Modix BIG-120X V3 3D Printer Review: Specs, Software, Price
Only a decade ago, 3D printing was much more expensive. Even the most basic machines with the ability to print simple models at a low quality weren’t exactly affordable. The times are changing, and nowadays you can buy a large-volume machine providing an industrial-grade level of quality for just a few thousand dollars. Modix BIG-120X V3 is one of such devices. Its massive build volume and a sturdy frame are nicely accompanied by high-quality results of its prints.
About Modix
With its headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modix was founded in 2014. The company released its first 3D printer called Agam in the following year. After that, the brand has changed its course to focus on the big-sized FDM 3D printers, and that’s how the ‘BIG’ line came to be.
Source: modix3d.com
Modix 120X V3 Overview
The Modix BIG-120X V3 is an upgraded version of the V2 printer and an addition to the ‘Big’ series of 3D printers by the Israeli startup. The machine takes the series name literally and has a 10% build volume increase over the predecessor. The majority of changes were done to make working with this enormous volume of 1200 x 600 x 660 mm possible and practical.
The frame is extremely sturdy, made of high-quality aluminum profiles and featuring laser-cut powder-coated brackets made of the same metal. The machine comes as a DIY kit (which is easy to assemble) and has an open design. though an enclosure is available as an option. Since the device is modular, the enclosure is not the only thing that can be bought separately to improve the BIG-120X V3: you can get a second extruder as well as replace the original smooth rods (which are pretty great already) with high-precision HIWIN rails. The updates of the machine’s hotend are also available, as well as an air filter.
Source: top3dshop.com
Other features include a heated print bed with a fully automatic bed leveling and a 7-inch touchscreen that offers a great level of control. Another addition is a Duet3D 32-bit motherboard that improves various things about the machine, while also providing Wi-Fi connectivity and a print resume function.
Technical specifications:
- Bed leveling: Automatic
- Max. nozzle temperature: 285 °C
- Max. print bed temperature: 120 °C
- Material support: PLA, ABS, composites: Carbon fiber, Wood, Copper, Brass, Magnetic, PHA, PVA, Hips, Nylon, TPE & TPU (flexible), Co-Polyester, PETG
- Connectivity: SD card, USB cable. Wi-FI is optional
- Dimensions: 1556 x 1025 x 1356 mm
What’s in the Box?
The machine is large-sized and comes in several boxes with everything that’s needed for assembly, as well as various other tools:
- All parts required to assemble the Modix 120x V3 3D printer
- Powder-coated aluminum components
- Hex and screwdriver sets
- Cable and wire sets
- SD card
- Spare parts
- A huge aluminum print bed
- 7-inch touch screen
- Spool holder
- Power cords
- Power supply
- Dual print head (optional)
- Enclosure (optional)
Below is the picture of a room full of various boxes with the BIG-120X V3 parts:
Source: youtube.com
Source: youtube.com
Preparation
The machine is sold as a DIY kit and comes in several boxes. The manufacturer provides all the instructions (text, pictures and videos) needed to assemble the 3D printer. It will take time, since the machine is very large.
After building the frame, various rods and moving parts should be installed.
Source: youtube.com
Source: youtube.com
An enormous print plate must be installed next.
Source: youtube.com
The control unit should be assembled separately (it comes in a separate box and there are the instructions) and connected to the frame afterwards.
Source: youtube.com
Optionally you can buy and install the enclosure if the default open design is not something that you’re looking for.
The next thing to do would be to level the bed. The process is automatic but you can assist the machine by using the Z-axis offset, an auto home feature.
Source: youtube.com
Software
Modix doesn’t provide any proprietary software for slicing, so you’re free to use the printer with any program. The machine is compatible with the majority of file formats and can be connected to the PC using Wi-Fi or USB connection. There’s a web interface for operating the machine remotely, as well as a mobile app.
Application
Large Bolt Model by Mr. Craig Tharpe
The device can be used for printing large-sized objects using different materials. Below you can see a big-sized print with a smooth surface finish:
Source: modix3d.com
A spider by akson_zed
Here’s a big yet detailed model of a spider printed using the device, look how high its quality is:
Source: instagram.com
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable (for its size and quality) price.
- High precision over the Z-axis
- Modular design
- Very rigid frame.
Cons:
- Takes a long time to assemble
- The design is open by default but an enclosure can be bought separately
Conclusion
Large-sized, relatively affordable and quite accurate, the Modix BIG-120X V3 is a powerful device that manages to pack a great number of technological features and combine it with a massive build volume. The machine’s modular design offers several ways to upgrade the device and its rigid frame allows it to print large-sized models with a consistent quality.
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