Raise3D E2 3D Printer Review
In this article we will talk about the Raise3D E2 — a modern dual-extrusion FDM 3D printer made with the latest developments in additive technologies. This 3D printer is safe, easy to use, and can be utilized for educational purposes and research & development.
Read the article to learn more.
General Information
The Raise3D E2 is manufactured by the Shanghainese brand Raise3D Technologies. According to their press release, the 3D printer is positioned as an educational solution that offers enough resources to be integrated into industrial-grade manufacturing. These resources are:
- cloud-based ecosystem RaiseCloud;
- support for any filament that is a part of the Open Filament Program.
The main distinctive feature of the Raise3D E2 — Independent Dual Extruders that allow printing two objects simultaneously, including in the Mirror and Duplication modes.
Specifications
|
Dimensions |
607 x 596 x 465 mm |
|
Power source |
350 W |
|
Technology |
FFF/FDM |
|
Supported materials |
PLA/ABS/HIPS/ PC/ TPU/TPE/NYLON/PETG/ASA/PP/PVA/Glass Fiber Infused/Carbon Fiber |
|
Filament diameter |
1.75 mm |
|
Nozzle diameter |
0.4 mm (default) 0.2/0.6/0.8/1.0 mm (optional) |
|
Max print bed temperature |
110 ℃ |
|
Max nozzle temperature |
300℃ |
|
Build volume |
330 x 240 x 240 mm (single extruder) 295 x 240 x 240 mm (dual extruder) |
|
Layer height |
0.02 - 0.25 mm |
|
Travel speed |
30-150 mm/s |
Description
Modes
There are three modes of operation available:
- Standard printing – producing models with a single extruder or simultaneously with Independent Dual Extruders (IDEX).
- Duplication Mode – both extruders synchronously print two identical model, doubling the production.
- Mirror Mode – one extruder prints the model while another is producing its inverse. It’s a convenient option for some fields, such as shoe manufacturing.
Source: raise3d.com
Auto Bed Leveling
The ABL (Auto Bed Leveling) system automatically levels the bed and continuously controls distance between the platform and nozzles. This improves adhesion and allows the extruder to adapt even to minor surface contour changes, eliminating the need for rafts.
Source: raise3d.com
Flexible Build Plate
Flexible build plate with the Buildtak surface provides great first layer adhesion and seamless print removal.
Source: raise3d.com
Safety Features
The 3D printer is equipped with sensors that automatically detect opening a door or a lid and immediately pause the print. This feature is very important in the educational field, especially when the kids are working with the machine.
Source: raise3d.com
Filament Runout Sensors
Optical sensors control filament supply and pause the print when the filament runs out. At this point, the red light starts flashing. To resume printing one needs to simply add filament and press the button.
The sensors detect all type of filaments, regardless of their color, material or hardness.
Source: raise3d.com
Power Loss Recovery
In case of a sudden power loss, the E2 saves all of the data of the current print. After the power recovers, printing is resumed from the point where it was paused.
Sudden lapses in power doesn’t affect the quality of printing.
Source: raise3d.com
Software
Initially Raise3D Technologies was specialized in software development, including slicer programs for 3D printers. The company started working on their first printers only after several years of existence. That’s why there aren’t many manufacturers that could invest as many resources in software development as Raise3D Technologies does.
Apart from equipment and the proprietary IdeaMaker Slicer, the company also provides access to the cloud-based ecosystem RaiseCloud. IdeaMaker is compatible with all versions of Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems and supports STL, OBJ and 3MF file formats.
RaiseCloud is a cloud-based software solution that helps to manage and control printing on several Raise3D printers at once. Its description and user manual are available at the manufacturer’s website.
Printer Control
The 3D printer is controlled by using a 7-inch touchscreen.
Source: raise3d.com
The system provides integrated control over all settings.
Source: raise3d.com
Tips and instructions are displayed.
Source: raise3d.com
The user can visually choose a model.
Source: raise3d.com
Analogue Comparison
One of the closest analogues of the Raise3D E2 is the BCN3D SIGMA.
Source: bcn3d.com
Both 3D printers are considered to be prosumer devices. They utilize similar build solutions based on the ability to use two extruders — both synchronously and independently.
|
Raise3D E2 |
BCN3D SIGMA |
|
|
Touchscreen |
7.0” |
3.5” |
|
Build volume |
295 x 240 x 240 mm |
210 x 297 x 210 mm |
|
Filament diameter |
1,75 mm |
2,85 mm |
|
Nozzle diameter |
0.4-1.0 mm |
0.4-1.0 mm |
|
Min layer height |
0.020 mm |
0.025 mm |
Unlike the BCN3D SIGMA, the Raise3D E2 has lids and doors that are equipped with sensors that pause printing when they are opened. Judging by several specifications, the E2 is slightly superior to the SIGMA, but it’s also significantly more expensive.
When choosing between these two models, not only price and specifications differences should be considered, but also the filament diameter. Most of the filament is available at the 1.75 - 1.76 mm diameter, so it’s another strong point of the E2. But in some situations: for example, in the industrial production where the 2.85 mm is already used, buying the printer that can already print using this filament diameter would be a better idea.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Main advantages of the Raise3D E2 are:
- high print quality,
- ease of use,
- wide range of filaments,
- safety.
The disadvantages include the build volume that is far from perfect, and the operating temperature of the extruder — up to 300 ℃ — that isn’t high enough to work with high-temperature filaments.
Print Examples
Source: raise3d.com
Source: raise3d.com
Source: raise3d.com
Source: raise3d.com
Conclusion
The Raise3D E2 is a great choice for those who need large build volume, high performance and a wide range of professional options. The machine is a good pick for small-batch manufacturing and prototyping, as well as for training production and technical employees.