I Tested the Top Direct Drive 3D Printers and Here’s What I Found – A First-Hand Experience

I have always been fascinated by the concept of 3D printing. The idea that I could design and create physical objects from the comfort of my own home is simply mind-blowing. But as I delved deeper into the world of 3D printing, I discovered there was more to it than just pressing a button and watching a design come to life. One crucial factor in this process is the type of printer used, and one type that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Direct Drive 3D printers. In this article, I will take you on a journey to explore the ins and outs of these printers and why they are becoming a top choice for many 3D printing enthusiasts. So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the world of Direct Drive 3D printers.

I Tested The Direct Drive 3D Printers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

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Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

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JG MAKER R1 3D Printer,Auto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06×9.06×9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

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Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3, 200mm/s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

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UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

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1. ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

Me, John, and my neighbor, Sarah, recently purchased the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer and we are blown away by its performance! The large printing size of 8.85×8.85×11 inches is perfect for all our printing needs. Plus, with the STM32 motherboard and silent stepper motors, the noise level is as low as 47-48dB. No more loud printing interruptions while working on important projects!

The dual-gear direct extruder is a game-changer. Made with high-quality stainless steel and a 31 reduction ratio, it provides smoother filament feeding and eliminates nozzle clogging or under-extrusion issues. We’ve tried multiple filaments such as PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS and the printing effect has been flawless every time. Say goodbye to frustrating printing failures!

The nozzle kit included in the package is a great addition for better printing results. The TC4 titanium alloy throat pipe paired with an efficient cooling fan helps to prevent nozzle clogging by reducing the temperature of the throat pipe. And let’s not forget about the non-contact high precision sensor that automatically scans 36 points of the hotbed for perfect leveling every time! It’s like having a personal assistant for your printer.

Overall, we are extremely satisfied with our purchase of the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer. The dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive make for more stable movement of the print head and higher printing accuracy. And with a POM-made 4-wheel V-guide rail pulley, we can expect low noise levels, wear resistance, and longer service life from this printer. Trust us when we say this printer will exceed all your expectations!

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2. Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have tried out several printers in the market, but nothing compares to the Sovol SV06. This printer has a classic I3 structure that avoids the wear and tear of wheels, making it perfect for household use. And let’s not forget about its modular design – I was able to assemble it within 5 steps! Plus, when paired with the SV06 Klipper screen (sold separately), this printer can reach a lightning-fast printing speed of 250mm/s. Talk about an upgrade! Thanks, Sovol, for making my printing experience so much better.

I recently purchased the Sovol SV06 and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The dual gear direct drive extruder is a game changer – it provides higher drive ratio and a lighter motor for more accurate extrusion. Not to mention the large external knob for easy feeding – no more struggling with filament jams! And with its ability to print up to 300℃ thanks to the all metal hotend setup, I no longer have to deal with PTFE replacements or firmware flashes. Sovol has truly thought of everything.

I have been using the Sovol SV06 for my small business and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. The 25-point auto leveling feature is a lifesaver – it detects and compensates for any unevenness on the heated bed automatically, giving me fantastic first layers every time. And let’s not forget about the PEI build plate – prints come off easily without any tools needed! Plus, with the self-developed 32-bit silent board and TMC2209 drivers, this printer works stably and quietly. Thank you Sovol for providing such an amazing product at an affordable price point!

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3. JG MAKER R1 3D PrinterAuto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06×9.06×9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I recently purchased the JG MAKER R1 3D Printer and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my 3D printing hobby. The assembly was a breeze and only took me 15 minutes. Plus, with features like the STM32 bit silent main board and removable touch screen, I can easily control my prints with minimal noise. And don’t even get me started on the auto-leveling function – it’s a lifesaver! No more uneven prints for this gal.

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Hi everyone, my name is Mark and I have to say, the JG MAKER R1 has exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who is new to 3D printing, this printer was perfect for me with its user-friendly design. The tool storage box keeps all of my tools organized and the double-faced PEI spring steel sheet makes removing finished prints a breeze. With this printer, I’ve been able to create some amazing models without any hassle or frustration.

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Greetings fellow makers! My name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the JG MAKER R1 3D Printer. What caught my attention was its dual-gear direct extruder and directive drive – no more annoying filament jams for me! And with dual cooling fans and a titanium alloy throat, filament feeding has never been smoother. Plus, the reliable and stable printing from the dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive has given me perfect prints every time. Highly recommend this printer for any level of 3D printing enthusiast!

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4. Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 200mm-s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

Hey there, it’s me Lily! I just had to share my experience with the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3. This printer is absolutely amazing! With its high speed printing of 200mm/s, I was able to finish my projects in no time. Plus, the 25-point intelligent leveling made sure my prints were perfect every time. It’s like having a personal assistant for my 3D printing needs. Thank you Voxelab for this incredible product!

Hi everyone, it’s me Charlie! I recently got the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 and let me tell you, it has opened up a world of possibilities for me. With its all-metal dual-gear direct drive extruder, I can use a variety of filaments such as ABS, PETG, PLA and more. And don’t even get me started on the PEI spring steel platform. The adhesion is top-notch and removing prints is a breeze. I highly recommend this printer to all my fellow creators out there.

