Published on Sun Jun 05 2022 14:46:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Voron 0.1: Compact Powerhouse of 3D Printing

The Voron 0.1 is more than just a small 3D printer; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that high performance and compact size can coexist, and that DIY assembly can unlock a level of customization and understanding unavailable with pre-built machines. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the V0.1 appeals to seasoned enthusiasts and ambitious newcomers alike. Let’s explore what makes this little printer tick.

What is the Voron 0.1?

The Voron 0.1 is a fully enclosed, CoreXY motion system 3D printer. It’s a kit, meaning you’ll assemble it yourself, but don’t let that scare you. The online community is vast and supportive, and the result is a printer that you know intimately, inside and out. Its design prioritizes speed, precision, and the ability to print with a wide range of materials. The enclosed chamber is key for printing temperature-sensitive filaments like ABS and ASA, minimizing warping and improving layer adhesion.

Detailed Specifications:

• Build Volume: 120mm x 120mm x 120mm (a perfect cube for smaller, detailed prints)
• Footprint: Compact, approximately 250mm x 250mm x 370mm
• Motion System: CoreXY – known for speed and precision due to its efficient motor arrangement.
• Frame: Fully Enclosed – typically constructed from aluminum extrusion and acrylic/polycarbonate panels.
• Hotend: Typically uses a Dragonburner or similar high-flow hotend.
• Bed: Heated bed with a removable flexible PEI build plate for excellent adhesion and easy print removal.
• Controller Board: Commonly uses an SKR Mini E3, BTT Octopus or similar 32-bit board.
• Firmware: Klipper – a powerful firmware that offloads processing to a Raspberry Pi, improving print speeds and overall performance.
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (via Raspberry Pi)
• Power Supply: 24V
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Materials: Compatible with PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, TPU, Nylon, Polycarbonate, and more (depending on hotend and chamber temperature).
• Estimated Build Time: 15-30 hours (depending on experience)

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

• Assembly: Take your time! Follow the official Voron documentation and build guides meticulously. Double-check every step. A well-assembled printer is crucial for optimal performance.
• Wiring: Label everything! Clear labeling makes troubleshooting a breeze. Use wire management techniques to keep things tidy and prevent shorts.
• Calibration: This is critical! Bed leveling, input shaping, and pressure advance (Klipper’s equivalent of linear advance) are essential for high-quality prints.
• Klipper Configuration: Dive into the Klipper documentation. Understand how to configure your printer for specific materials and print settings. The customization options are extensive.
• Enclosure Temperature: For materials like ABS and ASA, aim for a chamber temperature of around 40-50°C to minimize warping.
• Bed Adhesion: Clean your PEI sheet with isopropyl alcohol before each print. Use a brim or raft for parts with small footprints to improve adhesion.
• Filament Drying: Dry your filament, especially nylon and TPU, before printing. Moisture can significantly impact print quality.
• Cooling: Manage your cooling carefully. Too much cooling can cause layer adhesion problems, while too little can lead to overhang issues.
• Slicing: Experiment with different slicer settings for different materials. Optimize retraction settings to reduce stringing.
• Maintenance: Regularly check belts for tension, clean the extruder gears, and lubricate the linear rails.

Voron 0.1 Assessment:

Here’s a breakdown of the Voron 0.1 across various categories:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Capable of producing highly detailed and accurate prints.
• Build Volume: 5/10 - Small, but suitable for specific purposes.
• Printing Speed: 8/10 - CoreXY motion and Klipper enable high print speeds.
• Material Compatibility: 9/10 - Prints a wide range of materials with proper configuration.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 9/10 - PEI sheet and Klipper’s bed mesh leveling ensure excellent adhesion.
• Reliability: 8/10 - With careful assembly and maintenance, very reliable.
• Ease of Use: 6/10 - Requires a learning curve, especially with Klipper.
• Firmware and Software: 9/10 - Klipper is powerful and highly customizable.
• Connectivity Options: 8/10 - Ethernet, Wi-Fi (via Raspberry Pi).
• Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - Well-designed and durable with proper construction.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - Enclosure helps to dampen noise.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Requires regular maintenance like belt tensioning and cleaning.
• Customer Support: 9/10 - Extensive and active online community.
• Upgradeability: 10/10 - Highly customizable and upgradeable.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 9/10 - Excellent performance for the cost, considering it’s a DIY kit.

Average Score: 8.1/10

Conclusion:

The Voron 0.1 isn’t just a 3D printer; it’s a gateway to a deeper understanding of 3D printing technology. While it requires effort and dedication to build and configure, the reward is a capable, versatile, and highly customizable machine that can produce exceptional prints. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding 3D printing project, the Voron 0.1 is an excellent choice. Its compact size and enclosed design make it a great addition to any maker’s workshop.

Written by Alex