Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 Review

Hey! This is Top 3D Shop, and in the following review, we will talk about the Chinese Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 3D printer.

Read the article to learn more.

  

Video

 

About Wanhao

Source: wanhao3dprinter.com

Wanhao produces affordable, high-quality 3D printers for users of all levels: from beginners and amateurs to real professionals.

Wanhao was founded in 2011 by a group of students engaged in 3D printing. Their first creation was the Duplicator One 3D printer with a modernized Non Block One extruder. The printer combined the advantages of two devices: the O-Matic by Makerbot and the invention of Adrian Bower RepRap. A year later, Wanhao engineers released a 3D printer equipped with an LCD screen, allowing you to print models from an SD card without using a computer. In 2012, Wanhao entered the international market. 

  

Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 3D printer

  

Specifications

• Dimensions: 400 x 410 x 400 mm
• Weight: 10 kg
• File Formats: G-code
• Applications: Design, Architecture, Packaging, Advertising, Prototyping, Souvenir Production, Education, Industry, Home
• Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 180 mm
• Technology: FDM
• Layer Thickness: from 100 µm
• Printable Materials: ABS, PLA, PVA, NinjaFlex, Nylon, HIPS, Woodfill, LayBrick, CopperFILL, BronzeFILL, MOLDLAY, Conductive, Carbon Fiber, Polyurethane
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
• Connectivity: USB, SD card
• Printing Speed: 10–70 mm/s
• Compatible OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS

 

Description

 

The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 3D printer is an upgraded version of the previously popular Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus. The design of the machine remains virtually the same, apart from some improvements. The extruder has been updated — now it's completely metal; the rails and the calibration system of the printing bed are improved as well. 

The device uses FDM technology — a method of fused deposition modeling. Its single extruder has three plain bearings. This reduces vibration and improves print quality. The printer is equipped with a touchscreen display.

The Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 uses a CNC cable chain. The collected cables do not come loose or rub against the printer frame. Besides, you can resume your printing from the stopping point in case of a sudden power outage.

Like its predecessor, the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 is particularly intended for beginners who don't have a large budget to purchase a 3D printer for home use. 

  

What’s in the box

The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 comes fully assembled. The package includes:

• 3D printer;
• Test filament (10 m);
• Spatula;
• Spool holder;
• SD card;
• Film for the heated bed;
• Power cable;
• USB cable;
• Set of hex keys and bolts. 

  

Preparation and software

The printer does not require preparation for work. The device is to be removed from the box, connected to the power supply and turned on. It has two calibration modes: automatic and manual.

To work with the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 printer, use the Cura slicer or Wanhao's proprietary Replicator G.

  

Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 vs Anycubic i3 Mega S

The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 and Anycubic Mega S printers have a similar gantry design, they use FDM technology and a single extruder. Both devices feature a heated bed and touchscreen. Likewise, both models boast a function to resume printing after a power outage.

The difference between the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 and Anycubic Mega S 3D printers is shown below:

	Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2	Anycubic i3 Mega S
Build volume	200 х 200 х 180	210 x 210 x 205
File formats	.STL, GCode	.STL, .OBJ, JPG, PNG
Power requirements	95–230V, 50–60 Hz	110/220V, 50/60 Hz
Materials	ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, etc.	PLA, ABS, TPU, HIPS, Wood
Build plate temperature	60–100 °С	110°C
Extruder temperature	190–260°С	260°C
Layer thickness	100–400 µm	50 µm
Positioning accuracy	X/Y: 12.0 µm, Z: 0.4 µm	X/Y: 12.5 µm, Z: 0.2 µm
Software	Cura, Replicator G	Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-HOST
Connectivity	USB, SD/TF-card	USB, SD
Dimensions	400 х 410 х 400	405 х 410 х 453
Price	$399	$249

Prices may change, so check them on our official website.

The advantages of the Anycubic Mega S: slightly larger build volume, lower layer thickness, good package, more affordable price.

The advantages of the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2: reliable power supply by the famous manufacturer (a 24-volt Meanwell; the competitor has a no-name unit with a voltage twice as low), a direct extruder that simplifies printing flexible plastics, a more convenient screen.

In general, their capabilities are similar. They are practically one and the same printer. When choosing between these two models, you should decide for yourself which of the benefits are more important.

  

Use cases

Modeling

Source: gramho.com

A student of the Department of Biomedical Engineering from Serbia, registered on Instagram as tehnalab, purchased a Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2. The user was able to test the device in the manufacture of many interesting objects.

One of the applications was modeling. The photo shows the model of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade (Serbia). It was made with PLA filament, the layer height is 0.2 mm, the printing time being about 13 hours. 

  

Stands

Smartphone holder 

Source: gramho.com

In the picture is a phone stand in the shape of anime character Goku printed with PLA. The layer height is 0.25 mm, the printing time is about three hours.

  

Eyeglass holder

Source: gramho.com

The eyeglass holder is printed with PLA material, the layer height is 0.2 mm. The printing time is about three hours.

  

Souvenir production

Source: gramho.com

A Nefertiti bust printed with PLA filament. The layer height is 0.12 mm, the printing time is about eight hours. 

  

Playing card case

Source: gramho.com

The playing card case is printed with PLA material, the layer height is 0.25 mm, the printing time is about six hours. 

  

Opener

Source: gramho.com

An interesting keychain/opener in the form of a slice of pizza. In order to use the keychain for opening bottles, just insert a coin. The opener was printed with PLA filament, the layer height is 0.2 mm, the printing time is approximately 2 hours.

  

Decor elements

Source: gramho.com

A copy of the famous frame for the peephole from “Friends.” The material is PLA, the layer height is 0.3 mm, the printing time is about 11 hours. 

Photo: Comedy Central UK on Twitter

  

Pros

• Competitive price;

• Stable construction that ensures accurate printing;

• Resumption of work after a sudden power outage.

  

Cons

• Slow printing speed;

• Not so high precision compared to professional models;

• No enclosure.

  

Bottomline

The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 is an improved version of its well-proven predecessor — the Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus. The applications of this device include design, architecture, advertising, prototyping, souvenir production, education, home use.

Buy Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Mark 2 on Top 3D Shop and get an official warranty and the best service possible.