Two Trees SP-5 V3 Review

Recently, the Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 Plus 3D printer arrived at our Test Lab. In this guide, we’ll be going through an overview of the construction, features and performance of the entry level CoreXY 3D printer.

Two Trees SP-5 Review

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 packs a punch with some impressive features. One such feature is its ability to handle electrical interference. The printer incorporates a special upgraded motherboard that acts like a shield, blocking out electrical noise that could otherwise disrupt your prints. This helps ensure the printer runs smoothly and consistently, producing reliable results.

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The printer also boasts impressive speed capabilities, reaching up to a whopping 350 millimeters per second! This translates to much faster printing times. However, it’s important to remember that achieving high-quality prints at such high speeds might require some practice and fine-tuning. Not all projects will necessarily print perfectly at the maximum speed.

Finding the right balance between speed and quality for your specific project might involve adjusting settings. So, while the high-speed option is exciting, keep in mind that some tinkering might be necessary to ensure optimal results.

The SP5 version 3 is a larger core XY style machine with a build volume of 300 x 300x 320 mm and a theoretical maximum print speed of 300 mm/second. The new version also comes with a direct drive extruder in a reverse Bowden setup, allowing for flexible filaments. Two Trees also upgraded the controller board to a Robin Nano V3 with TMC 2208 stepper motor drivers, making the motors virtually inaudible at low speeds and eliminating the annoying stepper motor whine at normal and high print speeds. Oh, and it runs on Marlin now.

The SP5 V3 addresses previous belt issues, and the heated bed now has a proper strain relief, fixing previous concerns. What caught my attention the most, though, is that this printer comes with real linear slide rails on all axes, which is unusual for mid-range printers. The lack of auto bed leveling may be a trade-off, but with a sturdy gantry, manual leveling should be infrequent

Two Trees SP-5 Specs

What’s in the Box?

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 is typically Tetris-style again and packed with plenty of foam for protection.

Inside the box, you get:

• Assembly instructions. Available in English and Chinese.
• Frame components. Four aluminum extrusions, pre-cut for easier assembly. Two side extrusions have pre-mounted Z-axis rails.
• All necessary hardware for assembly, organized and labeled in Ziploc bags.
• Connectivity
  • USB cable for connecting the printer to a computer.
  • SD card and USB adapter.
• Printing tools
  • Flush cutters – for trimming filament.
  • Bowden tube – part of the filament feeding system.
• Additional items
  • A small filament spool – likely for test purposes.
  • Thick aluminum brackets – possibly for the print bed.

RELATED: Two Trees Sapphire Pro Review

Before assembly, let’s take a closer look inside. Two separate Z-axis motors are linked, an unusual approach, but it serves its purpose. The new extruder and hotend assembly are intricate, and the overall design impresses with its attention to detail.

Assembling the Two Trees SP-5 V3

The Two Trees SP-5 V3 boasts a comprehensive assembly kit. You’ll find all the essentials: screws, basic tools, a clear and concise manual (this is crucial!), and a card reader with a MicroSD card containing helpful resources like detailed PDFs and instructional videos. This thoughtful inclusion allows users to begin the assembly process promptly.

Assembly is straightforward, and the printer feels solid and well-built. The gantry’s stiffness is commendable, thanks to the real linear slide rails, eliminating perceivable backlash. Once assembled, the printer impresses with its quiet operation during homing and printing.

First Impressions

Prepare yourself! The Two Trees SP-5 V3 boasts a significant footprint. Due to its size, it’s crucial to clear a large, dedicated workspace before starting the assembly process. This ensures you have ample room to maneuver and lay out all the components comfortably.

Fortunately, the organization of the kit makes things a bit easier. All the screws and smaller components should be neatly sorted and placed in labeled bags. This thoughtful approach by the manufacturer streamlines the assembly process, allowing you to readily identify the parts you need at each stage.

Assembly Process

The initial steps of assembling your Two Trees SP-5 V3 require attention and close adherence to the provided manual. Consider it your roadmap to success.

Start by taking your time throughout the process. Carefully identify each component using the labels or diagrams within the manual. Don’t hesitate to consult the instructions repeatedly as needed.

Building a solid foundation is crucial. Begin by assembling the aluminum extrusions, paying close attention to aligning the rails and ensuring proper placement of the brackets. As you progress, check for squareness throughout the entire frame. This ensures a stable and even base for your printer.

Once the frame is constructed, you can move on to mounting the stepper motors, extruder, and other functional components. The manual will provide detailed instructions for each step. Following them is essential for proper installation and functionality. Remember to organize and secure the wires neatly as you go to avoid any complications during operation.

Hardware

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 boasts a robust hardware foundation designed for reliable and precise printing. Let’s delve into the key components that power its functionality:

Frame

The foundation of the printer is a sturdy metal frame, often constructed from aluminum extrusions. This material provides a rigid and stable base, crucial for maintaining consistent print quality. The printer features a CoreXY design, where the motors are positioned at the top of the frame. This configuration allows for a potentially smaller footprint and smoother movements along the X and Y axes compared to traditional designs like Prusa i3.

Two Trees SP 5 Software

Another perk of the Sapphire Plus 5 V3 is its flexibility. The printer relies on Marlin firmware, a widely recognized software known for its user-friendly interface. Marlin allows you to adjust various settings to fit your specific needs, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. Additionally, this firmware seamlessly integrates with different slicing software programs, the tools that convert 3D models into instructions the printer can understand. This broad compatibility makes the Sapphire Plus 5 V3 a versatile option for a wide range of users.

