Simple MakerGear M2 Desktop Review – Worth Buying or Not?
MakerGear M2 3D printer has demonstrated to be a machine most loved in the 3D printing network. It has been promoted as an extraordinary alternative for both the amateurs and experienced clients.
It has been around since 2012 when they presented their first model. Since that time, they made constant enhancements for their items to build up the MakerGear M2 3D Printer into the most ideal 3D printer.
The outcome is a printer that is currently one of the top brands in the business. In any case, what precisely does it bring to the table?
This MakerGear M2 (Amazon) printer review investigates by featuring its solid focuses, just as its drawbacks, assuming any, to get a genuine image of what you can expect when you put resources into this machine. How about we see what this fifth generation printer can do?
Features of the MakerGear M2
- Build Dimensions
- Nozzle
- CNC Machined Precision Hardware
- Four-Point Leveling System
- Open Source System
- Borosilicate Glass Print Bed
Build Dimensions
It has great build volume of about “Width x Depth x Height: 200 mm (8″) x 250 mm (10″) x 200 mm (8″)”. Who doesn’t like to have larger area for their work? Of course everyone does. The more area, the more it gets easier to print your work.
Nozzle
It is shipped with 0.35 mm brass nozzle. You can also buy other nozzles from its MakerGear website. Sizes for steel and brass nozzles available at website are 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm brass and 0.35mm and 0.50mm.
It comes with a V4 hotend which is easy to swap or upgrade. You should pick a printing speed between 80-200mm/s for the best print quality. The maximum travel speed for this 3D printer is said to be around 450mm/s. It can reach temperatures of up to 300°C.
CNC Machined Precision Hardware
It has a rigid fabricated steel frame with CNC machined cast aluminum construction. It provides high level precision with a small footprint. Due to the high quality steel frame, it can operate for a long period of time.
Four-Point Leveling System
It has the new four point print bed which prevents you from the need of z compensation. It is easy to level and it stays put with its sturdy structure. This lovely 3D printer takes away to constantly need to level your print bed because it removes the need for z-compensation.
Open-Source System
The MakerGear M2 desktop printer is compatible with a good deal of open-source software and commercially available modeling, slicing, and printer control software are also available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Software recommendation for this 3d printer is Simplify3D.
It has open source electronics and firmware so you can achieve your project goals without limitations.
Borosilicate Glass Print Bed
The print bed on this 3D printer can reach temperatures of 110°C and higher. This type of glass has numerous benefits in a 3D printing application, such as heat-resistance and staying flat over long periods of time.
It also comes with a laminated print surface that you can replace.
Benefits of the MakerGear M2
- The MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D Printer consume great features that are reasonable however moderate, offering a costly expert printer.
- A M2 prints huge regions and prints quality at a reasonable speed.
- It is made with every single metal part, it guarantees that it can confront long periods of utilization.
- Additionally, it offers excellent prints with little alteration when purchasing.
- It gives an open architecture.
- It has a top class nozzle diameter which gives great accuracy.
- Ready to use out of the box, each M2 being tested at the official factory
- Works with several types of filament such as PLA, ABS, PET, flexible and much more
Downsides of the MakerGear M2
The MakerGear M2 does make a lot of jerky motions so you should ensure that it is on a sturdy surface to absorb those vibrations. There are other fixes you can do to decrease the vibrations such as implementing anti-vibration feet.
Patience is definitely required since it is not a recommended 3D printer for beginners. If you have experience in the 3D printing field at a professional or hobbyist level, then you can have a good experience with this 3D printer.
You need to do a decent amount of tuning to get this machine to work properly, such as leveling the bed and doing an accurate print head adjustment.
Most people recommend using this 3D printer with the Simplify3D software but it is quite expensive, though it is an option and not necessary. It still works with your standard open source 3D printer software.
Some users reported issues with jammed nozzles every now and again, but with the right settings for your materials, and proper assembly this shouldn’t occur.
