Due Diligence #3 - Desktop Ceramic 3D Printers (Research Options)

Whether we are looking for a personal printer or one that will be used in an educational/vocational setting, due diligence requires that we survey as many options that may serve our needs as we can find.  

Before learning about the Eazao Zero, I had known about other extrusion ceramic printers.  What drew my attention to the new Eazao was the compact size and simplicity.  So, my search for alternatives is filtered by those primary considerations.  It would be a LOT easier had I NOT been able to find another comparable ceramic printer.  But that was not the case.

THE TRONXY MOORE 1 MINI CLAY 3D PRINTER

The Tronxy Moore 3D ceramics printer is built on a similar form factor as the Eazao Zero.  It uses a similar two-part clay delivery system with an external 'putter' pushing clay through a tube to the print head.  In fact, at first glance it almost appears that the Moore 1 and the Eazao Zero might have come off the same assembly line.   But, on close examination that is likely NOT the case.

Here are the images, side by side.

Tronxy Moore 1 / Eazao Zero

While I do not have either printer for hands-on examination.  Watching the videos and web pages for each indicates that, in reality, there are some significant differences.  The first, of course, is the orientation of the towers and build sizes.  The Moore 1's tower is on the left and the Eazao Zero tower is on the right.  The dimensions and build areas are also different.

		Printer Size	Build Area
	Eazao Zero	350x300x500mm	150x150x240mm
	Tronxy Moore 1	355x252x370mm	180x180x180mm

Other differences are a bit more difficult to identify through images and videos.  But, it appears the bearings and tracks that guide movement are of different types.  There are differences in the motor end of the putters.  In addition, the Eazao appears to have a full-size SD slot in the front while the Tronxy's Mini-SD  slot is on the side.

Each of the differences between these two units has the potential to affect the user's experience.  But, without having the luxury of being able to test them side-by-side, we can only make educated guesses as to what those differences mean.

I will also point out that the Tronxy Moore 1, at the time of this writing, can be purchased for about $300 LESS than the Eazao Zero.  We cannot ignore a difference that large.  But, we've learned that neither similar hardware nor purchase price are the only factors for great user experiences.

NON-HARDWARE COMPARISONS

I have poured over every video and/or document I can find from either company related to ceramic 3D printing.  It is clear that Eazao, has just as much interest in supporting users with design and workflow applications as it does in making reliable hardware.  Moreover, the software documentation from Eazao is much more clear than we've come to expect from 3D printer manufacturers.  They seem to have excellent translators.  And, so far, responses to questions to Eazao have been prompt and appropriate.

I have not had enough time to be fair to Tronxy concerning their commitment to users for the entire ceramic workflow.  None of the Moore 1 videos I have discovered so far have revealed much more than the features of their 3D ceramic printer.  But, a manufacturer having a commitment to the user's success through the entire workflow is something we feel that is very important to our decision making process.

PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS

Both manufacturers are using better than average XYZ rail strategies.  I do have a bit more experience with the linear motion bearings with well-spaced rods under the print table that appear to be used by Eazao.  But, the actual differences in table stability may be minimal.  Clay handling appears to be similar; but, I still need to ask some questions about potential differences.  (Eazao claims they have some patented parts in their putter.)   I also have a personal preference for the full-size SD card slot being located on the front of the printer rather than a mini-SD.  It makes life easier.  Adapters to allow for the use of full size SD cards with printers having mini-SD slots are readily available.

But, at first glance,  I think we could accomplish what we need to accomplish with either of these ceramic 3D printers.

What continues to be give a slight edge toward the Eazao Zero is their team's long experience with printing in clay and the fact that they are demonstrating that they realize a user's success goes well beyond hardware.  3D printing in ceramics is a much different experience than printing in plastic.  So, experience building standard FDM printers may not guarantee a full understanding of the ceramics workflow when it comes to answering owner's questions. But, admittedly this is only an assumption.

 It is clear that Eazao understands how to support users through the entire workflow process.  More importantly, it appears they actually WANT to!

THIS BLOG RELATIVE TO THESE DESKTOP OPTIONS

The fact that we have identified TWO desktop ceramic 3D printers is good news.  Our goal is to expand the use of 3D printing of ceramics in home studios and education.   I am committed to doing what I can to help others wanting to create ceramic work via desktop 3D printing have the best experience possible.  Most of the research we will do and publish will apply to ANY and ALL desktop ceramic 3D printers.  I love 3D and I love the creative spirit I see in ceramic artists.