Uniz SLASH 2 Review: Specs, Software, and More
In recent years, resin 3D printing has become much more affordable, while still maintaining the superiority over FFF/FDM solutions in providing more detailed results. Of course, the majority of SLA machines are still expensive, even though there are quite a few devices in a budget price range. But where the SLA/LCD devices shine is a higher price point with the machines that are aimed at the professional, industrial, and commercial purposes. The Uniz SLASH 2 is one of these 3D printers, being another impressive addition to the SLASH series of LCD 3D printers.
Source: uniz.com
Uniz SLASH 2 Overview
Source: uniz.com
The Uniz SLASH 2 is an upgraded version of the largely popular SLASH 3D printer. This version addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, improves over its strong points and has some interesting additions to boast.
It’s a high-speed device that utilizes the LCD printing technology. The main advantage of the SLASH 2 is the fact that it implements a sophisticated liquid cooling system. Combined with the intelligent heat management this allows the SLASH 2 to reach incredibly fast curing times, reaching for extremely high printing speeds. The quality and speed can be balanced: a user has an option to choose between high and low resolution, with the latter being faster to cure.
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The machine is very accurate, offering industrial-grade precision while maintaining an affordable price. It features an engineering-grade LCD screen with the 4K resolution, and a dedicated light array provides a uniform exposure that is even across the whole print platform.
Another great addition is a very durable resin tank that is able to withstand up to 1000 hours of printing according to the manufacturer. The automatic level control is supported.
And it’s also important to mention that the machine features a rather large-sized build volume.
Technical Specifications
- Technology: LCD
- Light source: 8.9 inch 4K LCD
- Build volume: 192х120х200 mm
- Material: 405nm resin
- Printing speed: up to 200 mm/hr
- Layer thickness: 10 microns
- Printing accuracy: ± 10 microns
- Resolution: XY– 49,8 microns
- Suggested operating temperature: 18–28° C
- Level control: automatic
- Application: dentistry, jewelry making, general manufacturing
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Supported file formats: STL, OBJ, AMF, 3MF, UNIZ
- System requirements: Windows 7 and up (64-bit only), Mac OS X 10.7 and up (64-bit only), 16GB RAM, OpenGL 2.1, Discrete Graphics
- Power source: 200-240 V, 3A 50/60 Hz, 240 W
- Dimensions: 530x350x400 mm
- Weight: 15 kg
What’s in the Box
The device comes completely assembled (which is normal for the vast majority of resin 3D printers) and apart from the printer the box contains some cables, a screwdriver, metal spatula (not recommended for cleaning the tank since it can easily puncture it), a USB flash drive and some cables, as well as a cleaning solution and some resin.
Preparation and Software
The printer can be controlled by proprietary Uniz desktop software, it will require USB-tethering for connecting. Various file formats are supported as well as the ‘heavy files’ that are larger than 1 GB. Multiple printers can be managed simultaneously. There’s also a mobile app available for Android and iOS. The desktop software offers essentially a combination of slicing and printing control features. To download it go to the ‘Software’ part of the official website and download a version for macOS or Windows.
Source: uniz.com
Once it’s done you can connect your PC directly to the SLASH 2 and select the SLASH 2 (or SLASH 2 Beta) in a dropdown list of printers in the top right corner of the program. The next step would be to set up the Wi-Fi connection.
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The next step would be to level the platform. To do so click the ‘Reset Z-axis Zero Position” in the control sidebar.
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Confirm that you want to go through the calibration process.
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After that, you will have to manually push down the platform to the LCD screen and press ‘Yes’.
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The machine will calibrate the platform automatically. You can test how effective it was by clicking on the ‘Show Logo’ button and confirming that the logo is properly displayed on the LCD.
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The next step would be to fill up the resin tank and prepare some model for printing. The software offers a powerful slicing functionality, so from now on it all depends on the skills of the user.
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Applications
This bust shows a great level of detail.
Source: uniz.com
And the surfaces of the ring below are incredible.
Source: uniz.com
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Made of metal
- Large build volume
- Easy to get ready for the first print
- Extremely fast
- Offers high accuracy and industrial-grade precision
- The resolution is very high thanks to a 4K LCD screen
- Automatic leveling
- Designed with durability and longevity in mind: the LCD screen and resin tank can withstand thousands of hours of work
- Powerful and intuitive software. Cloud capabilities and mobile app are also provided.
Cons
- While being affordable for its class, still can be very expensive for some hobbyists
- Doesn’t support UDP
- No screen to control the device without the PC/mobile connection
Conclusion
Uniz’ latest machine, the SLASH 2 is a very powerful successor to their famous original SLASH. It still maintains the design and basic functionality of the original, while improving the quality and speed of printing thanks to a high-tech cooling solution. The build volume has grown significantly and the machine is now very easy to use.
The Uniz SLASH 2 is also quite affordable, while still providing very accurate prints with the industrial level of quality.