Direct Drive Extruder

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 incorporates a direct drive extruder. This design positions the filament feeding mechanism directly next to the hotend, eliminating the need for a long Bowden tube. This offers several advantages:

• High-precision printing. Direct drive extruders typically provide more precise control over filament flow compared to Bowden extruders. This is due to the shorter distance between the drive gears and the nozzle, minimizing filament retraction and potential inconsistencies.
• High speeds. The direct drive design allows for faster printing speeds as the filament path is shorter and experiences less resistance.
• Support for a wider range of filaments. Due to the increased control over filament flow, direct extruders can handle a wider variety of filaments, including flexible materials like TPU that require more consistent pressure.

The specific model of the extruder in the Sapphire Plus 5 V3 boasts a high transmission ratio of 9.54647:1. This ratio translates to the mechanical advantage gained by the extruder’s gears, allowing for precise filament feeding even at high printing speeds. This feature contributes to the printer’s ability to produce high-quality prints with various filament types.

Build Volume

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 boasts a spacious print bed with a build volume of 300 x 300 x 330 millimeters (approximately 11.8 x 11.8 x 13 inches). This size caters to the creation of objects with considerable volume, allowing for printing medium-sized projects and providing additional height in the Z-axis compared to standard bed sizes.

The print bed surface features a heated glass platform. This popular choice offers a smooth printing surface and is generally easy to clean.

Two Trees SP-5 Hotend

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3’s hotend is a crucial component responsible for melting filament before depositing it layer by layer during the printing process.

One key aspect of the hotend is its maximum temperature. This temperature can vary depending on the specific hotend model installed in your printer. Generally, these models reach temperatures within a range of 260°C (500°F) to 300°C (572°F). This range allows the printer to work with a diverse selection of filament types, including popular choices like PLA, ABS, PETG, and even flexible TPU filaments.

Motion System

The Sapphire Plus 5 V3 commonly relies on a belt and pulley system for moving the print head and bed. This system utilizes stepper motors that rotate toothed pulleys, driving synchronous belts that precisely position the components along the X, Y, and Z axes.

The printer also has linear guide rails on the double Z-axis. This helps to improve printing accuracy and stability, reduce load, and extend service life.

The power supply, mainboard, display, and touchscreen reside neatly within the lower case. This centralized design promotes efficient cable management and a clean internal setup.

The power supply unit and mainboard, coupled with the display and touchscreen, find their home in the lower case of the printer. All cables elegantly converge from this central hub, streamlining the internal wiring for a neat and efficient setup.

Noteworthy are the remarkably quiet drivers that have been integrated into the system. Accompanying this, two small heatsinks are included in the package, although the manual leaves users guessing about their intended application.

Turning attention to the heatbed, the cables are secured with an ample amount of hot glue. While this offers stability, I recommend considering a print guide for the cables to prevent potential breakage caused by the heatbed’s movement during operation.

Two Trees SP-5 Upgrades

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 boasts several upgrades compared to previous models, enhancing its overall functionality and printing experience. Here’s a breakdown of some key improvements:

• Upgraded Motherboard. The printer incorporates an improved motherboard that minimizes electrical noise, potentially reducing printing inconsistencies. This translates to smoother operation and more reliable prints.
• Marlin Firmware. The implementation of Marlin firmware opens doors for extensive customization. Users can adjust various settings to fine-tune the printing process according to their specific needs and preferences. Additionally, Marlin offers broad compatibility with a wide range of slicing software programs, ensuring seamless integration with different tools.
• High-Speed Potential. The Sapphire Plus 5 V3 boasts a maximum printing speed of up to 350mm/s. This feature caters to users seeking faster project completion times. However, it’s crucial to remember that achieving high-quality prints at such speeds might require careful adjustments and may not be suitable for all projects.
• Direct Drive Extruder. The printer has a direct drive extruder. This design offers several advantages, including more precise filament control, improved handling of flexible filaments, and potentially higher printing speeds compared to Bowden extruders.
• Heated Glass Bed. The standard print bed surface is a heated glass bed, providing a smooth printing surface and generally easy to clean.

Two Trees SP-5 Price

Disclaimer:

Prices can fluctuate depending on the retailer and potential ongoing promotions.

Here’s a general range for the Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3: USD $300 – $500

Due to potential variations, consult reliable online retailers or the official Two Trees website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Here are some resources to get you started:

• Official Two Trees Website: https://twotrees3d.com/

Remember, the price might also vary depending on the specific configuration of the printer, such as the presence of a direct drive extruder or additional accessories included in the package.

Conclusion

The Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 emerges as a compelling option for individuals seeking a versatile and reliable 3D printer.

Key Strengths

• Large Build Volume. The spacious print bed allows for creating objects of considerable size.
• High-Quality Materials. The heated glass bed offers a smooth printing surface, while the upgraded motherboard promotes consistent operation.
• Flexible Features. Marlin firmware empowers users with extensive customization options, and the possibility of high-speed printing caters to users seeking faster project completion times.

What to Consider

• Achieving high-quality prints at the maximum printing speed may require fine-tuning and may not be suitable for all projects.
• Understanding the specific hotend model and its capabilities is crucial for selecting compatible filament types.

Overall, the Two Trees Sapphire Plus 5 V3 presents a well-rounded package, boasting a blend of capabilities that cater to both hobbyists and experienced makers seeking a dependable 3D printing experience.

The 3D printer stands out as a solid, mid-range 3D printer with real linear slide rails, delivering impressive results without overwhelming features. While not ideal for complete beginners, it’s a great choice for makers with some CNC and 3D printing knowledge. The full metal construction and thoughtful design make it a reliable and enjoyable 3D printing machine.

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