Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer Review

While 3D printing may seem complicated and very technical, it truly depends on the printer you use and its user-friendly qualities.

If you’re a beginner, the more simplistic, the better – and the Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer delivers on this front. That said, users who have more knowledge of 3D printing can also enjoy its features and abilities.

The Instone Mini is easy to set up, effortless to use, and (considering the typical expense of a 3D printer) relatively cheap to purchase.

Nonetheless, there are downsides. Some users thought it was very noisy and had a spotty connection when printing through Wi-Fi.

Is that enough to turn us away? Before you make your final decision, let’s take a closer look at the Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer.

Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 20.7 x 17.5 x 20.7 inches.
• Print Dimensions: 240 x 160 x 160mm.
• Filament Types: ABS, PLA.
• Ready to Print? Yes.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How Does It Work?

Whether you’re a novice to 3D printing or have been at it for years, the Inventor Pro is effortless to set up and use. As it comes fully assembled, you need only to calibrate the printer and dive into your next project.

To calibrate, start by heating the bed to your desired temperature. After this, insert either the PLA or ABS filament you intend to use, then choose the design you want.

You can choose a design from either a website with pre-made options or by making a design of your own. Once it’s selected, send the plan to your splicing software and then to your printer.

You may need to apply some glue (included) to the bed, so as to ensure the filament sticks and begins to correctly form your design.

The Inventor Pro Mini will then begin printing your design. All that’s left is to wait for your new creation to be finished!

Accessories

• Filament.
• SD card.
• Glue.
• Instructions.
• Allen wrench.
• Scraper.
• USB cord.
• Power cord.

Features

Heated Bed

The heated bed of the Inventor Pro allows you to create a design up to 240 x 160 x 160 mm, or 9.4 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches.

Since the bed is heated, it guarantees your prints adhere to the surface more securely, preventing accidents or mistakes throughout the process.

As a final bonus, it also means you’re not limited to just PLA, as with other inexpensive printers, but can instead use many different types of filament options.

Wi-Fi Control

The Inventor Pro Mini can be used through a Wi-Fi connection, which gives you the freedom to send designs from anywhere in your home, without the need for a USB cord tethering your printer to a computer.

Even better, you can transmit designs and begin the printing from your phone. That being said, keep in mind the Inventor Pro is only compatible with Android at the moment.

Touchscreen

The Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer includes a touchscreen to help you navigate through its different functions.

With its placement at the top of the printer, you can set and monitor the temperature, check on the progress of your design, or select any of the other functions or settings included in the printer.

This touchscreen also makes it effortless to work the printer no matter if you’re a novice or an expert at the craft.

Filament

As mentioned, you’re not limited to one kind of filament with the Inventor Pro. You can choose either PLA (a roll of which is included with the package) or ABS.

If you have a preference between the two, you’re free to select your favorite, without making a sacrifice based on the configuration of your device.

There is also a guide tube that will help the filament along, so it is less likely to break.

Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer Review

The Positives

Easy to Set Up

The set-up required on this 3D Printer is almost nonexistent. As it comes entirely assembled, you need only level the heat bed and calibrate the machine.

With other 3D printers, even those fully enclosed like this one, you usually have to assemble its many complex parts. If you’re inexperienced, this can lead to confusion and frustration before you even begin your projects.

If you are new to 3D printing or are wary about a complicated learning curve, this Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3d Printer is ideal.

There will be minimal work to do once you get this printer out of the box, so you can begin to get crafty in no time.

Easy to Use

Speaking of a gentle learning curve, our testers noted how simplistic this 3D printer is to use.

There is a touchscreen that controls most settings, along with a switch to turn the printer on. After this, you need only heat the bed, choose a design, splice it in the software, and send it to the printer.

Finally, be sure to insert your choice of filament into the extruder and put a bit of glue on the bed. The Inventor Pro will do the rest for you.

This is great for those who are just starting out in 3D printing since you won’t be daunted by a complicated machine.