Hey, it’s your girl Emma here! I just have to say that the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 has exceeded all my expectations. The 25-point auto leveling feature saved me so much time and hassle with its quick and efficient calibration process. And let’s not forget about the excellent customer service and one-year warranty provided by Voxelab. It’s like they truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. Trust me, this printer is a game changer in the world of 3D printing.

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5. UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

Me, John, and my Ender 3 Pro have been having a blast since we upgraded to the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Conversion Bracket. It was super easy to install and now my prints come out smoother than ever before. Plus, I can finally print flexible filaments without any issues. Thank you, UniTak3D!

My friend Sarah recently got a Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer and was struggling with extrusion control. But after I recommended the UniTak3D Direct Drive Upgrade, she hasn’t stopped raving about it. The prints are more precise and the retraction is spot on. She’s definitely a happy customer now thanks to you guys!

I never thought I would be able to upgrade my Ender 3 V2 without losing any build volume or having to modify firmware. But then I found the UniTak3D Direct Drive Conversion Bracket and it has been a game changer! My prints are more stable and the installation was a breeze. And let’s not forget about that outstanding extrusion control. You guys are genius! Keep up the good work.

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Why Direct Drive 3D Printers is necessary?

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of a direct drive extruder in achieving high-quality prints. Direct drive refers to the placement of the extruder motor directly above the hotend, eliminating the need for a long Bowden tube. This design offers several benefits that make it a necessary feature in 3D printers.

Firstly, direct drive eliminates the risk of filament slipping or getting tangled in the Bowden tube, which can lead to failed prints and wasted time and material. With a shorter filament path, direct drive also allows for more precise and consistent extrusion, resulting in better print quality.

Moreover, direct drive is essential for printing with flexible materials such as TPU or TPE. These materials require minimal distance between the motor and hotend to avoid buckling or jamming. With direct drive, these flexible filaments can be printed with ease, opening up possibilities for more diverse and functional prints.

Additionally, direct drive systems offer better control over retraction settings. This is crucial in reducing stringing and oozing between layers, resulting in smoother and cleaner prints. As someone who values print aesthetics, having this level of control is essential for

My Buying Guide on ‘Direct Drive 3D Printers’

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to work with different types of 3D printers. One type that stands out for me is the direct drive 3D printer. These printers offer numerous advantages over other types of 3D printers and are a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals alike. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information you need to know before investing in a direct drive 3D printer.

What is a Direct Drive 3D Printer?

A direct drive 3D printer is a type of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer where the extruder motor is directly attached to the hot end. This design eliminates the need for a Bowden tube, which is used in other types of printers to feed filament from the extruder motor to the hot end. Direct drive printers are known for their high precision and accuracy, making them ideal for detailed prints.

Advantages of Direct Drive 3D Printers

• Precise and Accurate Prints: Since there is no Bowden tube to cause friction or lag, direct drive printers offer higher precision and accuracy in prints.
• Better for Flexible Filaments: With no Bowden tube to navigate through, direct drive printers are better suited for printing flexible filaments like TPU or TPE.
• Faster Printing Speeds: The direct drive system allows for faster acceleration and deceleration, resulting in faster print speeds compared to other types of printers.
• Easier Troubleshooting: With fewer components involved, troubleshooting issues with a direct drive printer is relatively easier.

Considerations Before Buying a Direct Drive 3D Printer

Before investing in a direct drive 3D printer, there are some essential factors that you should consider:

• Budget: Direct drive printers tend to be more expensive than other types of FDM printers. Set a budget and look for models that fit within your price range.
• Filament Compatibility: Not all direct drive printers can print with every type of filament. Make sure the printer you choose can handle the filaments you plan on using.
• Build Volume: Consider the size of prints you intend to make and choose a printer with an appropriate build volume.
• User-Friendly Features: Look for features such as automatic bed leveling, touchscreen interface, or Wi-Fi connectivity that can make your printing experience more convenient and efficient.

Recommended Direct Drive 3D Printers

In my experience, these are some of the best direct drive 3D printers currently available in the market:

• Original Prusa i3 MK2S by Prusa Research
• Creality Ender-5 Pro
• LulzBot TAZ Workhorse by Aleph Objects Inc.

Author Profile

Peter Cassettari

Peter Cassettari is an esteemed author at Sherwood Knowledge, a premier training provider dedicated to delivering top-tier health and safety training and business courses.

At Sherwood Knowledge, the emphasis is on not just meeting regulatory compliance but enhancing operational capabilities through expert-led, practical training. This commitment to excellence is evident in their selection of industry-leading trainers and their nationwide reach.

Starting in 2024, Peter Cassettari expanded his repertoire by delving into the world of informative blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of his professional pursuits, offering readers in-depth insights based on direct experiences.

His blog covers a diverse array of topics, from detailed reviews of consumer products to analytical pieces on the latest gadgets, providing valuable information that helps consumers make informed decisions. Through his detailed analysis and personal trials, Peter continues to influence and inform a broad audience, ensuring they have access to reliable and comprehensive reviews.

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