Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer Review

Whether you’re new to 3D printing or seeking a more compact version of what you already have, the Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer may be your perfect fit. It offers a compact size, easy set-up, and is compatible with a wide range of filaments, broadening your creative options.

However, its printing process may be considered slow, and the open-air design requires a more careful hand. Are these downsides enough to outweigh the positive aspects? Before you decide, let’s take a closer look at this Monoprice Select Mini Pro printer. With the full story, you can make a more informed buying decision.

Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 8.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 16.9 x 14.1 x 10.7 inches.
• Print Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches (120 x 120 x 120 mm).
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, PVA, TPU, HIPS.
• Ready to Print? Yes.
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, Linux.
• Warranty: One-year warranty.

How Does It Work?

The Monoprice Select Mini Pro 3D Printer is very easy to set up and use. Because it arrives fully assembled, there are no complicated pieces to snap together. This printer is created with the beginner in mind, and part of that includes shipping the printer pre-assembled and ready to print.

Once it’s unboxed, you can start by leveling the bed. This is made easy through its auto-level feature, so you can dive right into printing.

With the setup handled, your next task is to create your design. Using your favorite compatible software, finish the pattern and transmit it to a slicer. After that, set the temperature of the extruder and bed using the touchscreen located on the printer. Wait for it to preheat.

When it’s reached the correct temperature, insert your filament of choice and then press the “print” button on the screen. The machine will handle the rest until it’s time to remove the finished printed piece. It’s really that simple!

Accessories

• Filament Rack.
• Plastic Scraper.
• USB Cable.
• MicroSD Card.
• Hex Wrench.
• Power Adapter.
• AC Power Cord.

Features

Print Bed

The print bed of the Monoprice Select Mini Pro features a live Z-axis adjustment and allows you to auto-level it. As such, you don’t have to spend time manually adjusting the bed; you can dive right into printing!

If you’re not familiar with it, live Z-axis adjustment ensures you can make the first layer absolutely perfect, so that each layer after it has an even foundation. This results in fewer mistakes and more precise creations.

On this printer, the automatic leveling is an option in the touchscreen menu, so finding that option and selecting it is all the work needed for getting the bed level before printing.

This print bed is also heated, which can dramatically improve the quality of the print. The heated bed helps to prevent warping by keeping the printed sections warm, which in turn helps the printed sections to cool down evenly. If part of the print cools down too fast compared to other areas, the piece will warp.

Warping is a very common problem in 3D printing but with the Monoprice Select Mini Pro’s heated print bed, the issue will be improved.

Filaments

While many 3D printers are compatible with one or two different filaments types, the Monoprice Select Mini Pro offers a greater range of options. You can print using PLA, ABS, HIPS, PVA, and TPU. You aren’t even limited to the proprietary filament; you can shop around and pick options that fit your budget.

Touchscreen

This 3D printer has a 3.3-inch touchscreen, where you control the bed leveling and printing process. To navigate the different options, simply touch your finger to the screen. From this control center, you can also select your designs from a microSD card and have the printer transform them into real objects.

Software

The Monoprice Select Mini Pro is compatible with the top modeling and slicing softwares, so you’re not limited to unfamiliar or simplistic options. Among its range are Cura, Repetier, and Simplify 3D. These programs will help you design your object and slice it to be ready for printing.

Build Plate 

The build plate on the Monoprice Select Mini Pro is magnetic and removable, unlike other models. Having a removable build plate helps with the sometimes-difficult removal of your projects when they are finished printing.

Input Options

The Monoprice Select Mini Pro has several options to input data. It has a touch screen, of course, but it also has a micro USB port, a microSD card slot, and it is even WiFi enabled. The printer can be used from Windows or Mac computers, Android or iOS phones, or even tablets.

All these options makes it easier than ever to get your designs to the printer and successfully bring your creations to life!

Aluminum Body

The aluminum body on the Monoprice Select Mini Pro makes it a sturdy but still lightweight 3D printer.

Customer Support Team

Monoprice prides itself on its customer support team of technicians, who are available for troubleshooting or simple question answering. They offer technical support and suggestions for products that might suit your crafting and creation needs.

