REVIEW – I’m late to the 3D printing sport. I’ve needed one since printers turned obtainable for shoppers however by no means pulled the set off to buy one. Early FDM, learn as filament, printers at all times had rough-looking prints, and as cool as the concept of printing an precise object was, I didn’t need prints that appeared like that. The primary 3D printer I obtained my arms on was the Elegoo Saturn 4 Extremely resin printer and it was superior. I had numerous enjoyable printing stuff however rapidly realized the constraints of resin printing. Now I needed a filament printer and I obtained fortunate sufficient to nab the FLSUN S1 FDM 3D printer to evaluation. On paper, or slightly their web site, this factor appeared like a beast, quicker than anything on the market, with enormous print capability, plenty of filament choices, and constructed like a tank. I needed it, however this is able to be my first filament printer. How simple would it not be to make use of? Can it actually print that quick and nonetheless produce nice prints? There was just one method to discover out. Learn on to seek out out.
What’s it?
The FLSUN S1 is an FDM 3D printer boasting 1200 mm/s max velocity, 110 mm cubed/s, AI options for spaghetti and particles detection, giant print capability, the power to print with completely different filament varieties and a lot extra.
What’s included?
- S1 3D printer
- 500 g FLSUN PLA-HS filament
- Accent field:
-
- Flush cutters
- Needle for clearing clogs
- Extra hot-end equipment
- Glue stick
- USB flash drive
- Socket wrench
- Hex wrench set
- Grease
- Open-end wrench
- PTFE tube
- {Hardware} for mounting door
-
- Service coverage
- Instruction handbook
Tech specs
Click on to increase
Design and options
The very first thing it’s best to know in regards to the FLSUN S1 3D printer is the scale. This factor is BIG. I’m a dumb American so after I noticed the machine’s dimensions had been 500mm x 595mm x 1030mm, I had no concept what that meant. I imply, millimeters are small, proper? Apparently, they aren’t as small as I believed. The field it arrived in was large enough that I wanted hand vehicles to get it inside and the S1 stuffed it up. I believed the Elegoo Saturn 4 Extremely was massive till I sat the S1 subsequent to it. This factor is gargantuan. You’ll undoubtedly have to discover a appropriate place for it to dwell. It weighs about 100 lbs so that you don’t need to be shuffling it round to completely different areas. Initially, I sat it on the desk as proven within the image however moved it to the ground. The S1’s actions had been sufficient to shake the desk and I used to be certain that may have an effect on print jobs.
The following factor it’s best to know is that this factor is LOUD. The FLSUN S1 has a CPAP fan that may function at 40,000 RPM. It will possibly change in accordance with the print velocity to assist in cooling. My expertise was that it ran virtually 100% utilizing the FLSUN slicing software program. Beneath you’ll see what the noise stage is in my workplace usually versus with the S1’s CPAP fan operating at 100%. There’s fairly a distinction within the quantity stage. After I first set it up, I needed to put on headphones whereas working so I may keep within the room with it. This factor is so loud that FLSUN features a file on board to print a sound dampener which you can print straight from the touchscreen. There are additionally another designs obtainable on the web from of us who have already got this printer. It’s not an excellent resolution however it does knock a number of decibels off. The most effective factor you are able to do is flip down the fan velocity whereas printing. From what I’ve gathered by Fb teams, you actually don’t have to run the fan full blast to realize enough cooling.
Now that these surprises are out of the best way, let’s speak about a few of its options. The S1’s declare to fame is the print velocity. FLSUN claims it may well print as much as 1200 mm/s. I used to be assuming that was good however had no concept actually till I began wanting on-line. Apparently, these sorts of speeds are remarkable. This factor can print a Benchy in 8 minutes! It additionally has a max acceleration of 40000 mm/s squared. The printhead/effector, (I’m nonetheless studying the lingo) is an absolute blur when it’s going full velocity. To maintain up with that velocity, FLSUN says the max movement of filament is 110 mm cubed/s, so it ought to be capable to sustain with that ludicrous velocity. In actuality, although, FLSUN doesn’t match these numbers. I’ve watched a number of YouTube evaluations and talked to a number of completely different customers within the Fb teams I’ve joined, individuals a lot, a lot smarter and extra skilled than me, and the information doesn’t again these claims. It will possibly nonetheless print actually quick however the print jobs undergo, particularly in case you use the FLSUN-recommended software program, the FLSUN slicer. Extra about that later.
One other factor to notice is the S1 is a Delta printer so it has a round construct plate. FLSUN says the construct capability of the S1 is a circumference of 320 mm and a peak of 430 mm. You may simply think about the chances of such a big space to work with. For Cosplayers, you may print whole helmets in a single go. The issue is being a Delta printer, you don’t get the total circumference on the full peak. Once more, individuals smarter than me stated realistically, your construct peak is about 385 mm. Then you can have an extra 45 mm of peak in case your construct is cone-shaped. Right here’s an image of what your construct must seem like in case you had been to make the most of all the house and yow will discover that file right here.
