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I am wanting to buy a 3D printer to add to my shop.

I am an engineer and enjoy making/building things so the kit idea sounds fun and economical.

I see Tronxy has two different styles for their larger printers:

  • P802 (reprap frame) style
  • X3 (metal frame) style.

As far as I can see, both printers have the same basic resolution, accuracy, and material specs.

  1. What are the advantages/disadvantages/differences between the P802 and X3?
  2. How important is auto-leveling?
Trish
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markshancock
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2 Answers2

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Auto-leveling is a great effort saver and a best thing in 3D printing in the last 10 years. While you can go without it, and many people do, it reduces the number of failed prints you will have at the beginning.
Properly leveled bed allows you to print without using any adhesive in it, improves you performance with ABS and other stubborn things. Don't skip on auto-level, especially if you are a beginner.

Barafu Albino
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I ended up buying a TronXY X3 and have had it several months.

I have seen several videos on the P802 and the X3 so I believe I can answer this question fairly.

Here is what the two printers look like

P802 P802

X3 X3

Here is a comparison of the features enter image description here

Here are my overall impressions:

  • Both printers are kits and have their assembly challenges
  • The X3 is often a little bit (10-20%) more expensive
  • The X3 frame is very rigid. I have heard the the P802 is also rigid.
  • Acrylic is not as durable long-term (it cracks). There are Acrylic parts on both printers; but, the Acrylic frame on the P802 would concern me more.
  • The bed on the X3 can wobble and the P802 doesn't look like it would. (Note there are several available modifications to fix the X3 wobble)
  • The Boden extruder on the X3 makes the filament pull consistent; but, it can make the filament more difficult to feed.

  • The External Controller box on the X3 can make the printer more difficult to move and it can take up more desk space.

    The biggest negative (and likely a show stopper) on the P802 is the unprotected Melzi, Exposed AC connections, and no power switch.

markshancock
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