Comparison Creality Ender 3 V3 SE vs Anycubic Kobra 2

 

File format for 3D models that the printer can handle.

Projects of 3D models are created using special programs (CAD — computer-aided design systems), while such programs can use different file formats, often incompatible with each other. This information can be useful both for selecting CAD for a specific printer model, and for assessing whether ready-made projects are suitable for printing on the selected model.

Among the most common file extensions nowadays (in alphabetical order) are — .3ds, .amf, .ctl, .dae, .fbx, .gcode, .obj, .slc, .stl, .ply, .vrml, .zrp.

Software for building models which the printer is optimally compatible with. The software used for 3D printing includes both CAD (automatic design systems for creating models) and slicers (software that break a three-dimensional model into separate layers, preparing it for printing). Therefore, this paragraph often indicates a whole list of software products.

Note that the degree of optimization in this case may be different: some models are compatible only with the claimed programs, but many printers are able to work with third-party CAD systems. However, it is best to choose software directly claimed by the manufacturer: this will maximize the capabilities of the printer and minimize the chance of failures and “inconsistencies” during operation.

The smallest thickness of a single layer of material that can be applied with a printer.

In photopolymer devices of SLA and DLP formats (see "Print Technology") the meaning of this parameter is simple: it is the smallest height of a one pass cycle of the working platform. The smaller this height, the better detailing can be achieved on the device; however, in such models, this height is usually small — most often less than 50 µm. But in devices based on FDM/FFF and similar technologies using nozzles, there are also higher rates — 51 – 100 µm and even more. Here it is worth noting the fact that a small minimum layer thickness allows efficient use of small nozzles and achieves better detail. On the other hand, increasing detailing reduces productivity, and to compensate this fact, it is necessary to increase the print speed by increasing power (both heating and blowing), which, in turn, affects the cost. Therefore, choosing one should proceed from real needs: for objects with relatively low detail, there is no need to look for a printer with a small layer thickness.

It is worth noting that in FDM/FFF printers, the optimal layer thickness depends on the nozzle diameter (see below) and the specifics of printing — for example, for a “in one line” perimeter without filling, you can use the minimum layer thickness, while for filling it is not recommended. Det...ailed recommendations on the optimal layer thickness for different situations can be found in special guides.

The print speed provided by an FDM/FFF type 3D printer (see "Print Technology").

The print speed in this case is the maximum amount of material that can pass through a regular nozzle per second. The higher this value (150 mm/s, 180 mm/s , 200 mm/s and above), the faster the printer is able to cope with a particular task. Of course, the actual production time will depend on the configuration of the printing model and the print settings, but other things being equal, a printer with a higher speed will operate faster. On the other hand, an increase in speed requires an increase in heating power (because the extruder has time to melt the required volume of material), blowing power (otherwise the plastic will not have time to solidify normally), as well as stricter control of the movement of the extruder (to compensate for inertia from fast movements). So, generally, this spec strongly depends on the price category and specialization of the device, and it’s worth looking specifically for a “fast” model in cases where the speed of production is critical. Otherwise, a 100 mm/s model or 120 mm/s is sufficient, or even less.

Maximum heating temperature in 3D printers with heated bed (for more details, see the relevant paragraph). The higher the limit, the more varieties of plastic can be used for printing. So, models with heating up to 100 °C are suitable for 3D printing with PLA plastic, with a bed temperature of 100 to 120 °C — for working with ABS plastic and nylon, high-temperature ones — allow the use of polycarbonate and refractory varieties of plastic.

Data transfer methods provided in the 3D printer design. We are talking primarily about data relating to the model being printed (from which the printer directly prints), in some cases also about setting up the device and other ways of interacting with it; For more details, see individual list items.

As for specific options, in addition to the traditional communication to a PC via USB or USB type C, modern printers may provide data transfer methods such as a card reader, its own USB port, a network communication via LAN, as well as a wireless communication via Wi-Fi. Here are the features of each of these options:

- Card reader. The printer has its own memory card slot. Most often designed to work with popular SD cards; however, even such media have several varieties, so it would not hurt to check the range of supported cards separately. In any case, the main purpose of this function is direct printing: by installing a card with a recorded project file in the printer, you can make a model without even connecting the device to a computer. There may be other ways to use the card reader - for example, copying materials from a model scanner to external media (see “Functions and capabilities”). Note that this function is convenient mainly for exchanging dat...a with a laptop - a slot for memory cards is available in almost any modern laptop.

