Published on Mon Mar 02 2020 12:48:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Voron 0.2: A Deep Dive into the Tiny but Mighty CoreXY 3D Printer

The Voron 0.2 is a compact, CoreXY 3D printer designed for speed, precision, and community-driven development. It represents a significant upgrade from the original Voron 0.1, refining its design and features while retaining the core principles of open-source innovation and user customization. This article explores the Voron 0.2 in detail, covering its specifications, usage tips, and ultimately, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses as a 3D printing solution.

Detailed Specifications:

• Build Volume: 120mm x 120mm x 120mm (XYZ) – A small footprint, optimized for small to medium-sized prints.
• Frame: Extruded Aluminum Profiles – Primarily 2020 aluminum extrusion, providing a rigid and lightweight frame.
• Motion System: CoreXY – Offers high speed and precision due to the independent control of X and Y axes motors.
• Hotend: Dragon or Revo Voron – All-metal hotends capable of reaching high temperatures for a wide range of filaments.
• Bed: Heated Bed – Typically a cast aluminum bed with PEI print surface for excellent adhesion.
• Electronics: Raspberry Pi and Controller Board (e.g., Mellow Fly SHT36/42) – Provides powerful processing capabilities and precise motor control.
• Firmware: Klipper – Open-source firmware known for its speed, precision, and advanced features.
• Power Supply: 24V Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Provides sufficient power for the heated bed and hotend.
• Footprint: Approximately 250mm x 250mm x 380mm – A compact design ideal for smaller workspaces.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi – Allows for remote control and monitoring of prints through a web interface.
• Print Speed: Capable of high print speeds (100mm/s+), depending on the filament and settings.
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Materials: Primarily PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU, and other filaments suitable for high-temperature hotends.

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

• Assembly: The Voron 0.2 is a kit printer, requiring assembly. Thoroughly read the build guide and follow it step-by-step. Patience and attention to detail are crucial for a successful build.
• Calibration: Proper calibration is essential for optimal print quality. This includes bed leveling, Z-offset adjustment, and tuning the PID settings for the hotend and bed.
• Belt Tensioning: Correct belt tension is critical for accurate motion. Use a belt tension meter or online calculators to ensure proper tensioning.
• Firmware Configuration: Klipper provides extensive configuration options. Take the time to understand and optimize the configuration for your specific hardware and printing needs.
• Print Surface Preparation: Clean the PEI print surface with isopropyl alcohol before each print to ensure good adhesion.
• Filament Drying: Store filaments in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can negatively impact print quality. Use a filament dryer if necessary.
• Cooling: Adequate cooling is essential for preventing warping and ensuring good overhangs, especially when printing with PLA.
• Slicing Software: Use a slicer that is compatible with Klipper, such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, or SuperSlicer. These slicers allow you to take advantage of Klipper’s features.
• Bed Adhesion: Use a brim or raft for parts that have small contact areas with the bed, especially when printing with filaments that are prone to warping.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect and lubricate the linear rails and bearings to ensure smooth motion and prevent wear.
• Community Resources: The Voron community is a valuable resource for troubleshooting, sharing tips, and finding upgrades. Utilize the Voron Discord server and online forums.

Evaluation:

Here’s an evaluation of the Voron 0.2 based on key performance characteristics:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - With proper tuning and calibration, the Voron 0.2 is capable of producing highly detailed and accurate prints.
• Build Volume: 5/10 - The small build volume is a limitation, but suitable for smaller objects and prototyping.
• Printing Speed: 9/10 - The CoreXY motion system and Klipper firmware allow for high printing speeds without sacrificing quality.
• Material Compatibility: 8/10 - The all-metal hotend allows for printing with a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, and TPU.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 - The heated bed with PEI surface provides excellent adhesion, and Klipper offers advanced bed leveling features.
• Reliability: 7/10 - Requires careful assembly and calibration, but when properly set up, it’s a very reliable printer.
• Ease of Use: 6/10 - The Voron 0.2 is not a beginner-friendly printer, requiring some technical knowledge and experience.
• Firmware and Software: 10/10 - Klipper firmware is powerful, versatile, and open-source. It is excellent
• Connectivity Options: 9/10 - Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote control and monitoring via a web interface.
• Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - Extruded aluminum frame and high-quality components ensure a robust and durable printer.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - Can be relatively quiet with proper motor tuning and vibration dampening.
• Maintenance Requirements: 6/10 - Regular maintenance is required to keep the printer in optimal condition.
• Customer Support: 8/10 - The Voron community provides excellent support and troubleshooting resources.
• Upgradeability: 10/10 - Highly customizable and upgradeable, with a wide range of community-developed modifications.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - While the initial cost of building a Voron 0.2 can be significant, the performance and features justify the investment.

Average Score: (9+5+9+8+8+7+6+10+9+9+7+6+8+10+8)/15 = 7.93/10

Conclusion:

The Voron 0.2 is a high-performance, compact 3D printer that offers excellent print quality, speed, and material compatibility. While it requires a significant investment in time and effort to build and configure, the open-source nature, extensive customization options, and strong community support make it a rewarding project for experienced 3D printing enthusiasts. Its small build volume is its primary limitation, but if you are looking for a fast, accurate, and reliable printer for smaller prints, the Voron 0.2 is an excellent choice.

Written by Alex