Lulzbot Mini Desktop 3D Printer Rated
- Print Quality
- User Experience
- Ease of Use
- Durability
- Value for Money
Craft Schmaft Verdict
This machine may be compact, but it packs in power and versatility all while being super easy to use.
While there are risks that come with the Lulzbot Mini Desktop 3D Printer, it could be worth it to get an intuitive printer that prints its own replacement parts, saving you hassle in the long run.
3D printers are the hot new accessory for hobbyists and professionals alike.
They are great for innovators and creators who like to test out new ideas in the comfort of their own office, and the LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D printer is certainly one of the top contenders if you are shopping around for high-end machines.
Despite a steep price, issues with customer service, and the odd dud cropping up, the Lulzbot Mini is incredibly easy to use and is compatible with multiple filament types and modeling programs.
Novice or expert, this machine is a good fit for you.
Interested? Read on and check out our Lulzbot Mini Desktop 3D printer review!
Contents
LulzBot Mimi Desktop 3D Printer: The Details
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 19 inches
- Print Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6.2 inches
- Filament Types: HIPS, PLA, and nGen
- Ready to Print?: Yes
- Warranty: One year
How Does it Work
The LulzBot Mini works hard so that you don’t have to. In addition to the plug-in-and-go set-up, this printer auto-levels and cleans itself before every print job, ensuring that each print is delivered without imperfections.
Built to last, easy to move around, and capable of working with a variety of software and filament types, this 3D printer gets the job done.
Accessories
No accessories come paired with the LulzBot Mini, but there may be some released in the future as the company improves their design and responds to customer requests.
If you’re after something specific, let them know!
Features
Plug-In-and-Go
The most prep that you have to do in order to get going with the LulzBot is prep and clean the workspace where it will be sitting.
If you are burning to start creating the moment your printer is unboxed, having a plug-in-and-go feature is a great plus.
This is especially true for new users, who may be intimidated by reaching the starting line with their new machine. No fuss or confusion, just plug it in and get started.
Heated PEI Surface
Sometimes a completed model will stick to the printing surface.
Separating the model from the surface can cause damage to both the printing plate and the model causing your frustration levels to rise – all of which are equally unpleasant.
The LulzBot Mini has been designed so that any bed adhesion issues never even have a chance to form. Prints are kept in place and there are no solvents or glues in sight.
Strong Build
For the hefty price, you would hope that the LulzBot has a decent lifespan.
While there have been issues with duds, as there always seem to be, the construction of this printer is sturdy and of good quality.
Plus, you can make replacements for wear parts with the printer itself.
Hexagon Hot End
This section of the machine has been designed to maintain an even heat, and keep the heat where it should be.
There won’t be a half-hour waiting around for the heat to build up either, so you can get to printing quicker.
Auto Pre–Print Maintenance
Every print job starts off with the machine automatically running a nozzle cleaning as well as auto-leveling the print bed.
This is a feature that makes the LulzBot great for beginners and busy people alike, and also ensures a consistency across your prints and reduces chances of imperfections popping up.
Open Source Software and Hardware
LulzBot is utterly transparent about their open source hardware and software.
You can download models for replacement parts, free of charge, and connect with a legion of pros in the 3D modeling industry which is great for anyone new to 3D printing and modelling.
Not only does printing your own parts save money, time, and hassle, this is also a great feature for those looking to expand their 3D printing network, learn new designs and tools, and be a part of a community.
The Look
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: 3D printers can get a little weird looking. People can come up with some wild designs, and kudos to them for having fun, but in a professional setting? Those wild designs can be a slight eyesore.
The LulzBot Mini has a smart and professional appearance, with just enough character to make it stand out from all the other 3D printers on the market.
Size
The LulzBot Mini lives up to its name. This compact printer won’t take up more than half of most desk spaces.
If you have a deep enough shelf room too, this printer will fit in there nice and snug, so you can store it in any spare nook you have.
This printer is also lightweight, making it easy to store away and take out when you need it.
Hardline Connection
Fussing around with Wi-Fi connections is not something that users need to worry about.
A cable links the LulzBot directly to your computer though a USB connection.
LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer Review
The Positives
Plug-in-and-Get-to-Work
Switching it up between different filaments and jobs? You can swap out the print heads easily and jump between jobs on a whim.
This is a great feature for those innovators that want to test out all sorts of new ideas and prototypes!
Minimal Noise
Even smaller 3D printers can make a lot of noise. This is not the case for the LulzBot Mini, which is incredibly quiet and can easily fade into background noise – or fade entirely if you flick the radio on.
This feature is great for those that work from home or those who work in a small office. Those with sensitive ears wont have to worry about the LulzBot taking their attention.
User Friendly Functions
The heated print bed, hexagon hot end, and the auto pre-print maintenance make for an incredibly user friendly experience.
This cuts down on maintenance that you need to perform to keep things running smooth, and near-eliminates imperfect print jobs.
For beginners, we understand that fussing around with a new hobby and failing can be deterring. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry with this printer.
Porability
Moving around the office or just rearranging your workspace, the LulzBot Mini is easy to pick up and relocate.
This is great for small business owners especially, or hobbyists, who may have to switch up their location now and then.
Freelancers can move the printer with ease from one client to another, and teachers will be able to transport the LulzBot between classes effortlessly.
Compatibility
No matter what you choose to operate your computer on, you won’t be excluded from using the LulzBot Mini 3D Printer.
The printer covers all grounds being compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac iOS, and Linux so everyone can get in on the action.
While some printer companies prefer to cater to one or two operating systems, the LulzBot Mini makes it easy to switch between platforms, allowing for multiple users, regardless of their computer.
Warranty
There’s nothing like the comfort of investing in a product with a warranty. In the case of the LulzBot Mini 3D Printer, a 1-year limited warranty is included to cover the cost of repairs or replacements due to errors in craftsmanship or manufacturing.
Other products purchased with the printer are covered under a 30-day warranty from the date of purchase.
This doesn’t include damages caused by normal wear and tear, or damages caused by the owner so be sure to handle your new printer with care as to not void your warranty.
The Negatives
Price
Whoo boy, this printer costs a pretty penny. Coming in at almost $1,300, the LulzBot Mini is a pricy machine for a hobbyist. For a business? Its value is determined by how much your office will use it.
If you’re in an industry where you’ll be using the machine regularly, the cost of the machine can easily be overlooked given its performance.
However, some beginners may not want to invest too much for their first go.
Lifetime
There are a worrying number of incidents where customers have received a printer that breaks down within the first few days (or hours!) of use.
Considering how much the LulzBot costs, we would hope that the number of these lemons would be reduced!
That doesn’t seem to be the case, and that makes us hesitant to invest in this printer. Speaking of…
Customer Support
Those duds? Customers have been calling in about them, making good use of that warranty, only to receive little to no help – often having the blame for the flaw turned around on them.
This is highly concerning, and definitely something to consider before forking out over a thousand dollars.
With enough effort, you’re sure to get the issue resolved, but this is to be left for those with patience.
Hardline Connection
Useful as hardline connections can be, they have a few setbacks. Having to plug in a cable connecting the printer to your computer limits where the LulzBot can be situated.
This is a minor annoyance, but one worth pointing out for those use to connecting to their devices wirelessly.
Here’s what the LulzBot Mini 3D Printer looks like out of the box and set-up.
Overall Verdict
The LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D printer is a compact and versatile machine that can handle all sorts of projects.
Creatives and professionals can get a lot of use out of this printer. However, an iffy customer service reputation from LulzBot combined with a steep price and a worrying number of lemons can really turn of potential buyers.
If you are willing to risk it, we can recommend this printer, but if you are on a budget, we suggest looking elsewhere.
Where to Buy the LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer
3D printing has come a long way, only growing in popularity, with more and more personal 3D printers becoming available on the market.
The LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer makes it easy to welcome these innovative devices into your home thanks to its compact size, and has made its way on the shelves of specialty retailers in-store and online.
To start, check out the following online outlets.
- BH Audio Video (from $1250)
- Frys Electronics (from $1150)
- 3D Central (from $1250)
And of course, the printer is also available for purchase on Amazon.
That’s it for our review on the LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer. Tempted to give it a try?
