Raise3D Pro2 Dual Extruder 3D Printer

One of our Raise3D (Pro2 Plus) printers at work sat neglected, gathering dust in an upstairs corner. No one was able or willing to fix it and it seemed like a waste to let it sit there. I hit the web, read the manual and rolled up my sleeves. The problems were minor, (broken flex coupler, flaky heater rod and the hot end Z offset was incorrect.) Once I got some time using it, I was tasked with getting it to print ESD filament. For best results, use filament on Raise3D Approved Filaments list - this was not. It took a couple of weeks of experimentation using ideaMaker, (Raise3D's slicer) to get consistent results without heat creep clogging the throat tube below the extruder, but I was sucessful.

3D printing is NOT plug-and-play. It requires thorough knowledge of the slicer and 3D printer to get the best results. You will likely be the onsite maintenance tech when adjustments or repairs are needed, so a little mechanical knowledge is an asset. The printers aren't complex, but they do have their quirks. Once calibrated, they can perform for months without needing anything but the occasional greasing of the upper gantry rods. We use replaceable Buildtak printing surfaces for PLA, (we don't need to print anything that emits toxic fumes like ABS) which is pricey at $25 a sheet. It needs to be cleaned with IPA after each print adn care must be taken with the metal spatula to avoid damaging the surface when removing prints, but it will last for months too. Geckotek (@ $6 a sheet) is a less expensive alternative.

As long as you use Raise3D approved filaments, (they provide templates for use with ideaMaker) you're okay. Use any unapproved filament and you get to optimize the template yourself. ideaMaker is intuitive and easy to use. You can't beat the front panel display on the printer; it is easy to navigate and provides descriptive ideaMaker-generated pictures of the objects rather than just file names. It's easy to monitor the progress of the print using the software remotely via wi-fi.

One con (that may get fixed at a later date): Raise3D is a Chinese company and posts official released documentation for repairs and adjustments on their Support website. The documentation is sub-standard for a printer in this price range, with obtuse English and sometimes incorrect instructions. Without exception, I have re-written every procedure downloaded, which are kept in a binder adjacent to the printer. Even Raise3D has referred owners to a link of sample procedures I've provided for feedback. Using a tech writer who speaks English as a second language is counter-productive when they have a well-staffed LA distribution center with a complete studio for performing live demos and trained techs to answer questions. Hopefully they will use their expertise at some point.

The (US-produced) video tutorials are excellent and should be viewed whenever a written procedure is downloaded. The Raise3D community forums are well-supported by Raise3D's Chinese support staff and the owner feedback is usually excellent when posting questions.

CCC

Unpacking was tedious but well documented and professionally done. Some strange things happening but waiting to filter out which ones are operator issues relative to machine issues.
Wish the leveling instructions were more detailed and all in one place for both heads. My ignorance/inability to find all instructions cost me a bed liner.

Other than that it is just a long learning curve.After figuring a few things out I am very happy with this machine, so far, at this price point.

Purchased June of 2018. They removed my original review. Had problems early on. Raise3D replaced original printer, but replacement had defective camera. The second one did not have the original thermal problems so rather than risk loss of use I stopped trying to get the camera fixed. When working provides great large area prints. Negatives.: Closed source makes correcting problems or adding enhancements totally dependent on Raise3D. Leveling or calibration took a full day. Filament Runout does not work for translucent materials. You must disable in Advanced settings to use translucent materials.

Have had my Pro2 for one full year. Outstanding performance, great factory support. The included IdeaMaker slicer software is intuitive to learn and is easy for the novice and has sophisticated controls for the advanced user.