Build Volume | 210 x 210 x 205 mm |
Nozzle Diameter | 0.4 |
Filament Diameter | 1.75 |
Brand | Anycubic |
Machine type | 3D Printer |
Technology | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) |
Materials | PLA, ABS, Wood PLA, Rubber-like (TPU), PETG |
Website | |
Average Price | $179.00 |
Mega-S is an FDM 3D printer from the Chinese manufacturer Anycubic, an experienced provider of affordable machines. Mega-S has a fairly common Cartesian frame design and key functions for decent quality printing. It has an average build volume of 16.14 x 15.95 x 17.83 in (210 x 210 x 205 mm) and a modular structure, which helps to set up the machine relatively quickly. Mega-S is an improved version of i3 Mega, though, the key differences between the two include a filament holder and a titan-like extruder.
Features:
Mega-S has a sleek design and doesn’t stand out at first. However, many users find this machine a very reliable companion and favor it over similar printers. Let’s look closer at Mega-S.
An unstable frame and wobbly Z-axis is some of the common issues FDM printing enthusiasts are battling. Mega-S has a full metal frame, which increases the structural stability. Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that the printing bed is guided by two rails rather than one, which makes Y-axis movement smoother. The electronics are also enclosed in metal and placed under the printing bed.
This self-developed printing bedplate became a staple of Anycubic’s FDM printers. Thanks to the porous glass texture, the plate helps prints to adhere and get easily removed after the bed is cooled down.
Mega-S features a slightly different type of extruder, similar to Titan, meaning that filament is guided through gears first. This change helps feed filament and print more evenly.
Mega-S will let you know when you are running out of filament. It will also resume printing after a power outage if one happens. These features are pretty standard in modern FDM printers, though, still worth mentioning, especially since they work without fails on Mega-S.
A nice little detail is that drivers can be removed from the motherboard. For experienced users that means easier upgrades or cheaper maintenance in case one driver breaks.
Mega-S doesn’t have auto or even semi-auto calibration but synchronizes both sides of the Z-axis. After the initial setup, Z-axis will even itself out after each homing.
There are no significant issues or troublesome features to the machine. However, some details can be improved. For example, the power supply for Mega-S is 12V only, which is low in comparison to other modern models on the market, though enough for a machine of this size. Drivers for Mega-S are reliable but loud, so users concerned about the noise may want to upgrade that in the future. The main downside to Mega-S is the cooling fans, which are quite weak. Right from the box, they fail to provide proper cooling to the part at higher printing speeds. This particular detail is better to be upgraded at first, especially, if you plan to work with PLA plastics primarily. On the bright side, Mega-S is almost identical to i3 Mega, meaning all upgrades (which there are lots of thanks to the popularity of this printer) are interchangeable.