Published on Mon Nov 30 2020 03:44:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The LulzBot TAZ Workhorse: A Reliable Workhorse for 3D Printing

The LulzBot TAZ Workhorse has solidified its reputation as a reliable and versatile 3D printer, particularly appealing to users needing consistent performance and a wide range of material compatibility. Built with an open-source philosophy and a focus on user-friendliness, it stands out in the crowded field of desktop 3D printers. Let’s delve into what makes the TAZ Workhorse a worthwhile contender for your printing needs.

Detailed Specifications:

• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 280mm x 280mm x 285mm (11.02in x 11.02in x 11.22in)
• Layer Resolution: 0.05mm - 0.4mm (50-400 microns)
• Print Speed: Up to 200 mm/s
• Filament Diameter: 3mm
• Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, Polycarbonate, TPU, TPE, Copolyesters, Composites (Carbon Fiber, Wood Filled), and more.
• Print Bed: Heated PEI-coated glass
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.5mm (E3D Titan Aero hot end)
• Connectivity: USB, SD Card
• Frame Construction: Powder-coated steel
• Power Supply: 24V, 500W
• Dimensions: 680mm x 520mm x 510mm (26.8in x 20.5in x 20.1in)
• Weight: 19.5 kg (43 lbs)

Usage Tips for Optimal Results:

The TAZ Workhorse, while generally user-friendly, benefits from a few key practices to ensure optimal print quality and longevity:

• Bed Leveling is Key: The TAZ Workhorse utilizes an auto-leveling system, but manually verifying the bed level occasionally is still recommended. Ensure the nozzle is the correct distance from the bed. Too far, and you’ll have adhesion issues. Too close, and you risk filament clogging or a warped first layer. Pay extra attention when switching between materials with different printing temperatures.
• Experiment with Filament Profiles: While the TAZ Workhorse comes with pre-configured profiles for various filaments, experimenting with settings like temperature, print speed, and retraction can greatly improve print quality for specific filament brands or unique projects.
• Maintain a Clean Print Bed: Regularly clean the PEI bed with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to remove any residue and ensure proper adhesion. Avoid touching the print surface with your fingers, as oils can hinder adhesion.
• Proper Filament Storage: Keep your filament dry. Humidity can significantly impact print quality, especially for materials like nylon and PETG. Store filament in airtight containers with desiccant packets.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts. Keep the nozzle clean and free of debris. Periodically check and tighten screws.
• Temperature Tuning: While the heated bed and enclosure-readiness offer wide material compatibility, take the time to do temperature towers and fine-tune your extrusion temp for each roll of filament. Different colors, even from the same brand, can vary slightly.
• Support Structures: Simplify support structures with the “conical support” option. Simplify will offer better support removal and a cleaner final product.

Print Quality: 9/10 The prints are accurate and smooth straight off the printer and allow for complex prints with a great resolution on a variety of materials. Build Volume: 8/10 Its large build area can comfortably accommodate most prints, offering ample room for sizable projects. Printing Speed: 7/10 It can print at a good speed of 200mm/s but some people do claim that the optimal printing speed is 75mm/s Material Compatibility: 10/10 With a wide variety of filaments supported from ABS and PETG this Printer will give you anything you desire. Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 The auto-leveling system is reliable, and the PEI bed provides excellent adhesion. Reliability: 9/10 Known for its robust construction and reliable performance, it is a workhorse. Ease of Use: 8/10 Easy to set up and operate, it has a user-friendly interface. Firmware and Software: 8/10 Utilizes Marlin firmware, which is open-source and highly customizable, and compatible with commonly used slicers like Cura. Connectivity Options: 7/10 Offers basic connectivity options (USB, SD Card), it may lack advanced features like Wi-Fi. Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 The powder-coated steel frame and robust components contribute to excellent durability and longevity. Noise Level: 6/10 Its noise level is moderate and can be a factor in quiet environments. Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 Its maintenance requirements are manageable with routine cleaning and lubrication. Customer Support: 8/10 The TAZ Workhorse has a great community and customer service. Upgradeability: 7/10 There are a great number of upgrades to do to the printer some that can improve print quality. Price to Performance Ratio: 7/10 Given its reliability and material compatibility, the price-to-performance ratio is decent, though it is at the high end of the price spectrum. Avg Score: 7.9/10

Written by Alex