Looking for a new 3D printer? Read our Longer Cube 2 3D printer review to find out the ins and outs of the unit.
Longer Cube 2 is a compact 3D printer for children and novice 3D printers. In this guide, we’ll find out whether it is really as easy to use and convenient.
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Longer Cube 2 3D Printer Review
The Longer Cube2, aka Cube 2 Mini, is marketed as a 3D printer for children. What qualities should a child’s 3D printer have?
- First, it must be delivered fully assembled.
- Second, be really easy to use.
- And third, be safe.
Does Cube2 meet the stated requirements? Let’s find out.
Longer Cube 2 Specifications
GENERAL
| Printer dimensions | 238 x 228 x 266 |
| Dimensions with packaging | 310 x 310 x 380mm |
| Weight | 5kg |
| Software | Cura, Reptier-Host |
| File format | G-Code, .STL |
3D PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
| Additional sensors | Filament break detector |
| Materials | PLA, ABS, Wood |
| Build volume | 120 x 140 x 105 mm |
| Technology | FDM |
| Extruder | 1 |
| Layer thickness | from 100 microns |
| Filament diameter | 1.75 |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4 mm |
| Display | 2.8-inch touchscreen |
| Interface | TF card |
| Print speed | 0 mm/s (60-80 mm/s recommended)ed≦ 18 |
| Interface | TF card |
| Print temperature | 190-250℃ |
| Shipping weight | 6.2 kg |
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Packaging and Equipment
The Longer Cube2 is packed in a heavy cardboard box.
A sheet of foam is in the inside for protection.
Below it is a set of accessories and the printer itself, also padded with foam for safe transport.
The printer comes practically assembled.
In the package together with the printer, the following are included:
- Instruction manual
- Power supply unit and network cable
- Test filament grooves, (PLA)
- Keys for customization,
- Screeds
- A flash drive in a card reader that has the slicer software.
There is very little test plastic in the kit. Therefore, if you are buying the printer, we recommend you also get a Eryone PLA spool of filament.
The printer itself, with the filament spool holder are also lined with the same foam protection inside the kit.
In front, there is a touchscreen control display.
At the back of the printer, there is a USB jack, SD card slot, printer power switch, and AC adapter cable jack.
Overview of the Longer Cube 2 3D Printer
Check the video below for an overview of the 3D printer for kids.
The printer is almost ready to print out of the box.
You just need to remove the transport brackets for the Z-axis.
If you do not remove the brackets, you risk damaging the printer at startup.
The control screen interface is simple but provides access to all the necessary settings.
The plastic feed mechanism is placed outside, on the left side of the printer. You can easily monitor its operations and carry out maintenance tasks.
There is a fan on the right side that cools the electronics inside.
There are also a couple of stickers on the right wall: a plate with the main specifications and the manufacturer’s address and a QR code to visit Longer’s Facebook page.
In the inside, we find the board with a processor and drivers. The processor is 32-bit, which is better than the previously used 8-bit ones.
The drivers are hidden under aluminum radiators, and judging by the noise of the motors during operation, they are A4988 stepper drivers.
The Z axis has plastic, most likely fluoroplastic, bushings on the guides instead of ball screws. The bushings, sometimes, causes slight sticking. We noticed this on the first layers.
The bed platform has a magnetic coating plate.
The surface of the plate is not ideal. We recommend you add raft when printing.
The plate is flexible, which should theoretically help when removing prints.
The 3D printer for kids has an MK8 hotend and the heating block is covered with a silicone cap. The cap prevents the hotend from getting dirty in case of printing failure.
On the side, there is a cooling fan.
The screw holding the X-axis pulley is screwed directly into the plastic. This screw is unreliable as it easily twists and falls out.
The good news is that you can easily fix the problem by drilling a hole and installing a larger bolt with washers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Compact dimensions
- Easy to set up and operate
- Convenient management
- Detachable magnetic platform
- Low price
Cons:
- Rear location of the SD card slot
- Small print volume
- Some design flaws (Z on the sleeve, X on the screw screwed into the plastic)
Quality of Print
We printed the traditional test boat from a file from Prusa Slicer. Here are the settings we used:
- Layer – 0.15 mm
- Temperature – 200°C
- Speed – 50 mm/s
- Material – MH Gray PLA.
The photo clearly shows defects caused, most likely, by the bushing sticking on the Z axis.
We also printed half of the Phil-A-Ment model using PLA. Here are the settings we used:
- Layer – 0.2 mm
- Temperature – 200°C
- Speed of 40 mm/s.
The first attempt was also “not very good”.
Before the second take, we oiled the Z-axis guide was and this led to a positive result.
The second Phil was printed after thoroughly lubricating the Z-axis, at the same settings, but slightly larger – 70%, and with Sunlu Gray PLA.
The result is noticeably better. This means the printer can print well.
For another test, we printed Lily the Cat from Thingiverse model. The model was printed with Gembird Silver PLA. Here are the settings we used:
- Layer height – 0.15 mm
- Temperature – 205°C
- Speed – 50 mm/s.
As we can see in this example, you can get great results on the Cube 2. However, this will require some tweaking and “file-tweaking”.
See the printing process of the Longer Cube 2 3D printer on the video below:
Should You Buy the Longer Cube 2?
The answer to this question depends on what you need it for.
If you want to buy this 3D printer for children, STEM projects or education, be ready to modify some of its parts for for normal operation.
However, if you are a beginner and are looking for a reliable, inexpensive FDM printer, get either the Anycubic i3 Mega S or the Wanhao Duplicator 6. These two 3D printers are time-tested and have a large build area. However, the Anycubic i3 Mega S has to be assembled before use. On the other hand, the Wanhao D6 comes complete, has a closed case but costs a little more.
If you want to buy a 3D printer for yourself or your child, and are ready to modify it before use, the Longer Cube 2 can be an excellent option. This printer is good for for educational games and home teaching.
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