Monoprice also offers a 30 day money back guarantee and a one year warranty on their products covering any manufacturing defects. Of course, if a user decides to modify the printer, that will void the warranty, but if the printer has a problem straight from the factory it will be covered.

The manual for the printer includes direct contact information and hours for the support team, and they encourage users to reach out to them with any issues or questions.

Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer Review

The Positives

Easy to Use

Since the Monoprice Select Mini Pro 3D Printer comes fully assembled, you can begin using it right away.

For the initial print, you should insert the microSD card into the side of the machine and then press the “on” button. Once the printer is fully booted up, press the “move” button and then the “bed level” button to auto-level it. When that’s finished, you can begin setting up your print.

First, press the “preheat” button on the touchscreen. Next, touch the “nozzle” button and set the temperature according to your filament type. You can then touch the “bed” button and set the temperature for that as well. Finally, touch the “start preheat” button. Once the temperature is to your liking, press “stop preheat.”

Next, you can insert the filament. Visit the main menu and press the “move” button. Then press the “up” button to move the extruder over the build plate and place your filament on the filament rack. Squeeze the lever on the feed mechanism and insert the filament into the opening. Push until your feel resistance and then let go of the lever. After that, press the “down” button to begin feeding the filament into the extruder.

Finally, press the “print” button in the main menu and it will display the contents of the SD card. Touch the file there to begin printing.

Versatile

Since this printer is compatible with many filament types and can tackle unlimited designs, your options are endless. You can use ABS, PLA, HIPS, TPU, or PVA filament, and since you aren’t limited to the Monoprice variety, you can pick whichever brand you deem best.

Additionally, with a print bed of 4.72 x 4.72 inches, you can tackle projects of varying sizes. Larger designs may need to be portioned out, but they’re still possible on this compact printer.

Compact

Speaking of, this is definitely a compact model. At 16.9 x 14.1 x 10.7 inches in total, this is one of the smallest 3D printers you’ll find on the market. If you live in a small home or just lack the space for a large printer, it can be a perfect option. It’s about the size of an average hardcover book, so it will fit nearly anywhere.

Inexpensive

If you’ve been hunting for a 3D printer, you know they can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Luckily, that’s not the case here. The Monoprice Select Mini Pro 3D Printer is much cheaper than that on Amazon. This printer is far more affordable than other designs you’ll find. There’s no need to break the bank to own a 3D printer anymore.

The Negatives

Open Print Area

When using this printer, be careful of the open print area. Some 3D printers are fully enclosed, so nothing can interfere with the printing process, but that is not the case here. It’s completely open, so curious hands or wayward objects should be kept away. Otherwise, you may suffer burns or find your final creation misshapen.

Because the print area is open, this printer should be kept in an area where it will be supervised or where children and animals cannot access it. The heat of the printer can cause injury, most importantly, and the projects can be damaged during printing if there is interference.

Slow

While the compact design is an asset, it does include a downside. Since it lacks larger and more complicated machinery, the printing process may be slower on the Monoprice Mini Select Pro. This printer would be classified as “mid-speed” compared to other available 3D printers – there are lower end printers that print more slowly, and there are larger and more powerful printers that print objects much faster.

On most 3D printers, you can expect to print items within a couple of hours; on this one, it may take far longer. If you can exercise patience, this downside is offset by its affordable price and its smaller build. If you need faster performance, however, then it’s wise to keep shopping.

Overall Verdict

After looking over all the positives and negatives, we do recommend the Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer. It’s easy to set up and use, handles a wide range of filaments, and provides a very compact shape. This makes it ideal for beginners or those seeking a travel-friendly 3D printer.

The slow printing speed may annoy some, and the open design requires caution. Beyond this, however, it’s a delightful machine that should serve you well.

Where to Buy the Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer

The Monoprice Select Mini Pro printer is available from a few online retailers.

Walmart ($199.99)

Monoprice ($169.99)

And of course, on Amazon

That’s it for our review of the Monoprice 133012 Select Mini Pro 3D Printer. Are you going to add it to your crafting space?