EPAX X1 3D Printer Review: Specs, Features, and more

Hi everyone! This is Top 3D Blog with another enlightening article that will touch upon affordable entry-level resin 3D printing. In this addition, we are going to review the EPAX X1 — a powerful and reliable LCD-based workhorse with a fairly decent build volume that can print right out of the box. Due to its high-definition LCD masking screen and improved Z-axis system, the machine can print outstandingly detailed 3D models with a remarkably smooth surface finish accurately and consistently. 

Aside from reviewing the machine’s functionality, we will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the main specs and features of the printer, highlight its pros and cons, and present some photos and videos of the models printed with it. Let’s get started.

 

About EPAX3D

EPAX3D is a US-based manufacturer of 3D printers and printable materials that specializes in the production of high-end MSLA-powered 3D printers that can print right out of the box. The company was founded in 2016, and, since then, managed to create several user-friendly resin 3D printers including large professional machines, semi-professional medium-sized machines, and small entry-level devices. One of the company’s core principles is its customer-oriented approach, meaning that the company’s customer support team will do their best to help you with every step of your 3D printing journey.

 

EPAX X1 Overview

 

Video Review

The EPAX X1 is a desktop LCD 3D printer that features a reasonable build volume of 115 x 65 x 155 mm (4.5 x 2.6 x 6.1 inches), powerful slicing software, and can print right out of the box. This 3D printer is extremely easy to use, making it perfect for entry-level makers and those who want to get their feet wet in resin 3D printing without investing too much. The EPAX X1 is supplied in a fully assembled state and comes factory calibrated, removing any play and misprints that could’ve been caused by improper self-assembly or calibration. The device can print at a minimum layer thickness of 10 microns, providing your 3D models with a stunning surface finish alongside neatly printed and precise angles, capturing everything up to the last detail. 

 

Design

The EPAX X1 is a nicely designed desktop 3D printer that boasts its delicate and futuristic appearance. Its outer dimensions are 241 x 254 x 432 mm (9.5 x 10 x 17 in), and it weighs 10.5 kg (23 lbs). Such a compact footprint makes the machine a nice fit for almost any kind of table. An orange window made from acrylic glass has been integrated into its front door to let you always stay on top of the printing process and make necessary adjustments to the printing process when needed. 

Unlike most other resin 3D printers, the EPAX X1 offers a smart door design that allows the lid to be opened upwards, letting you place the printer against the wall for the utmost degree of convenience. Besides, it makes it considerably easier to clean the printing area and take away your prints.

 

Applications

The EPAX X1 is compatible with any 3D printable resin with 405nm UV wavelength, including castable, biocompatible and tough materials, not tying you to using the company’s proprietary materials. Thanks to the printer’s XY resolution of just 47 microns, a minimum layer thickness of 10 microns, and a powerful 2K (2560 x 1440 px) LCD masking screen, it can easily print dimensionally accurate and well-detailed parts with astonishing surface finish.

Credit: @beholder.madness / Instagram

The printer offers a fairly decent build volume of 115 x 65 x 155 mm that lets you print a single medium-sized model in one go. All things considered, the X1 is a perfect entry-level 3D printer that can be employed to produce tabletop miniatures, prototypes, art designs, jewels, high-precision models, dental impressions, and other related parts.

 

Smart Features

High-definition LCD masking screen

As we have already mentioned, the EPAX X1 has been equipped with a 2K (5.5 inch) 2560 x 1440 px masking LCD screen, making this particular machine one of the best among similar budget-friendly resin 3D printers in terms of printing quality. Besides, it features a 40W High Energy 50 LED array light source for improved service life. Check out the model below to witness what this printer is truly capable of.

 

Non-FEP film compatibility

Aside from being compatible with ordinary FEP film, the machine is recommended to be used with a proprietary Non-FEP (nFEP) film to achieve the best printing experience.

The nFEP film is a high-grade film made of a special Teflon blend, which makes it superior to ordinary films due to outstanding temperature and chemical resistance. Besides, it provides better air permeability that, in its turn, drastically decreases the amount of required suction force. All of this increases the consistency and quality of your printed models, letting you benefit from a streamlined printing experience.

 

State-of-the-art build platform and resin vat

The EPAX X1 has been equipped with a durable resin vat made of anodized aluminum. This all-metal vat features a reliable rubber seal that makes it completely leakproof. Moreover, there is a groove in the front right corner of the tank that facilitates the drainage of unused resin. The vat also features resin level indicator marks, letting you pour the exact amount of resin that is required for printing a 3D model of your choice.