Subsequent, FLSUN has what they name a binocular structured mild system which consists of two HD cameras, a micron-sized laser, and a micron-sized Lidar system that enables first-layer scanning which then tells the S1 what changes ought to be made to get the proper movement fee and Z axis peak, if I perceive it accurately. There hasn’t been loads on-line talked about about this function apart from what I’ve seen on the FLSUN web site. You may activate the primary layer detection setting by way of the touchscreen simply after hitting print. The S1 will then proceed with the job, print the primary layer, then turns off its inner lights, and scans it with the laser. It’s fairly cool to observe however I couldn’t inform you if it truly made a distinction in my prints. I’ve used it and never used it with no considerable distinction that I can inform. I’m a noob although, so I’m most likely lacking one thing.
AI Detection. Everyone seems to be together with AI now in virtually every thing. FLSUN says the S1 has AI detection to observe your builds in actual time to detect particles and spaghetti. The S1 will then pause then print and you’ll both verify or ignore the warning. Most individuals say the AI straight up doesn’t work. I’ve had plenty of false positives with spaghetti detection and solely as soon as did it detect particles and pause the print.
The S1 additionally has computerized leveling which is good. Nonetheless, it’s not like the automated leveling just like the Elegoo Saturn 4 Extremely which was accomplished, you understand, mechanically each time you turned it on. You do have to pick mattress leveling from the touchscreen within the calibration menu. At that time, the S1 will undergo its course of to find out if the mattress is stage and I assume modify itself in accordance with the peak map it generates. I additionally assume that it shops that data onboard to make use of going ahead.
FLSUN claims the S1 has clever zoned mattress heating, which means it may well warmth up sure areas of the construct plate in accordance with your print job. I don’t understand how effectively it really works for the reason that construct plate is metallic and it appears equally sizzling throughout its entirety after I take away a construct. I do know that it really works although as a result of there are of us on the market who’ve tinkered with the software program to change how the mattress heating works. I do know that’s not probably the most scientific clarification however once more, I’m nonetheless studying.
The S1 has distant monitoring if that’s one thing that pursuits you. I believe it’s actually cool you may monitor its actions from a PC, laptop computer, or cellphone whenever you’re on your private home community. There’s an onboard digicam performing as a webcam.
The slicing software program contains Klipper which supplies a web-based dashboard and supplies quite a few methods for me to actually hose issues up. I take advantage of it to view the onboard digicam and verify on my prints whereas I’m in one other room. There’s a console you should use to view and edit the printer’s config information. Some of us have created their very own information and posted them on GitHub. Should you’re braver than I’m, you may change all of the inventory information with them and have a completely completely different expertise than inventory. I’d work up the nerve to strive that someday, however not at this time.
One of many options I like is the time-lapse video operate. That very same onboard digicam will document the video. You may view the time-lapse immediately on the touchscreen of the S1 or you may obtain it to a flash drive to observe in your PC. Initially, the machine would solely retailer 1 video at a time, so in case you recorded a second video, it overwrote the primary. With the most recent firmware replace that appears to have been remedied. Right here is an instance of the video it may well seize.
Subsequent, the FLSUN S1 3D printer is alleged to have the ability to use a number of completely different filament varieties. The nozzle can attain temperatures as much as 350 C and the recent mattress can attain 120 C permitting the usage of PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, and extra. FLSUN additionally says the S1 helps the usage of abrasive filaments like carbon fiber PLA too, however it’s been discovered that the recent finish is definitely product of aluminum, so if you wish to use abrasive filaments, then you definitely’re going to wear down the recent finish a lot quicker. I obtained some PLA-CF myself and did a few small prints, however have since stopped utilizing it since I discovered this. To FLSUN’s credit score, they do embrace an additional sizzling finish within the equipment pack that got here within the field.
The S1 has a built-in dryer field for filament storage that additionally weighs the reel to find out how a lot filament you might have left whereas printing. This can be a nice function. I didn’t need to need to buy a second system to maintain the filament dry. I dwell in Florida, and it will get very, very humid in the summertime. With the heated dryer and desiccant pack, I can mitigate that within the extra hygroscopic filaments.
There aren’t numerous choices when utilizing the dryer field, not less than from the contact panel. You may learn the preliminary humidity stage which I assume is contained in the field and the present temperature. The one factor you may truly set is the time you need to run the dryer. The default is 4 hours. It appears to work effectively. I’ve observed higher print high quality after operating it. As a noob, I didn’t perceive precisely what it was for to start with and was getting numerous bubbles, particularly when utilizing PETG. That wasn’t the one reason for my points however it actually helped when troubleshooting the issue.
