Over the past few years, the FDM printing market has been oversaturated with budget equipment. With dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models, it can be difficult determining which FDM printer to go for.
Nevertheless, when it comes to budget 3D printers, Anycubic is one of the companies that stands out for its impressive range of products. The company has four similar, but different models, budget 3D printers. These are Mega i3, , Mega Zero and Mega X.
How are these 3D printers different?
Read on to find out.
The Anycubic Mega series of 3D printers began with the launch of the Mega i3 model in 2017. Next was the release of its improved version, the Anycubic Mega-S. The Mega S had the same appearance and build volume as the Mega i3, but with some additions.
At the end of 2019, the company released the Mega Zero and Mega X. The Mega Zero has a slightly larger build area compared to its predecessors, and comperes with the Creality Ender 3 3D printer in terms of price.
TheMega X is the largest 3D printer in the Mega series and also costs almost twice as much as the previous models.
All Mega printers have certain advantages and disadvantages. At first glance, the printers look the same. However, they are different.
What are the differences?
Let’s find out.
Anycubic Mega-S
One of the main advantages of the Anycubic Mega-S 3D Printer is its unique heated Ultrabase platform. The platform improves adhesion and makes it easier to remove the model after work is completed.
The Anycubic Mega-S has a classic design, a solid all-metal frame, and a build volume of 210 x 210 x 205 mm. The 3D printer has a color touchscreen, resume function and a filament end sensor.
Mega i3 vs Mega S
So how exactly does the Mega-S differ from its predecessor, the Mega i3?
The most significant change is the redesigned extruder, which makes the printer compatible with flexible plastics like TPU. The rest of the changes are more cosmetic in nature. For example, there is a hanging spool holder on the side of the 3D printer. The filament sensor has also been repositioned to improve overall usability.
You can watch a detailed review of the Anycubic Mega-S 3D printer on our youtube channel.
Otherwise, the Anycubic Mega-S 3D printerhas the same features as the i3 Mega:
- Construction area size: 210x210x205 mm
- Layer height: 100 – 400 microns
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Extruder operating temperature: 275°C
- Table heating temperature: 100°C
- Printing speed: 20-100mm/s
- Feeding system: Bowden drive and reducer
- Frame: Aluminum
- Connection: SD card, data cable
- Price: Check Here
Anycubic Mega Zero
The Anycubic Mega Zero shares many similarities with its predecessors in the Mega series. For example, the 3D printer has an aluminum frame, resume function and filament end sensor.
However, one of the main differences between the Mega Zero and Mega-S is price. The Mega Zero is quite cheap, despite having a larger build area. However, the low price means that some features are missing.
For example, the Mega Zero does not have an Ultrabase printing platform or even a heated table. Instead, it has a metal platform. Therefore, while Anycubic claims the printer is suitable for materials such as PETG or TPU, it will be difficult to print with temperature-sensitive plastics without heating the bed.
Moving away from the “missing” features, the Mega Zero has some improvements. For example, there’s the “Double Gear” twin extrusion mechanism, which provides stronger torque and smoother extrusion. Therefore, the printer can work with flexible plastics.
Another design improvement has helped with platform calibration. The Mega Zero has large rotary knobs and a function for determining the corners of the printing platform.
Anycubic Mega Zero Features
- Construction area size: 220x220x250 mm
- Layer height: 100 – 400 microns
- Nozzle size: 0.4mm
- Extruder working temperature: 255°C
- Heated Platform: No
- Printing speed: 20-100mm/s
- Feeding system: Bowden drive and reducer
- Frame: Aluminum
- Connection: SD card
- Price: Check Here
Anycubic Mega X
Anycubic Mega X is the largest 3D printer in the series, with a build area of 300 x 300 x 305 mm. This build volume significantly increases its potential for application in various fields.
The large build area required design changes to soften stress and improve reliability.
The Mega X comes with a pre-assembled Ultrabase print bed, a twin-screw X-axis design and a dual-line Y-axis guide. Moreover, it has two Z-ends, which minimizes the possibility of errors during printing. Finally, the all-metal frame and sturdy chassis contribute significantly to consistent print quality.
Like most other Mega printers, the Mega X features a 3.5-inch color touch screen, filament end sensor and a powerful Bowden-driven extruder.
The printer’s spool holder is mounted at the bottom of the side, which takes some stress off the frame where the holders are usually installed. However, it also causes the filament to turn upside down. Finally, the Mega X also has large screws for easy platform calibration.
Mega X Features
- Construction area size: 300х300х305 mm
- Layer height: 100 – 400 microns
- Nozzle size: 0.4mm
- Extruder working temperature: 250°C
- Table heating temperature: 90°C
- Printing speed: 20-100mm/s
- Feed system: Bowden drive
- Frame: Metal
- Connection: SD card, data cable
- Price: Check Here
So, which Anycubic Mega should you choose?
The Mega Zero 3D printer is a great option for beginners who want to plunge into the world of 3D printing, at minimal cost. It is also a great option as an inexpensive second 3D printer. However, if you have projects to print with materials such as ABS or TPU, you want a printer with with a heated printing platform.
For more advanced users who want the best performance and the ability to work with different plastics, go for either the Mega-S or Mega X.
If budget is not the main selection criterion and you would like to be able to print large size models with a heated bed, choose Mega X. Of all the 3D printers in the budget price segment, Mega X has all the qualities that make it possible use 3D printing to the maximum.
Ultimately, choosing any of the printers all comes down to the features and capabilities you are looking for.
