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Performance
Despite the Raise3D E2's imposing size, the printer is remarkably quiet, even with the doors open to print PLA.
When it comes to performance, the 3D printer lives up to its potential for print quality and reliability.
Transfering prints over a wifi network was smooth and trouble-free, and despite an early issue with the print bed not being seated correctly due to user error, the printer was otherwise faultless.
Print quality is excellent and looking closely over the models, even at the lowest of the three quality settings, the finish was excellent. There were a few signs of fine stringing and some flecks of PLA, but overall the extrusion was precise.
Printing a dual coloured model and the mix of the two materials worked exceptionally well meeting accurately with a smooth transition between the two filaments.
Switching to IDEX printing and both mirror and duplication produced superb results. It's just a shame that you can't print two different models at the same time.
Stopping and starting the print process also worked well with the printer picking up where it had left off quickly, after a pause or power failure.
When it came to print quality, the accuracy of the prints stood out. It was possible to print single models with interlinked movable parts, and the cosmetic quality of the print exteriors was excellent.
Print quality
Dimensional accuracy - score of 4
- Target 25 = X: 24.76mm / 0.24mm Error | Y: 24.76mm / 0.24mm Error
- Target 20 = X: 19.84mm / 0.16mm Error | Y: 19.84mm / 0.16mm Error
- Target 15 = X: 14.90mm / 0.10mm Error | Y: 14.91mm / 0.09mm Error
- Target 10 = X: 9.90mm / 0.10mm Error | Y: 9.91mm / 0.08mm Error
- Target 5 = X: 4.94mm / 0.06mm Error | Y: 4.91mm / 0.09mm Error
- X Error Average = 0.13
- Y Error Average = 0.13
- X&Y Error Average = 0.13
Fine Flow Control - score of 5
Fine Negative Features - score of 5
Overhangs - score of 4
Bridging - score of 5
XY resonance - score of 2.5
Z-axis alignment - score of 2.5
Adding up the totals gives a final score of 28 out of 30.
Final verdict
There's nothing small about the Raise3D E2 including the price, but then this is a printer designed for use in education and business rather than for the home enthusiast.
Print quality is exceptional, and the ability to increase print speeds by using both heads at the same time is a real time saver.
This printer is packed with features, but in a price range and sector that is rapidly growing.
There are a couple of minor issues such as the slightly complex workflow steps that are required to start a print, but you get used to it. Then there's the part manual, part auto filament loading.
In professional environments, there's the more significant issue of changing nozzles for different materials. This process just isn't as streamlined or well thought out as the likes of the CEL-UK RoboxPro although it is possible.
Otherwise, the design of the software, network features, and the incredible on machine display all help to set this machine apart.
In an educational environment or business looking to create prototypes with standard materials such as PLA, ABS and PETG, then the Raise3D E2 is the right choice.
All-round an impressive machine with a huge amount of potential.
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