Launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign last year, the Cetus3D Printer has proven itself to be a rare exception. While the 3D Printing community has become understandably wary of crowd funded projects, the Cetus3D not only managed to meet but exceed most expectations. Providing backers with a well built, low cost option, they have created two of the best 3D Printers available in the sub $400 price range.

Using an admirable form follows function approach, the attractive yet simple design is built for one task, creating beautiful 3D prints and doing it well. Addressing some of the structural flaws found in similarly priced machines, they have created a product that is certainly worth consideration.

Ease of Use: Build Quality: Features: Price: Overall: Cetus3D MK3 3D Printer $379 Compact 3D Printer with a large build volume using a form follows function design. Cetus3D MK3 Extended 3D Printer $479 Includes a longer Z-Axis, providing an extended build volume of 180x180x280mm.

Specifications Resolution 50 Microns Dimensions 260x260x280mm Build Volume 180x180x180mm Platform 3mm Aluminum Plate Filament 1.75mm Material PLA/ABS/PETG Weight 7 Lbs Connect USB/WIFI

Included Parts

The package comes with everything you will need to get started printing right out of the box. In addition to the 3D Printer unit itself, they include a variation of nozzles, sample PLA filament, spare hardware/tools and more. While I would recommend printing a different spool holder, everything included in the package has been carefully chosen and does serve a purpose.

3D Printer Unit

Extruder Assembly

Power Supply

Aluminum Build Plate

Nozzles (0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm)

Filament Spool Holder

Nozzle Needle

USB Cable

Putty Knife

Nozzle Wrench

Hex Wrenches

Nipper

(3) 50G PLA Filament Packs

Assembly

Affordable 3D Printers in the consumer market are quite often DIY kits, providing you with a box of miscellaneous parts and instructions for assembly. The Cetus3D in comparison takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, requiring a total of 5 screws to secure the build plate and extruder head in place. Once complete, it is just a matter of powering it on, connecting over WiFi or USB and calibrating the machine.

Cetus3D Software

The included software is well designed and offers a simple yet intuitive interface. The home screen provides direct access to your account profile, printer management and a self contained model library. From the Print screen, we are presented with the choice to import models, initialize or calibrate the machine, enter maintenance mode or start printing.

The list of features available is certainly impressive and continues to grow based on community feedback. Several unique options such as photo to lithopane are included, allowing you to import 2D images that instantly convert to 3D printable objects. On a more practical level, tools such as Fix Errors will automatically correct broken models and Blackout Recovery will resume printing in the event of a power outage. The best however is the cloud based smartphone app, informing you of both the printer’s status and the print progress while you are on the go.

Build Quality

The minimalist approach is the foundation of the Cetus3D and by far my favorite aspect of this printer. They have placed great emphasis on quality construction using only the essential components. It is compact by design, comprised of 6 core modules that it requires to operate. Mounting these to a frame built from aluminum extrusion, it is extremely durable while being only a fraction of the weight and size of its competitors.

The high quality linear rails are the basic motion system in which the printer moves. By utilizing these in the design, the aluminum build plate is attached directly to the x-axis guide rail, ensuring it remains level at all times. Unfortunately the build plate does not include a heated bed, only a factory coated surface to improve adhesion. While I would have preferred the inclusion of a heated bed within the package, this can be purchased separately from their website.

Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic 3D printer offered at a budget friendly price point. It has a massive build volume compared to its compact dimensions, built using high quality components, and the results are among the best available in similarly priced machines. When you factor in the extras such as WiFi connectivity, Blackout Recovery and the Smartphone app, you have one of the most complete packages available under $400.

The only notable drawback in my opinion is the lack of a heated bed. I deducted one star on the Features rating solely for this reason, where it is something that many do consider to be an absolute requirement. With that said, common materials such as PLA seem to have absolute perfect adhesion to the coated build surface. For those who are on the fence due to this reason, it is available on their website as a separate purchase and reasonably priced at $39.90.

Pros Solid Frame Construction

Quiet Linear Rails

No Bed Leveling

Large Build Volume

WiFi Connectivity

Blackout Recovery

Smartphone Management

Extendable Design

Cons No Heated Bed (addon)

Limited G-Code Support

Proprietary Nozzles

Loud Fan

With the printer aside, the company behind the Cetus3D is a subsidiary of Tiertime , a reputable business involved in 3D Printing since 2003. Their staff is extremely committed to the community, using customer feedback to make continual improvements. I spoke briefly with the Product Manager, Jason Wu, who responded quickly and professionally to all of my inquiries. In addition, they are quite active on the support forums, Facebook group and more. Their team appears to be highly devoted to the success of this venture and the happiness of their users, attributes that are not often found among manufacturers in this industry.

Print Results