- USB. Own USB connector on the printer body. It is used similarly to the card reader described above - for working with external media, in this case “flash drives” and other similar devices. The methods for using the USB port are also similar - mainly direct printing, but other options are also possible (copying data from a scanner, updating firmware, etc.).

— USB type C. Availability of a USB type C port in the interface communication shelf of the device. Such connectors are smaller in size compared to classic USB, and they also have a convenient double-sided design that allows you to connect the plug to either side. USB type C is supposed to be used to connect a 3D printer to a computer or mobile gadgets for managing and transferring printed files. At the same time, this connector can be used to connect external storage media.

- Wi-Fi. A wireless communication module that can be used both to connect the printer to local networks and for direct communication with tablets, laptops and other gadgets. Specific capabilities should be clarified separately, but here we note that a network communication allows you to use the printer as a common device for all computers on the local network and even access it from the Internet (although the latter may require specific settings). At the same time, Wi-Fi is a more convenient alternative to a wired LAN (see below), as it allows you to do without laying wires. As for direct communication with another gadget, this option is less common. It usually provides the ability to send projects for printing and access to basic settings; and to use such control, you may need to install a special application.

— Connection to PC (USB). Connecting to the USB port of a PC or laptop is the most popular way to directly connect a 3D printer to similar devices. The vast majority of modern computers are equipped with ports of this type, and even connectors of the outdated version of USB 2.0, not to mention newer standards, are enough to work with a printer. The communication itself can be used both to send print jobs and to control operating parameters - and it is through a PC/laptop that detailed settings that are not accessible through the screen on the printer itself are usually implemented. In addition, if necessary, you can share access to the unit via a computer via a local network or the Internet - even if the printer itself does not have a LAN connector or a Wi-Fi module. This is much more difficult to organize and not as convenient as using a network model with a direct communication to the local area, but it eliminates the need to overpay for additional connectivity options in the printer itself.

— Connection to PC (LAN). Connection to external devices via LAN - a standard connector for wired communication to computer networks. Actually, such a communication is intended mainly for using the printer as a network device - when access to printing and settings can be obtained from different computers on a local network, or even via the Internet. LAN is less convenient to connect than Wi-Fi, as it requires cabling, but this communication is more reliable and does not suffer from the presence of a large number of wireless devices nearby. In addition, the cable can be useful if the Wi-Fi router or access point does not reach the printer location.
Note that the standard use of LAN involves connecting to a network router, but a direct communication to a computer is also possible. The second option allows you to use this connector similarly to the USB described above - that is, only for one computer; but if this computer is connected to a local network and/or the Internet, you can also configure network access to the printer.

The printer has its own screen. The specific functionality of such a screen can be different - from the simplest indicator for several characters and service symbols to a full-fledged color matrix capable of displaying inscriptions, drawings, etc.; These nuances should be clarified separately. However, in any case, this feature provides additional ease of management: various service information can be displayed on the screen to help the user set up printing parameters and control the process.
We would like to emphasize that touch displays are not included in this category; they are indicated as a separate function. But the screen size directly affects the comfort when working with the device.

There are also models with a touch screen, similar to those used in smartphones and tablets. Such a display is a full-fledged control tool, and it is more convenient and functional than more traditional options such as keypads: you can display a wide variety of control elements (buttons, sliders, lists, etc.) on the screen, selecting the optimal set of these elements for your needs. specific situation. In addition, the screen itself usually has a color matrix with a fairly high resolution, which makes it possible to display a wide variety of service data - even drawings and diagrams. Thanks to all this, most printer control functions can be performed through such a display; some models with such equipment are able to work even without connecting to a computer. The disad...vantages of touch displays include their higher cost than conventional ones, despite the fact that control via a computer is usually still more practical and visual. So this function is relatively rare these days.

Rated input power of the printer, in fact — the highest power consumed by the device in regular operation.

This indicator is directly related to the specs of the device, primarily the overall performance. However, generally, 3D printers are a relatively economical devices: among solutions that are not related to specialized industrial equipment, values of more than 1 kW are extremely rare, and even in the most performant models this figure does not exceed 3 kW. For such capacities, an ordinary household power outlet is quite enough, so you have to pay attention to power consumption mainly in specific cases — for example, when assessing the load on a voltage stabilizer or a backup power source.