Published on Sat Jul 02 2022 17:02:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

LulzBot Mini 2: A Deep Dive into Reliable 3D Printing

The LulzBot Mini 2 has earned a reputation as a workhorse in the 3D printing world. Known for its reliability, ease of use, and open-source nature, it’s a popular choice for educators, hobbyists, and even professionals who need a dependable printer for prototyping and small-scale production. Let’s take a comprehensive look at what makes the Mini 2 tick.

Detailed Specifications

Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Build Volume: 160mm x 160mm x 180mm (6.3” x 6.3” x 7.1”)
Layer Resolution: 50 microns to 400 microns (0.002” - 0.016”)
Print Speed: Up to 275 mm/s (depending on material and print settings)
Filament Diameter: 3mm
Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, HIPS, Nylon, Polycarbonate, Wood-filled, Metal-filled and other specialty filaments
Nozzle Diameter: 0.5mm (E3D Titan Aero)
Heated Bed: Yes, up to 120°C
Print Surface: PEI-coated glass bed
Auto Bed Leveling: Yes, uses a inductive sensor to probe the bed
Electronics: RAMBo 1.3 (open source)
Firmware: Marlin (open source)
Connectivity: USB, SD Card
Power Requirements: 100 - 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions: 430mm x 340mm x 385mm (16.9” x 13.4” x 15.2”)
Weight: 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)

Usage Tips and Best Practices

The LulzBot Mini 2 is generally user-friendly, but here are some tips to get the most out of it:

Bed Leveling is Key: While the auto-leveling system is excellent, it’s still important to ensure your bed is generally level before starting. A slightly off-level bed can still cause adhesion issues.
Clean the Bed Regularly: Use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to clean the PEI-coated bed before each print. This removes oils and residues that can prevent proper adhesion.
Filament Storage: Keep your filament dry! Moisture absorption can lead to stringing, poor layer adhesion, and even extruder clogs. Store filament in airtight containers with desiccant.
Experiment with Slicing Settings: The Cura LulzBot Edition slicing software provides excellent default profiles, but don’t be afraid to experiment with settings like print speed, temperature, and layer height to optimize for specific filaments and print jobs.
Monitor the First Layer: The first layer is crucial for successful prints. Watch closely to ensure the filament is adhering properly and adjust the Z-offset if necessary.
Lubricate the Z-Axis Lead Screws: Periodically lubricate the Z-axis lead screws with a light grease to ensure smooth and consistent movement.
Update Firmware Regularly: Keep the printer’s firmware updated to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements. LulzBot provides updates through their website.
Use the Right Filament Settings: Always use the recommended temperature settings for your filament. Using the wrong temperature can cause the filament to not melt properly.

Breakdown by Category

Here’s an assessment of the LulzBot Mini 2 based on the key categories, each rated out of 10:

Print Quality: 9/10 - Capable of producing highly detailed prints with excellent layer adhesion.
Build Volume: 7/10 - The build volume is somewhat limited compared to larger printers, but it is adequate for most hobbyists and smaller projects.
Printing Speed: 8/10 - Can reach good print speeds, though optimal speeds vary depending on the material and desired quality.
Material Compatibility: 9/10 - Handles a wide range of materials, making it a versatile machine.
Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 9/10 - The PEI bed and auto-leveling system result in excellent adhesion and easy bed leveling.
Reliability: 10/10 - Known for its exceptional reliability and consistent performance.
Ease of Use: 8/10 - Easy to setup and print right out of the box.
Firmware and Software: 8/10 - Open-source Marlin firmware and customized Cura LulzBot Edition software provide flexibility and control.
Connectivity Options: 7/10 - Offers USB and SD card connectivity, but lacks Wi-Fi.
Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - Sturdy construction with high-quality components.
Noise Level: 7/10 - Produces a moderate amount of noise during operation, not exceptionally loud but not silent.
Maintenance Requirements: 8/10 - Relatively low maintenance requirements, primarily involving cleaning and occasional lubrication.
Customer Support: 9/10 - LulzBot is known for its responsive and helpful customer support.
Upgradeability: 8/10 - Open-source design allows for various upgrades and modifications.
Price to Performance Ratio: 7/10 - The Mini 2 is a premium printer, and while its performance is excellent, the price is higher than some competitors.