They came out quite well with the mostly default print settings of 0.2mm in their slicer CraftWare. Seeing as this is an IDEX printer, I found it fitting to print two Benchies at the same time. Loading filament takes only a few seconds by using the touchscreen or by controlling the printer through its web interface (wifi setup is simple after you look up the default login info on their site), and the extruders heat up quickly. The only thing left to do was load some filament and get printing. The second process doesn’t require any interaction but it does take a while because the head probes many points of the bed at 60☌, then heats to 90☌ and repeats the probing, and then it heats to 120☌ and does it all again. The first process is simple and intuitive with good visual indicators on the screen as to how the knobs should be turned, though the knobs were so hard to turn that I had to use pliers.

There are two bed leveling steps: the first step is assisted by a probe that shows you how much to turn each knob and then there’s an automated mesh leveling process. There are quite a few calibration options and I ran most of them. Craftbot has set a (500mm) high bar for themselves, so let’s see if they can clear it. Basically, if a desktop 3D printing feature exists, this printer has it. It has mesh bed leveling, filament runout detection, dual-drive extruders, an onboard camera, print resume function, wifi, a Kapton-coated magnetic flexible/removable bed, and even a sensor that tells you if the bed isn’t set correctly. And that’s not all this printer has features and sensors a plenty. IDEX stands for independent dual extrusion, meaning users can print with different colors and materials as well as print duplicate and mirrored objects. But the FLOW IDEX XL isn’t a one-trick pony because, as we all know, size isn’t everything. The smallest dimension is larger than the largest dimension of most desktop 3D printers. It has a build volume of 425mm x 250mm x 500mm. This nice accessory kit includes some handy tools not found in most kits, like nozzle cleaning wires and micro cutters, as well as the typical items such as a spatula, some grease, and a wire brush.ĭid I mention this thing is big? That’s a 20oz bottle, for scale. And it’s only one page, just how I like my directions. A setup sheet in the box provides step-by-step instructions that involve removing the security clamps for shipping and attaching the spool holders and filament guide tubes it’s well illustrated and clear. It does require two people to move due to its size and weight, and thankfully it does have lift handles that are appropriately positioned near the top. While the size is intimidating, it’s rather easy to unpackage.

This is probably about as big as a printer can be before it’s no longer in the desktop category. If you think I’m exaggerating, consider that it’s delivered on a pallet with the use of a small forklift.

Perfectly clear workbench review