In this Geeetech A30 review, we go through the features, specs and performance of the entry level 3D printer. Find out what to expect from this unit in the guide below.
A few days ago Gearbest asked me if I would like to try a new 3D printer. Sure, I didn’t say no and I chose the Geeetech A30 from the range.
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The motivation for the Geeetech A30 was actually quite simple. Since many printers are basically almost identical to the next one except for the dimensions, this unit is quite different.
Let’s get started with this Geeetech A30 3D printer review.
Geeetech A30 Review
Like I’ve said above, Geeetech hardware is a little different from what we are used to in other 3D printers.
For example, it has a touch screen and not the usual Marlin firmware with the individual steering wheel. The A30 can also be equipped with an optional touch sensor so that it automatically calibrates itself. The printer has a filament sensor and its Wi-Fi is retrofitted.
All in all, the printer sounded very interesting with its large print volume.
Geetech A30 Technical Specs
Technology | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), single extruder system |
Build Volume | 320 x 320 x 420 mm |
Layer Resolution | 0.05 mm minimum |
Connectivity | SD card, Wifi (optional) |
Printing Speed | up to 110 mm/s |
Filament diameter | 1.75 (Bowden drive) |
Nozzle Diameter | 0.4 mm |
Operational Extruder Temperature | max 250C |
Operational Heatbed Temperature | max 110C |
Heated Bed | Yes |
Supported Filaments | PLA, ABS, PETG, HIPS, Wood |
Input rating | 110V/220V AC, 50/60Hz |
Printer Dimensions | 508 x 616 x 631 mm |
Setup and Assembly
The printer arrived a few days ago (in total, it had been on the road for about 4 weeks as usual) and I was able to unpack and install it.
At first glance, the individual parts look like a lot of handicraft work. However, everything is easy to assemble. Even if you are a beginner at 3D printing, you will not have a difficult time assembling the machine. All the items are well labeled. The only thing you will have to do is to put them together.
The printer was ship already largely pre-assembled. Therefore, any assembly that needs to be done is quick and easy. Basically, the only thing you have to do is to connect the Z-axis with two screws each.
There is also a T-piece on the left and right of the Z-axis that ensures stability. On the left side, the end stop of the Z-axis has also been installed on the T-piece. Of course, a little cable has to be connected here. This cable cannot be connected incorrectly either, as it is the only one with only two wires.
Next I screwed on the filament sensor and connected it to the control box with the cable. With this printer, the sensor is mounted on ball bearings and dangles almost freely. |Therefore, no filament breakage or the like should arise here.
The next item on the agenda was the included filament holder. I screwed it onto the electronics unit with two screws.
By the way, all the tools needed for the assembly are included with this printer in the scope of delivery. I’m talking about the screws, the necessary screwdrivers, Allen keys, cable ties and so on.
After fixing the filament holder to the electronic unit, I briefly connected the cables to the various (marked) motors and end stops. That is all.
The cables are marked and easy to distinguish because they have plugs of different widths, depending on whether for the end stop or the motor.
Geeetech A30 Features
There are a few more things that struck me positively or negatively while assembling the Geeetech 3D printer:
To begin, the wheels for leveling the printing plate are big enough. With some 3D printers, the screws are usually difficult to reach and only half the size and, are often replaced sooner or later by wider, self-printed caps. This is not the case with the Geeetech A30.
Next, the extruder looks relatively high-quality and is great to use. Also, the filament can be reloaded easily via the menu on the touchscreen. I will provide details on the menu including a small clip in the next 3D roundup.
The printing plate is made of coated glass. It feels as if there are light knobs on it, which of course should ensure a better hold of the printed objects. The glass plate itself is held in place with these little clips.
The fan on the hotend is installed in such a way that it cools both the hotend and the printed object via a plastic deflector. After using the 3D printer for some time, I will know whether I like it. If not, there are sure to be chic Petsfang solutions on Thingiverse and other STL sites for installing other fans.
The electronics housing is pleasantly quiet and the cable harness is plugged in on the back using two large screw caps. Nothing can be confused and is connected very quickly.
The cable harness on the heatbed is soldered directly to the plate and there is even a small bracket built into it behind the connection. The bracket supports the cable to prevent it from break off or even short-circuiting due to the movements during the printing process.
In contrast to the Alfawise U10, small ball bearings were installed on top of the axes. The bearings prevent the printer from rattling around wildly during printing.
On the back of the printhead, there are two free connections. These are intended for connecting a 3D touch sensor. Basically, this should then simply be done via Plug n Play. The sensor is available for less than $30 on Amazon.
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Print Quality
Our first test print was absolutely satisfactory. We found operating the touchscreen to be intuitive and flawless. The touchscreen operation is much faster and more convenient than using Marlin and the usual rotary wheel to maneuver through the menus.
The noise level is also low. The Geeetech A30 is significantly quieter than the Tevo Flash, for example, because of the fan alone .
Here are some models we printed with the Geeetech A30 3D printer:
StarWars battle scene 3D printed model. 50% scale. We used APCVO Blue PLA and a layer height of 0.2
Princess Peach Crown 3D printed using Amazon Basics black PLA filament.
The Mandalorian from Star Wars!
Morrigan 3D printed cosplay headpiece using Amazon Basics black PLA filament.
Geeetech A30 Price
The Geeetech A30 is currently available on Gearbest but the price keeps changing from time to time. Personally, I wouldn’t buy it if the price is more than $400, despite its large print volume 320 x 320 x 420 mm and easy expandability.
Conclusion
For beginners, printers such as the Ender 3, which is less than half the price, are of course better suited in terms of price. The only time I would recommend the Geeetech A30 is if you will be printing large items, and therefor want to take advantage of the large print volume and possibly one or two more advanced functions.
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