The Modix Big -120X V3 is one of the large format 3D printers on the market. Find out about its specs, features, price, and quality of print in this Modix 120x review.
Modix 120X 3D Printer Review
Generally, large build volume 3D printers are pretty expensive. While there are large format 3D printers under $1000, those machines are generally good for hobbyists. For small workshops looking for a professional-grade large-format 3D printer, be prepared to pay quite more.
For example, a 3D printer with a build volume of between 1.5-1.0 cubic meters will be in the range of $10,000 to $40,000. For industrial-grade 3D printers, the prices can be more than $50,000.
However, if you are looking for a cheaper professional-grade large-format 3D printer that is affordable, check the Modix Big-120X V3. This 3D printer has an impressive build volume of 1200 x 600 x 640 mm and costs less than $10,000 (check current price).
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The Modix 120X looks like a supersized version of the typical consumer 3D printer. However, this printer is made of quality components and the large build volume puts it in a class of its own.
In this Modix 120X review, we’ll go through our experience with the 3D printer.
Let’s start.
Modix 120X Specs
General Specs
| Technology | Fused deposition modeling (FDM) |
| Year | 2020 |
| Assembly | DIY kit |
| Mechanical arrangement | Core-XY |
| Manufacturer | Modix |
3D Printing Properties
| Build volume | 1200 x 600 x 640 mm |
| Feeder system | Direct drive |
| Print head | Single nozzle, Dual optional |
| Nozzle size | 0.4 mm, interchangeable |
| Max. hot end temperature | 285 ℃ (up to 500°C with pt-100 upgrade) |
| Max. heated bed temperature | 120 ℃ |
| Print bed material | PEI |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Bed leveling | Automatic |
| Connectivity | SD card, USB, WiFi |
| Print recovery | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes |
| Camera | Optional |
Materials
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Third-party filament | Yes |
| Filament materials | Consumer materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, flexibles), carbon fiber, composites |
Software
| Recommended slicer | Cura, Simplify3D, Slic3r |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux |
| File types | STL, OBJ, AMF |
Dimensions & Weight
| Frame dimensions | 1556 x 1025 x 1356 mm |
| Weight | 160 kg (including enclosure) |
Modix 120X Features
The main feature that makes the Modix 120X stand out is the large build volume of 1200 x 600 x 640mm, which is about 10% more than the volume of its predecessor, the V2. This is equivalent to .46 cubic meters.
The 120X also sports the typical features you will find in a desktop 3D printer as well as some unique features that accommodate its large size.
Below is an overview of the features.
Improved Design
The Modix Big-120X 3D printer is designed to be stable and sturdy. The printer’s frame is made of 10 340mm T-slot aluminum profiles together with aluminum brackets and joints.
The printer is also equipped with some premium name-brand components that significantly improve its performance. For example, the MGN rails have been replaced with the Hiwin MGW motion rails for the axes. These new rails provide a wider rail and carriage.
The printer also has four Z-axes. Each axis comprises of a stepper motor that is paired to a precision lead screw to enable the print bed to move at 0.5 Micron layer heights.
The large format 3D printer is also equipped with IGUS, which provides high-grade signal and encoder cables. There is an optional polycarbonate enclosure that is paired with the standard 3mm aluminum composite panels (ACP) for the body.
Moving to the top, the printer lid has been redesigned to enable easier access to the print bed.
You can customize the Modix Big-120X V3 to take its capabilities further. For example, you can drill into the aluminum casing to add custom fixtures or add-ons, install an optional external air filter to capture particles and fumes, and so on.
The redesigned enclosure ensures helps to keep noise levels down and keep temperature even in the chamber much better than the acrylic sheets found in the V2 do.
New Extruder
The Modix 120X has an E3D Titan Aero direct extruder, with a volcano hotend.
The printer’s print head has been redesigned to be compatible with the extruder. The print head has a larger but shorter heat sink and a 40mm 5015 blower fan, which is an upgrade of the 30mm fan used in the Modix 120 V2.
The large blower fan helps to reduce potential clogging when printing with the chamber closed. There are reports that the company is looking to upgrade the extruder with E3D’s recent offering, the Hermera.
The printer’s drag-chain assembly has also been redesigned. Unlike is the case in the V2, the assembly is now installed in a reversed position. As a result, most of the weight of the drag chain rests on the Y-axis. This helps to reduce the weight of the Y-axis motor.
The Modix 120X is shipped with a single extruder. However, you can install an additional extruder to be able to print multiple materials at the same time.
Since the printer is equipped with the E3D Volcano hotend, you can install any nozzles that are compatible with E3D Volcano. The User Manual has instructions on how you can switch from the default 1.75mm filament to 2.85 mm.
The high-temp thermistor can also be changed from the default 285°C to reach up to 500°C. This ability to handle extremely high temperatures means the 120X can print industrial-grade materials that have a high melting point.
The combination of the Titan Aero extruder and the E3D Volcano hotend make the Modix 120X capable of printing PLA, ABS, PC, TPU, nylon, PVA, PETG, carbon composites, and other exotic materials.
Heated Print Bed
The Modix 120X print bed is made of thick Mic6 cast aluminum and can reach 120°C. The print bed has a PID controller that can maintain an accurate and constant temperature. A 6mm dual-zone silicone foam insulation pad helps to keep the temperature consistent, reduce power consumption, and provide a smoother print surface.
The printer also has automatic bed leveling that uses 200 probing points, up from the 9 probing point system of the V2.
The print bed also has dual heating zones. The inner zone measure 200 x 200mm, and is suitable for smaller print jobs.
The PEI print surface makes it easy to remove your prints after a job is completed.
Control Panel
The Modix Big-120X V3 features a Duet 3D 32-bit electronic board. This board has a thermal runway protection function, a pause print function, and a resume print function in case of a power outage.
For display, the printer has a 7-inch touchscreen that shows the status data of a print job in real-time. The Wi-Fi connectivity of the printer allows you to operate it remotely using a PC or a mobile phone.
Assembly Kit
The Modix Big-120X 3D printer is a DIY kit. Therefore, you need to take some time to set it up.
However, the 3D printer looks like the desktop 3D printer options. Therefore, assembling it should not be a problem, especially if you have experience with other budget DIY 3D printer kits.
The general assembly should not take you a lot of time thanks to the way the printer has been redesigned. The assembly will mostly consist of working with symmetrical parts, smaller metal brackets, and the print head.
There is an accompany easy-to-understand User Manual, in case you need a hands-on guide. Moreover, Modix has over 80 videos to guide you through the assembly process.
Other Features
Other features of the Modix 120X include:
- Optional air filtration system
- Optional onboard camera
- Trinamic TMC2660 drivers that are quieter and more durable
- Filament runout sensor
- Opensource RepRap firmware
- Draft mode (prints at 100 mm/s rather than the standard 60 mm/s)
Where to Buy Modix 120X 3D Printer
You can buy the Modix Big-120X from Top3DShop, etc.
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