Comparison Elegoo Jupiter 6K vs Anycubic Photon M3 Max

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 maximum dimensions of a product that can be printed on a 3D printer in one cycle.

The larger the dimensions of the model, the wider the choice for the user, the greater the variety of sizes available for printing. On the other hand, "large-sized" printers take a lot of space, and this parameter significantly affects the cost of the device. In addition, while printing a large model with FDM/FFF (see "Printing Technology"), larger nozzles and higher print speeds are desirable — and these features negatively affect detailing and the print quality of tiny objects. Therefore, while choosing, you should not aim the utmost maximum sizes — you should realistically assess the dimensions of the objects that you're going to print, and proceed from these data (plus a small margin in case of unexpected moments). In addition, we note that a large product can be printed in parts, and then piece these parts together.

As for the specific values of each size, all three main dimensions have the same division into nominal categories (small size, medium, above average and large): — height — less than 150 mm, 151 – 200 mm, 201 – 250 mm, more than 250 mm ; — width — less than 150 mm, 151 – 200 mm, 201 – 250 mm, more than 250 mm ; — depth — less than 150 mm, 151 – 200 mm, 201 – 250 mm, more than 250 mm.

The largest volume of an object that can be printed on a printer. This indicator directly depends on the maximum dimensions (see above) — usually, it corresponds to these dimensions multiplied by each other. For example, dimensions of 230x240x270 mm will correspond to a volume of 23*24*27 = 14,904 cm³, that is, 14.9 litres.

The exact meaning of this indicator depends on the printing technology used (see above). These data are fundamental for photopolymer technologies SLA and DLP, as well as for powder SHS: the volume of the model corresponds to the amount of photopolymer/powder that needs to be loaded into the printer to print the product to the maximum height. If the size is smaller, this amount may decrease proportionally (for example, printing a model at half the maximum height will require half the volume), however, some printers require a full load regardless of the size of the product. In turn, for FDM/FFF and other similar technologies, the volume of the model is more of a reference value: the actual material consumption there will depend on the configuration of the printed product.

As for specific figures, the volume up to 5 litres can be considered as small, from 5 to 10 litres — medium, more than 10 litres — large.

An important characteristic that determines the quality and detail of 3D printing on LCD displays (see “Printing technology”). The resolution of an LCD matrix indicates how fine details and layers can be created when printing objects. Essentially, this is the number of pixels that transmit light through a given matrix. The more pixels, the more detailed and small objects can be printed. The highest quality printing results are provided by models with a high matrix resolution(from 6K and above).

The printing speed provided by an LCD 3D printer (see “Printing technology”).

This parameter usually refers to the amount of material or layers that the printer can create in one hour. The higher the print speed ( 70 – 80 mm/h, over 80 mm/h), the faster the printer can complete the print of the object, but the speed can also affect the print quality. Higher speeds often result in less detailed and rougher printed objects, while lower speeds ( up to 60 mm/h, 60 – 70 mm/h) produce higher quality and more precise details. The choice of optimal speed depends on the specific requirements for the printed object and the desired quality of 3D printing.

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.