Modix Big-60 V3: Review The Specs

Professional large-format 3D printers are notoriously expensive, making it difficult for smaller labs and machine shops to justify the purchase. If you want 0.5-1.0 cubic meters of build volume, be prepared to spend $10,000-$40,000 for most devices and more than $50,000 for the higher end ones.Modix, however, has come up with an impressive solution to this challenge with this professional large-format printer status quo, the Modix Big-120X V3, offering a 1200 x 600 x 640 mm build volume for $6,500.Resembling a supersize versions of your typical desktop 3D printer kit, Modix’s aims to set itself apart with extraordinarily large build volumes and the use of high-quality components.One of a recent brace of releases, Modix has released V3 of its Big-120X 3D printer, upgrading many features of this flagship 3D printer.FeaturesUndoubtedly, the Modix Big-120X V3’s biggest draw is the massive print volume, measuring out at 1200 x 600 x 640 mm, equivalent to .46 cubic meters, an approximate 10% volume increase over the V2. Plus, it has all the trappings of a typical desktop 3D printer, with some custom features to accommodate the printer’s massive size.Read on as we review what these features are.Improved DesignThe Modix Big-120X V3’s core frame (Source: Modix)For the V3 of the Modix Big-120X, the company concentrated on the overall stability and sturdiness of the 3D printer. The frame is made of 40 x 40 mm T-slot aluminum profiles combined with powder-coated laser-cut aluminum brackets and joints.New Hiwin MGW rails (Source: Modix)Furthermore, the Big-120X V3 gains some premium, name-brand components that should elevate its performance. To start off, this large-format machine is equipped with Hiwin MGW motion rails for the axes, providing a wider rail and carriage then the previously installed MGN rails. Combined with the also new quadruple geared Z-axis setup – consisting of four stepper motors each paired to a precision lead screw – this allows them to move the print bed at a 0.5 Micron layer heights.Another top name present in the Big-120X V3 is IGUS, which provides high-grade signal and encoder cables.An optional polycarbonate enclosure pairs with that standard 3 mm aluminum composite panels (ACP) for the body, while a revamped top lid allows easier access to the print bed.Plus, the Modix Big-120X V3 is modular; you can install an optional external air filter to capture fumes and particles or even drill into the aluminum casing for custom fixtures or add-ons.In general, the redesigned enclosure should provide better thermal and noise insulation than the acrylic sheets found on the V2.New ExtruderThe Modix 120X V3 features an E3D Titan Aero direct extruder, with a Volcano hot end.The E3D Volcano hotend the Modix Big-120X V3 uses (Source: Modix)Modix redesigned the print head to be compatible with the E3D Titan Aero, as it features a much larger but shorter heat sink as well as a 40 mm 5015 blower fan instead of the previously used 30 mm one. This should reduce potential clogging in closed-chamber printing scenarios. Some degree of upgradability is on the cards with Modix already looking into E3D’s most recent extruder, the Hermera.Additionally, the drag-chain assembly has been redesigned. It is now installed in a reversed position allowing most of the drag chain’s weight to rest on the Y-axis. This should significantly reduce the weight of the Y-axis motor.The newly designed drag-chain resting on the Y-axis (Source: Modix)By default, the Modix Big-120X V3 comes in a single extrusion setup, but it can also be equipped with a second extruder in parallel for multi-material printing.The Modix Big-120X V3’s optional dual print head setup (Source: Modix)Being an E3D Volcano hot end, any E3D Volcano compatible nozzles can be used. Modix includes instructions to switch from the default 1.75 mm filament to 2.85 mm. According to the manufacturer, you can also swap to a high-temp thermistor to reach temperatures up to 500 °C instead of the default 285 °C. This opens up the possibilities of printing with industrial-grade materials that have a high melting point.With this functioning combo of the E3D Volcano hot end and Titan Aero extruder, the Modix Big-120X V3 can process PLA, PETG, PVA, ABS, ASA, PC, nylon, TPU, carbon composites and other exotic materials.Heated Print BedThe 6.35 mm thick Mic6 cast aluminum plate for the print bed (Source: Modix)The Modix Big-120X V3 has a US-manufactured 6.35 mm thick Mic6 cast aluminum plate print bed that is capable of reaching 120°C. Making a welcome reappearance from the previous V2 version, the Modix Big-120X V3 offers fully automatic bed leveling that utilizes 200 probing points, posing a significant upgrade over the nine-point probing system featured in the first iteration. And, with a PEI print surface, adhesion and removal of objects should pose no problems to the user.The bed itself also contains a better PID controller that can maintain a constant and accurate temperature. This consistency in temperature is also boosted by a 6mm thick dual-zone silicone foam insulation pad, which also helps to lower power consumption and provide a smoother print surface.The bed leveling interface (Source: Modix)On top, the Modix Big-120X V3’s print bed also comes with dual heating zones. For smaller print jobs, the inner zone measures 200 x 200 mm, which should result in better power consumption.Control PanelThe new 7-inch touchscreen display (Source: Modix)According to Modix, V3 is shipped with a Duet3D 32-bit electronics board, which offers features such as resume print function in case of a power outage, as well as a pause print function and thermal runaway protection.The V3 of the Modix Big-120X printer comes with a 7-inch touchscreen for easy operation and to show status data in real-time. With the WiFi module, you can operate it remotely with a PC or even a mobile phone.Assembly KitThe Modix Big-120X V3 comes packaged as a DIY kit, so users will have to spend some time putting this immense machine together. The good news is, the basic design and assembly are similar to smaller desktop models that have been on the market for nearly a decade. It’s still no IKEA coffee table, but if you have a basic understanding of 3D printer frames and mechanics, it shouldn’t pose too much challenge. Plus, for the V3, Modix stated it has redesigned the whole assembly process from scratch to make it faster and easier. This includes symmetrical parts, smaller metal brackets, and a more intuitive assembly of the print head.Additionally, Modix revamped and simplified its user manual, including over 80 videos guiding you through the assembly process step by step.Further FeaturesAdditional features include:* Draft mode: Print with 100 mm/s instead of the standard 60 mm/s* Open source RepRap firmware* Filament runout sensorTrinamic modix 3d printers TMC drivers Quieter and more durable drivers* Optional onboard camera* Optional external air filtration systemADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTMODIX 120X: REVIEW THE SPECSSpecsImage of Modix 120X: Review the Specs: SpecsHere are the tech specs for the Modix Big-120X V3 3D printer:GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS* Technology: Fused deposition modeling (FDM)* Year: 2020* Assembly: DIY kit* Mechanical arrangement: Core-XY* Manufacturer: Modix3D PRINTER 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: OptionalMATERIALS* Filament diameter: 1.75 mm* Third-party filament: Yes* Filament materials: Consumer materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, flexibles), carbon fiber, compositesSOFTWARE* Recommended slicer: Cura, Simplify3D, Slic3r* Operating system: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux* File types: STL, OBJ, AMFDIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT* Frame dimensions: 1556 x 1025 x 1356 mm* Weight: 160 kg (including enclosure)