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M has some functions like 3s quick-change nozzles, filament detection, and power recovery, it operates intelligently to ensure seamless, uninterrupted printing.
- 🌟【Reliable Print Quality】 Adventurer 5M equips with direct drive extruder and quick-detachable nozzle at 3s, realizes smooth feeding and discharging of filaments. Dual-channel effective cooling fan enhances the cooling effect. Various nozzle diameter (0.25/0.4/0.6/0.8mm) options suitable for both high-precision and high-efficiency mode. Compared with other FDM 3d printers, double-sided magnetic PEI spring steel platform is more durable and lasts longer, saving a lot of maintenance costs.
- 🌟【Exceptional After-Sales Support】Flashforge FDM 3d printers come with one-year warranty and lifetime technical support. If you have any question please free contact us, we will fast respond within 24 hours
Last update on 2024-02-20 at 13:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things To Consider When Buying Direct Drive 3D Printer
It is impossible to ascertain everything about anything as a human being. It is impossible to be an expert in every field. In that case, going through a proper buying guide can save us from being fool after purchasing a Direct Drive 3D Printer just because of not knowing properly earlier.
You do not have to be an expert on that specific product in order to purchase it. Just focus on a few key points that we’ll go over later. Taking these simple considerations into account may make your shopping experience more pleasant and straightforward. Let’s get started.
Understand what you require.
The very first thing to discover is your needs or requirements. If you are not properly informed of your demands, there is a big chance that you will purchase the incorrect things at the wrong time and waste a significant amount of money. So, first and foremost, we recommend that you carefully consider your requirements when searching for a Direct Drive 3D Printer. Simply make a short list of your requirements. This simple task will lead you to simplifying your purchasing process. Then you will be able to know your prioroties which is the most important thing.
Budget vs Pricing
Before you decide to buy anything, one of the most important issue to think about is budget. Your desired product can be asked any amount of price by it’s seller and producer. That depends on different expences like raw material purchasing, manufacturing, transportation, operational costs and their brand value playes a huge role there. You need to be prepared to spent the higher amount of money if you demand for the higher quality in your product. Budget is so important for this cause. This is almost a universal truth and your Direct Drive 3D Printer also fall into it.
There is a popular proverb in our society, “Cut your coat, according to your cloth”. First of all, you can find out those products on the internet which you actually want. Look carefully their features and prices. With your deep observation, make a proper comparison among them and select one that you need. Now make a question inward your mind that you are really financially capable enough to purchase that specific Direct Drive 3D Printer or not? If the answer is yes, then go for it. You may think about the second best option if your answer is no.
Select the Best Brand
Because of our emotional attachments, we are frequently predisposed toward certain brands. This practice yields positive results at times and negative results at other times. However, there is no way to argue with the concept of relying on well-known brands. Because having enough cash in your pocket makes making decisions half as easy. But one thing remains, if you are not 100% sure that your brand of choice makes the best product that you are seeking for. So you have to be very carefull when you are choosing any product if it is the right product from right brand.
People are divided into two groups. One is fully reliant on a single brand, while the other seems unconcerned. All he requires is the appropriate goods for the price he is paying. May be we are not aware of the category that you belong to.However, there are a few pointers that may be useful to both of you when it comes to selecting the correct brand for the right product.
- Make sure in this case that you are well-versed in the brand.
- What people are saying about this brand.
- What is the average rating for that brand’s specific product?
- Contrast the features with those of competitors.
- Does these features meet your necessities?
Analyze the Features Section.
Whether you buy it online or offline, the first thing you should check is while buying is the features of Direct Drive 3D Printer. This is the best way to know about a product and get a clear concept. You will be able to understand, that product will match with your requirements or not.
The features section also helps us in swiftly identifying the differences with others. Then, using the features, you can compare it to similar products. If you do so, it will be much easier to reach to the final decision because you will be able to understand about the quality here.
Consider the benefits and drawbacks.
Every item has its own set of advantages and pitfalls. It is our job to thoroughly inspect them before purchasing them. So, stay cool, and find out the drawbacks which you demanded from that Direct Drive 3D Printer. Maybe some other manufacturer made the perfect one for you. Just don’t be too lazy to compare your options to theirs before making your final decision.
Pros and Cons sections can be found on most websites. Take your time reading that part. For asking more you can contact them via email or phone.
Quality and performance
Color, Style, Performance, Materials, and, most importantly, Durability are all factors that contribute to quality. When you are buying anything, be carefull to check those quality related issues. We think you are actually paying the money for this. Do you think this Direct Drive 3D Printer is worthy enough against the investment you did? It completely depends on the quality that you are going to experience.
Know About Warranty and Return Policies
A lot of manufacturers are making products. A good amount of them are maintaining high quality as well. To make us known about those products, they make also creative advertisements. Everything is fine. But then arrives the matter of Warranty and After Sales Service. For many, it’s really a big deal and it is quite able to make a big difference.
Don’t forget to check the facts like warranty, guarantee, and obviously the return policy if there any. Nobody can claim that nothing will happen, no matter what the quality of that product is. Nothing lasts forever. But a minimum return of value you can expect from the Direct Drive 3D Printer you are going to pay for. So, be careful about checking policies. You may get some companies who are so clever that they try to make people puzzled with their obscure and mystical policies. In that case, don’t hesitate to contact with their representative and ask about what you want to know.
Checking FAQs and Customer Reviews makes your job easier.
If you want to save your time precisely, then checking FAQ anwers and customer reviews can be utile for you. There are few common questions people asked before and they are answered as well is called the Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ. On the other hand, you will get a real life experience through the customer reviews in which they share their sotries about the product.
If you want to get a clear idea of both, checking out those two things are must. You may find there such informations which might not come in your mind to ask if you didn’t go through. You will be able to decide whether this Direct Drive 3D Printer will come handy or not without any hesitaton.
Final Thought
One last word, don’t forget to consider the price you are paying for the Direct Drive 3D Printer is logical enough against the value it is providing to you. Have you been able to gratified with that? Can you be able to fullfill your demands with that? That’s the thing that should get the most importance we guess.
Hope you have enojoyed this whole article which was actually a buying guide that will lead you to buy the best Direct Drive 3D Printer. All the efforts we put here will get success when you will find this even a little bit of useful for you. At the end of the day, your satisfaction matters most to us.