If you’re looking to do some teaching with this printer, you won’t need to worry about it being too advanced for others to keep up. This makes it a great option for classes and workplaces too!

Safe

With an open 3D printer, there is a risk of getting burned, especially if you take this to a classroom. However, with a fully enclosed 3D printer, those safety issues disappear.

All the printing happens within a structure, so you can observe the process without the temptation to poke a very hot surface or filament.

If you’re in an environment with children (whether at home or in a classroom), this takes away the worry of curious fingers getting hurt or burnt. This, in turn, will also keep your projects safe from disruption.

Inexpensive

This is one of the least expensive 3D printers on the market. At around $200 on Amazon, it’s a great option for trying your hand at 3D printing without breaking the bank.

As these devices can easily cost over $1,000, it’s a bargain that allows to you test the hobby without too great an investment.

If you’re on a budget, the Instone Inventor Pro Mini will appeal to your wallet since everything is included for you to get started, saving you money (and time) right off the bat.

For the price, it produces quality prints too, so there’s no worry of compromising functionality for affordability.

Not Too Big

Wherever you choose to keep your Instone Inventor Pro, it shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to space, thanks to its size. It allows you to print decent sized projects without being too grandiose.

It won’t hog all the space on a counter or desk, and thanks to its enclosed construction, you don’t have to place it too far away from everything else.

It weighs in at just over twenty pounds, so carrying this with you to a classroom or workplace won’t be too much of a hassle, since you probably won’t need an extra hand to move it.

The Negatives

Bad Wi-Fi Connection

Sadly, users reported a spotty connection between this printer and Wi-Fi. Specifically, the printer disconnects from the Wi-Fi regularly and may refuse to print the design you send.

This can be worrying if you constantly rely on a wireless connection (if you’re in an office or classroom) to use this machine.

If you have a weaker Wi-Fi connection, you are better off using the USB cord to ensure a stable relationship, as the connection will never drop out.

Noisy

Some users disliked the noise levels of this printer. While this may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it is definitely worth considering.

If you bring it into a classroom or place it near a bedroom, you may experience quite a number of complaints.

Despite the fact that this is an enclosed 3D printer, which is typically quieter, the Inventor Pro does make a commotion, so be prepared to use it exclusively in the day or in an area that won’t disturb others.

Customer Service

While there is an Instone website, there is no real online support for customers who may have questions.

Should you have an issue that needs troubleshooting, you may be left to your own devices or are forced to contact Amazon. Although very few users have encountered an issue worth getting in touch over, it’s still worth noting.

That being said, they do have an email and other social media accounts listed on their website that customers can contact.

Those who have managed to get a hold of Instone’s customer service say that they have been helpful and supportive, replacing parts when needed.

The hard part is finding out how to get in contact with them, and should you need immediate help, contacting a service like Amazon may be more efficient.

Overall Verdict

After going through all the positives and negatives, we are cautiously recommending the Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer.

It’s effortless to use, easy to set-up and boasts of an attractive price tag. However, the Wi-Fi issue is one concern. And since this is a main feature, you shouldn’t be forced to disregard it because of a faulty connection.

Instone’s lack of direction when it comes to customer service may also be a deterring point for some customers.

Nonetheless, if the Wi-Fi connection is not the main selling point for you, and customer service isn’t an issue, this 3D printer should fit all your needs!

Where to Buy the Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer

Instone is gaining in popularity thanks to their growing line of 3D printers.

The Inventor Pro Mini isn’t the only printer by Instone with positive customer feedback, in fact, this brand is starting to become a known name in the community for accessible and affordable devices.

Chances are, since Instone is still in its growing phase, you won’t be finding the Instone Inventor Pro Mini 3D Printer through many retailers in-store or online.

Thankfully though, you’ll be able to find this cheap 3D printer on Amazon.

That’s the end of our Instone Inventor Pro review. Curious to give it a try?