Published on Sun Feb 19 2023 14:08:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Voron Trident: A Deep Dive into CoreXY Excellence

The Voron Trident is more than just a 3D printer; it’s a statement. A statement of commitment to high-quality prints, speed, precision, and a community-driven ecosystem. This CoreXY printer, built with meticulous attention to detail and open-source principles, is a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let’s unpack what makes the Voron Trident stand out.

What is the Voron Trident?

The Voron Trident is a fully enclosed CoreXY 3D printer known for its robust construction, high-temperature capabilities, and ability to print with a wide range of materials. Designed for reliability and precision, it’s a workhorse capable of producing intricate parts with consistent results. This printer comes as a kit, requiring assembly and a certain level of technical understanding. This “build-it-yourself” nature allows for customization and a deep understanding of the printer’s mechanics.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: (Varies depending on the kit size, typically) 250mm x 250mm x 250mm, 300mm x 300mm x 300mm, or 350mm x 350mm x 350mm.
• Frame: Aluminum Extrusion (typically 2020 V-slot)
• Motion System: CoreXY
• Hotend: Typically uses a high-performance hotend like the Dragon or Rapido.
• Bed: Heated bed with magnetic PEI sheet (usually Keenovo AC heated bed)
• Electronics: Raspberry Pi running Klipper firmware, typically with a controller board like the Octopus or Spider.
• Power Supply: High-quality Mean Well power supply.
• Enclosure: Fully enclosed acrylic or polycarbonate panels.
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Typical Layer Resolution: 50 microns (0.05mm) and up
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi (via Raspberry Pi)
• Filament Sensor: Typically included in the kit.

Usage Tips and Tricks for the Voron Trident:

• Assembly is Key: The success of your Voron Trident heavily relies on careful and precise assembly. Follow the official Voron documentation meticulously. Double-check every connection and alignment. Don’t rush the process!
• Wiring Management: Neat wiring is crucial. Messy wiring can lead to shorts, poor performance, and difficulty in troubleshooting. Use zip ties and proper cable management techniques.
• Bed Leveling: Achieve a perfect first layer. Use the bed mesh feature in Klipper for optimal bed leveling.
• Temperature Control: The enclosed environment allows for printing materials that require consistent temperature. Experiment with different chamber temperatures for best results with materials like ABS or ASA.
• Proper Ventilation: While the enclosure helps control temperatures, it’s important to ventilate the printer when working with materials that produce fumes. Consider a filtration system.
• Klipper Configuration: Dive into Klipper configuration. Understanding and customizing the configuration file unlocks the full potential of the Voron Trident.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep the printer clean and lubricated. Regularly inspect belts, pulleys, and bearings.
• Filament Choice: Choose high-quality filament from reputable brands to minimize clogging and ensure consistent results.
• Community Support: The Voron community is a valuable resource. Join online forums, Discord servers, and social media groups to ask questions, share knowledge, and troubleshoot issues.
• Calibrate, Calibrate, Calibrate: Extruder steps, flow rates, and other parameters need to be calibrated for optimal performance with different filaments.

Voron Trident Evaluation:

Here’s a breakdown of the Voron Trident’s performance across key categories, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 9.5 - When properly tuned, the Voron Trident delivers exceptional print quality with fine details and smooth surfaces.
• Build Volume: 8 - The build volume is adequate for most projects, but larger builds might require scaling or splitting.
• Printing Speed: 9 - CoreXY motion allows for fast and precise printing speeds, reducing print times significantly.
• Material Compatibility: 10 - The enclosed design and heated bed enable printing with a wide range of materials, including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Nylon, and Polycarbonate.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 9 - The PEI sheet provides excellent adhesion, and the Klipper bed mesh system ensures consistent leveling.
• Reliability: 9 - With proper assembly and maintenance, the Voron Trident is a reliable workhorse.
• Ease of Use: 7 - Requires a certain level of technical expertise and a willingness to learn, particularly with Klipper. Not a plug-and-play solution.
• Firmware and Software: 9 - Klipper firmware provides advanced features, remote control, and excellent customization options.
• Connectivity Options: 8 - Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity offer convenient remote control and monitoring.
• Build Quality & Durability: 10 - The aluminum extrusion frame and high-quality components ensure a robust and durable printer.
• Noise Level: 7 - Can be noisy due to the stepper motors, fans, and motion system. Enclosure helps dampen the noise.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7 - Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and belt tensioning.
• Customer Support: 8 - While there isn’t official “customer support” in the traditional sense, the Voron community provides excellent assistance and guidance.
• Upgradeability: 10 - Highly upgradeable and customizable, allowing users to tailor the printer to their specific needs.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 9 - The initial cost can be high, but the performance, reliability, and upgradeability justify the investment for serious enthusiasts and professionals.

Overall Average Score: 8.63/10

The Voron Trident is a high-performing, highly customizable 3D printer that delivers exceptional results for those willing to invest the time and effort into building and tuning it. Its open-source nature and active community make it a compelling choice for experienced makers and anyone looking to push the boundaries of 3D printing.

Written by Alex