Besides, the machine features a state-of-the-art sanded build platform. Its surface has been made with high-grade soft aluminum to provide you with improved layer adhesion as compared with its cheaper, hard aluminum-made counterparts that are usually installed on other resin 3D printers. Such a build platform also facilitates print removal and rarely requires re-leveling thanks to its reliable and secure construction.

 

Precise Z-axis

X1’s Z-axis motor and lead screw

The EPAX X1 has been equipped with an improved Z-axis rail that employs a robust double steel rod-reinforced carriage alongside durable steel bearings, eliminating any possible Z-wobble issues. Besides, the printer uses an all-metal chassis that improves its reliability and safety even more.

 

3.5-inch color touchscreen 

Credit: Monocure3D Pro Tips / YouTube

The EPAX X1 can be controlled via an easy-to-use 3.5-inch touchscreen with a neatly-looking UI that offers a crystal clear logic behind the menu options. The touchscreen displays all the relevant printing information in real time, making it an indispensable tool for effortless standalone operation. Besides, the machine features Ethernet connectivity, making it an accessible one. 

 

Specifications

• Assembly: Fully-assembled
• Calibration: Factory-leveled
• Connectivity: USB, Flash Drive, Ethernet
• Build volume: 115 x 65 x 155 mm (4.5 x 2.6 x 6.1 in)
• Layer height: 10 Microns
• Display: 3.5-inch Touch Screen
• Film: nFEP film (Non-FEP film) recommended
• Manufacturer: EPAX3D
• Manufacturer country: USA (support) / China (manufacturing location)
• Outer dimensions millimeters (xyz): 241 x 254 x 432 mm (9.5 x 10 x 17 in)
• Print speed: MAX 60 mm/h
• Printable material(s): 405nm UV resins
• Printer type: Resin
• Resolution: 2560*1440 (2K)
• Weight kg: 10.5 kg (23 lbs)
• Technology: LCD
• Light Source: 40W 5x10 LED array
• Price: $429.00

 

What’s in the Box?

• EPAX X1 3D Printer
• Build plate
• USB stick
• Power cord
• Allen wrench
• 1x Spare nFEP film
• 2x Resin filters
• Scraper
• Toolbox
• User manual

For some items, package content may change. In case of any questions, please get in touch.

 

Setting Up the Printer

The EPAX X1 is supplied in a fully assembled state, besides, it comes factory-calibrated, meaning that the printer can be up and running in less than 5 minutes after unboxing.

Please see the above video or check out the user manual that comes with the printer for a more detailed setup overview.

 

Slicing Software

The printer is recommended to be used with a ChiTuBox, an incredibly fast slicer that guarantees optimal performance when used with resin 3D printers. This trusted slicing software solution lets you rotate, edit, one-click print your models, build supports and tinker with other print settings to fine-tune the machine. 

Source: 3dwork.io

 

Use Cases

First up is a 3D printed tabletop model of a feathered T-Rex fresh out of the printer. Check out how well-detailed and neatly-looking it is.

Credit: @beholder.madness / Instagram

Next up is a custom 3D printed D&D miniature. It has an unbelievably smooth surface finish, don’t you think?

Credit: @torrededragones / Instagram

Lastly, there is a painted and post-processed 3D printed miniature of a Purple Worm. 

Credit: @beholder.madness / Instagram

 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Reliable and consistent performance
• Excellent surface finish
• A plethora of connectivity options
• Ready to print out of the box
• nFEP film compatibility

Cons

• No printables included in the supply package
• Can be a little noisy
• Relatively short warranty period

 

Bottom Line

All in all, the EPAX X1 is an excellent entry-level resin 3D printer that offers a fairly decent build volume and lets you produce remarkably detailed outputs in a consistent fashion. Thanks to its high-definition LCD masking screen, the X1 provides your prints with an outstanding surface finish and prints with millimeter-precision. Moreover, it is equipped with a leak-proof resin vat and a sandblasted, factory-calibrated build platform that lets you proceed to the actual 3D printing right after unboxing. All things considered, the EPAX X1 is an affordable and easy-to-use device that will be a perfect choice for both entry-level and more experienced makers. It is a perfect machine to produce tabletop miniatures, prototypes, art designs, jewels, high-precision models, dental impressions, and much more.

You can purchase the EPAX X1 at Top 3D Shop. This powerful LCD 3D printer comes with the manufacturer’s warranty. Our team will make sure to provide the best service possible, just like we always do.