When looking at the MakerGear M2 overall, there really aren’t any huge downsides that would deter someone to not purchase it, other than the relatively high price tag, but you are definitely getting serious value with this 3D printer.
Another issue which might get better is that its bolt should be tighter as it gets moved from its place, which is quite standard with transit since there is a lot of movement that can loosen pre-assembled things up. This is a quick fix, so I wouldn’t consider it much of a downside.
It doesn’t have that big of a community around it, probably because of the higher price point, and it is a fairly older machine.
Specifications of MakerGear M2 Desktop.
- Print Technology: FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)
- Build Volume: 200 x 250 x 200mm
- Printer Size: 533 x 610 x 420mm (dimensions with spool holder and full range of motion)
- Min Layer Height: 25 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Printing Speed: 80-200 mm/s
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Printing Material: PLA, ABS, PET, HIPS, HDPE, TPU (flexible filament), Polycarbonate, composite (Metal-, Carbon Fiber-, or Wood-Filled) and more.
- Vertical (Z-axis) Resolution: 50 to 300 microns (0.05 to 0.30 mm) at increments of 10 microns
- Minimum X/Y Positioning: 0.01 mm
- Print Head Travel Speed: 450 mm/sec
- Nozzle Diameter 0.35 mm
- Printer Weight: 12 kg (26.5 lb.)
- Power Requirements: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 200W
- Input Format: G-code
- Input Method: USB cable (included) or SD card (included)
- Operating sound: Lower than 65 dB
What Comes with the MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D Printer?
- MakerGear M2 3D printer (Amazon)
- V4 hotend
- Power Supply with adjustable input voltage
- Power cord
- Spool of black PLA
- Borosilicate glass surface
- Roll of 2-inch replacement printing film
- Toolkit
- Sample prints made by the M2
- SD card with same prints
- User guide
Customer Reviews of the MakerGear M2
One user who purchased the MakerGear M2 said he had no complaints whatsoever with it, but he did realize that there would be a bit of a learning curve to get things tuned up. That’s to be expected for any activity or machine since we can’t expect to be experts on the first day.
After going through some failures with a fairly complex model, he learned the ropes and start producing some high quality, successful prints which have continued through his 3D printing journey.
People love how sturdy the machine is, with quality that shows a lot of care was taken with designing and building it.
Another person now has several prints that have been produced with the MakerGear M2 and they really praise everything from the machine, to the quick shipping and reliable packaging. It exceeded their expectations with difficult filament like ABS.
They realized that small tricks and tweaks were a big help in overcoming issues that can occur, so a good amount of research was done before jumping into 3D printing.
One thing they wanted more clarity on extra instructions to help with the printing process and the software.
He didn’t like how the software wasn’t too beginner-friendly since there are several tweaks that you can do, however there is a basic file you can implement to get started.
The customer support received was highly-rated, as well as the build quality.
They have an in-house customer service which pride themselves in providing the best troubleshooting and advice to set you on a great path to 3D print to the best of your abilities.
Several people have had the M2 for a long time and it’s doing them great, even after moving homes and setting it up in a new area.
Verdict
The MakerGear M2 is an outstanding decision for amateur and mid-level 3D printing devotees. With taking everything into account, this is a great printer decision for proficient use from a more minor perspective. It is a genuine printer that makes high-caliber, steady outcomes.
MakerGear has been in the business for quite a while and has long stretches of experience paving the way to the current model. Individuals who need to print objects for money related advantage discover this Printer helpful.
It additionally lessens the expense of purchasing discount extras. The MakerGear M2 3D Printer is a norm for cash gadgets. Likewise, the metal form stage warms to 110 degrees Celsius. It is fundamental since it assists with giving warm soundness.
The MakerGear M2 3D Printer is suggested for anybody thinking about a top of the line 3D printer. It conveys dependable, quick print speeds, precise with low support activity.
What’s more, it is worked with a couple of 3D printed parts, less the quality material. Along these lines, picking and purchasing the MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D printer is an ideal purchasing choice.