This listing of options isn’t exhaustive. I attempted to pick what I believed was most necessary however in case you have any questions in regards to the S1, please be at liberty to ask under.
Meeting, Set up, Setup
The S1 solely had a few components to put in. The principle merchandise was the 7″ touchscreen. To put in it merely join the cables within the entrance of the S1 to the corresponding numbered ports on the rear of the touchscreen, then screw it to the printer.
Subsequent, you do have to put in the decrease door to the precise construct space. It’s not arduous and all of the {hardware} is included. There are a few hinges and a few screws. Fairly easy until in fact, like me, you aren’t paying consideration and put in them the incorrect manner across the first time. It’s okay. I fastened it.
Now you’re able to plug within the S1 and energy it on. One function I didn’t point out above is the built-in UPS. So, whenever you join this factor to energy, ensure it isn’t to a second UPS. I don’t recall seeing something within the handbook a couple of UPS. After I related it to 1, the S1 wouldn’t energy on and it tripped mine. Just a bit tip from me to you.
As soon as powered on you’ll have to undergo the setup on the touchscreen itself. You’ll want to pick your language, hook up with your wi-fi community, and run by the calibration course of, which is computerized.
If a firmware replace is out there, you’ll get a message on the display and you’ll observe the prompts to carry out it. Should you resolve to purchase one and FLSUN hasn’t already upgraded it, you’ll have to improve the firmware utilizing the included flash drive. A number of of us had the identical challenge I had the place the OTA replace failed.
With that stated, after performing the preliminary improve manually, subsequent OTA upgrades have accomplished with no points. To FLSUN’s credit score, there have been fairly a number of updates over the quick time I’ve had the S1. The 3D printing group has been fairly vocal about points and FLSUN has listened to them.
The following factor you’re going to want if you wish to print any file sort apart from another person’s 3MF undertaking file by way of the flash drive is slicing software program. FLSUN suggests you obtain their FLSUN slicer but additionally supplies a setup for an Orcaslicer profile on their wiki web page. I’m not going to attempt to clarify something in regards to the slicing software program as a result of I do know so little or no about it. Most issues I’ve discovered are by altering settings, messing up, altering them repeatedly, looking Google, and asking quite a few questions in Fb teams devoted to the S1. From my expertise, I’ve discovered Orca slicer to be superior whereas utilizing a configuration from this GitHub repository makes every thing simpler. FLSUN and the group have been nice at educating me whereas additionally making the S1 printing expertise higher and higher.
Efficiency
Efficiency for me has been hit and miss. I chalk most of it as much as being new to FDM 3D printers. A few of it’s the printer although. The S1 has been divisive amongst its customers. Some suppose it’s one of the best factor since sliced bread whereas others straight up suppose it’s a dumpster fireplace. Each side have proof to help their claims. I’ve seen some actually nice prints come out of the S1 at respectable occasions whereas others crash and burn. With the sooner firmware variations, of us had been getting extruders crashing into the PEI plate. I skilled this myself early on and it scratched the plate.
There have been occasions the unit would tender lock then reboot, however the final a number of updates have taken care of these points not less than for me.
As for the standard of the prints, after I don’t have mattress adhesion points or helps getting knocked off, I can get some good outcomes.
I didn’t simply make toys. I did make some helpful prints too.
I even have my very own fleet of Benchys constructed from completely different supplies.
What I like about FLSUN S1 3D printer
- Nice Construct high quality
- Quick
- Versatile
What must be improved?
- Firmware
- Slicing software program
- Fact in description of printer’s capabilities
Last ideas
I do know I’ve given numerous negatives all through this evaluation however I hope you’ve seen some highlights too. I believe the FLSUN S1 3D printer will solely get higher with time, primarily based on FLSUN’s response to the group. They’ve been fairly fast to deal with issues and ship out common updates. I do really feel FLSUN pushed out the S1 a bit of too quickly however I notice different corporations do the identical factor to be the printer to have. I might not suggest the S1 as your first printer. There are numerous nuances, phrases, and software program to study. I’ve had numerous enjoyable and numerous frustrations which I believe is all part of 3D printers. I do like this printer and in case you’re somebody who has a superb information of 3D printers and the software program used, I believe you’ll be capable to get implausible outcomes. It’s costly so know that entering into. In the end, I might say this can be a nice printer however I might wait till extra of its points are ironed out. Please don’t let my evaluation flip you off of this printer. Please do extra analysis than this text. As soon as once more, I’ll say I’m new at this and there are many different smarter individuals on the market who would know way more than I.
Value: $1499.00
The place to purchase: FLSUN and different FLSUN 3D printers can be found by Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was supplied free of charge by FLSUN. FLSUN didn’t have a remaining say on the evaluation and didn’t preview the evaluation earlier than it was printed.