HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer Review

Since 3D printers are relatively new to the market, the prices for a durable one are not always the most affordable. But that is starting to change.

The HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer, offered at an affordable price, is a way for the frugal consumer to get a 3D printer without breaking the bank. And the price is not the only good feature that this printer offers.

This machine is also easy to set-up, is compatible with most slicing software, and comes with all the hardware you need included. You won’t even have to go looking for a screwdriver!

While there have been some complaints that the machine only prints the designs that come with it and that it is more of a “novelty” than an actual 3D printer, why don’t we take a more in-depth look?

Then, you can decide whether it is the 3D printer you’ve been looking for.

HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer: The Details

Specs

• Weight:37 lbs.
• Dimensions:5 x 7.6 x 7.5 inches.
• Print Dimensions: 110 x 110 x 125 mm.
• Filament Types: PLA only.
• Ready to Print?: Yes, the printer comes assembled. There is only minor set-up involved.
• Compatibility: Works with Mac, Linux, and PC.

How Does It Work

3D printing can require some skills, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to learn.

There are how-to articles, YouTube videos, and lots of different forums and websites dedicated to teaching you how to work your 3D printer and create whatever your heart desires.

You just have to figure out what you want to make first.

While you can start with a completely original design, there are also websites, like Thingiverse, that have already-designed prints. You only need to send them to your printer. Pretty simple, right?

If you want to create your own design, there are a number of different software out there to get you started.

It can be daunting at first, but considering how many beginners take up this craft as a hobby or a profession, trust us – you’re in good company. Once you create your design, you send it through a splicing software, and then it’s off to the printer.

If you’re concerned, then don’t worry about the splicing software. There are a ton of brands out there that work with most printers.

Cura is an example of one for both beginners and those who are more advanced; it also works with the HopeWant, and it’s free! Other design software that work with the HopeWant includes Repetier-Host and Cura.

Once you send your design to the printer, it does the rest of the work. Let your design cool and then you can either create something else or go off and do whatever you want. But there are some specific things you have to do to get a print to work on the HopeWant.

First, you have to set the format of your design to ‘.slt’. Then, as usual, use the splicing software of your choice.

Put your design on the included SD card, put the SD card into the slot on the printer, and you are ready to go! It’s not too much extra work at all.

Accessories

• SD card
• Glue stick
• Power supply
• Bottom plate
• PLA Filament

Features

Already Assembled

With the HopeWant Desktop Printer, you don’t have worry about assembling anything once you get it. It comes completely put together!

There is not much more you can ask for, especially if you are new to 3D printing and wouldn’t know the first thing about how to assemble it.

Compact

At only 10 x 7.6 x 7.5 inches, the HopeWant Desktop 3D printer is just the right size if you only have a small space to work with.

This is great for those living in a small studio or just don’t have enough space for yet another machine.

You can easily bring the printer wherever you need to go. At home, your office, or even to a classroom, this printer can really fit anywhere.

It’s lightweight weighing under 10 pounds making it easily portable.

Single Extractor

The HopeWant has a single extractor for the filament to come out of and make your creation.

The nozzle heats up to 210°C (410°F) depending on the type of project you’re working on. This is a basic feature of most 3D printers.

HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer Review

The Positives

Easy Set-Up

You can’t ask for a much easier set-up. Since the printer comes completely assembled, you only have to do the most minimal of assembly to get your printer going.

1. Install the conveying pipe by putting it into the socket of the remote extruder.
2. Install the bottom plate.
3. Insert the filament of your choice (PLA only).
4. Insert the SD card.
5. Plug in the power.
6. Turn on the printer.

That’s it!

This is great news for those who are new to 3D printing or those lacking in the tech department.

You won’t have to spend hours setting up your machine before you get to the good part, meaning less frustration and hassle.

Note: In order to make the filament attach to the bottom plate, apply a thin layer of glue to the plate (the glue stick is included) before printing. It will help it adhere better so you don’t have any mess ups.

Inexpensive

It is no secret that 3D printers can be quite expensive. They can be thousands of dollars. But that is not the case with the HopeWant printer.

Having to dish out hundreds of dollars on a new hobby can be deterring, especially when you’re just starting out.

This printer falls way below the price of competing machines, costing under $200. Even the most frugal buyer will now be able to try 3D printing!

For Beginners

Because of the lack of set-up and the easy to follow instructions (you can see them on the Amazon listing), even a beginner or technical novice can learn how to 3D print.

There are also a bunch of YouTube videos and how-to articles that will help you through the process if you need it.

The price and ease of use make this a great starter printer to learn the basics of 3D printing on before moving on to larger more intricate projects.

Compact and Lightweight

There are a number of printers that take up a lot of space in a workroom not leaving you much room for much else. That is not the case with the HopeWant 3D printer.

Expect a compact, lightweight machine that can fit on most desks, or can be easily tucked away when not in use.

Its weight makes it easy to move should you need to create more working room, and it won’t be a heavy hassle to take with you to class or the office.

Works with Most Platforms

Some 3D printers are very limiting in terms of what devices can be connected to it. With the HopeWant 3D printer, Windows, Mac and Linux are all compatible making it easy to use most computers with it.

While it doesn’t offer the option to connect wirelessly, you won’t be limited by which operating system you’re using.

This is great for a classroom or office setting where different computers will connect to one printer.

An Option for Kids 

Having an easy to use 3D printer makes it easy for kids to get involved, and this printer is one of the safer options.

While the unit isn’t entirely enclosed (which is the best option for children) it still has a frame, boxing in where the action is happening.

With a low risk of malfunction, teachers and parents won’t need to worry much about children having access to this machine.

The Negatives

No Customer Support

A downside of this printer? There is really no online support to help you if you have a problem.

Yes, there are plenty of videos and articles to assist if you don’t know how to use the machine, but if something is actually wrong with the device itself, HopeWant does not have a website or an online presence anywhere.

All they have available is the Amazon page where you go to purchase, and if you can ask questions there, they may or may not get back to you.

Warranty Woes

With a lack of customer support comes the question of warranty. From the looks of it, there seems to be no guarantees or promises made by the company to help should an issue arise.

Since this printer is easy to use, it can also be easy to troubleshoot … if you know what you’re doing.

For those just starting out, a little additional back-up should a problem arise would be much appreciated.

Trouble with Printing Original Designs

A few users had a problem printing anything besides the designs already pre-loaded onto the SD card. They either had their original designs print halfway or not print at all.

While it is great that the printer comes with some designs that you can print out immediately (especially if you are a beginner), it seems there can be issues if you try to create items beyond that scope.

While this issue can be resolved with some troubleshooting techniques, some users may lack the knowledge or patience to fumble through the hoops.

Overall Verdict

After considering all the positives and the negatives of the HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer, we would cautiously recommend it.

Since some users have problems printing original projects (the purpose of the machine), and because of a lack of help from HopeWant online, this ultimately might not be the best product for anyone who is new to 3D printing or unsure of how to fix something if it goes wrong.

While the price, size, and set-up are great features, they won’t really matter too much to those who don’t know how to make this printer do what it wants.

All that being said, you may be willing to overlook some of its major faults or you may end up having a better experience than other users.

Where to Buy HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer

Chances are, you haven’t heard the HopeWant name, and in a world where 3D printers are still on the rise, a lot of brands and printers can easily go unnoticed.

HopeWant is slowly making a name for itself, offering an affordable option to 3D printing, though it can still prove hard to find both in-store and online.

Thankfully, it can be easily found on Amazon.

That’s it for our HopeWant Desktop 3D Printer review. Have we tempted you to give it a try?