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Delta 3D Printers: Find the Right Model for You

When shopping for a Delta 3D printer, it’s helpful if you have your desired criteria in mind.

Consider what size projects you’ll be printing, how much space the printer will take, how accurate you’d like your prints, filament options, and software compatibility.

Of course, a budget will play a deciding role as well for most people; that’s why I’ve included several very affordable options here. 

Overall, as far as quality, price, and functionality are concerned, I’d say the best option would be the FLSUN Q5 Delta.

The best features include the:

  • Auto-leveling print bed.
  • User-friendly touchscreen.
  • Resume-printing feature.
  • Easy assembly and setup. 

Unless you’re an expert looking to run a small business from your home, this little guy will meet and likely exceed your needs. 

The Best Delta 3D Printer: FLSUN Q5 Delta 3D Printer

FLSUN Entry Level Delta 3D Printer with auto-Leveling,Touch Screen,200x200mm Printing Size
  • Printing Speed: 40-120mm/s,normally 60mm/s
  • Auto-leveling & Resume Printing

The FLSUN Q5 is the low-price Delta model. It’s similar to their more expensive FLSUN QQ-S, but the Q5 still performs on par with the best 3D printers around. 

Like other Delta printers, this option is fast and reliable. The Q5 features a solid metal structure to provide stability, a touchscreen, and fast speeds.

Expect it to print up to 300 millimeters per second. Plus, the Q5 prints every standard FDM filament.

The Q5 is small, at only 200 x 200 x 200 millimeters. It’s not a great size if you’re looking to print large objects.

However, the dimension is typically enough for most home prints. 

The biggest downside to the Q5 is accuracy. The unit does not perform as well as some of the other printers on the market.

But the low price and speed still make it a great contender.  

Pros:

  • Affordable.
  • User-friendly touchscreen.
  • 300 mm/s speeds.
  • Prints FDM filaments.
  • Easy assembly. 
  • Auto-leveling system.
  • Stable and durable extruder.
  • Mini version of the FLSUN QQ.

Cons:

  • Smaller printing size.
  • Accuracy.

The Best Budget Delta 3D Printer: FLSUN Q5 Entry-Level Delta 3D Printer

FLSUN Q5 Entry-Level Delta 3D Printer with Auto-Leveling,Touch Screen Support,Φ200x200mm Printing Size
  • Printing Speed: 40-120mm/s,normally 60mm/s
  • Auto-leveling & Resume Printing

The FLSUN Q5 Entry-Level is slightly cheaper than the traditional Q5 model.

It has many of the same great features. However, the more affordable price comes at a cost.

Compared to the traditional Q5, the parts are cheaper. The base is glass, the fans run louder, and the cooling duct does not offer the best design.

The main axles on the extruder stepper driver are also different. The entry-level model uses an A4988 chip instead of TMC 2208, making the motor vibrate noisily.  

But the extent of the negatives depends on the objects you print.

If you’re willing to cut a few corners, this is one of the lowest possible prices you’ll find for Delta printers. 

Pros:

  • Lowest price.
  • 300 mm/s speeds.
  • Prints FDM filaments.
  • Stable and durable extruder.
  • Cheaper version.

Cons:

  • Glass platform. 
  • Assembly required.
  • No customer service.

More Top Picks for Delta 3D Printers

Other Delta 3D printers may also catch your attention. Here are a few options to consider. 

FLSUN Mini Delta 3D Printer

The FLSUN Mini Delta is the smallest 3D printer the company makes.

However, the high-performance printer kit still has a large 260 x 260 x 370-millimeter printing size. 

People love this small-sized option because it comes with a WiFi function and a monitor to view the printing process while you’re away from home.

The high-quality aluminum heat bed is quick and better for printing precision. 

Pros:

  • Tiny size but large build volume.
  • WiFi remote control.
  • Auto calibration.
  • Pre-assembled for some filaments. 
  • Aluminum print bed.
  • Multi-functional.
  • Low noise.

Cons:

  • Poor customer support.

FLSUN QQ-S 90% Pre-Assembled Delta 3D Printer

FLSUN High Speed Printing Delta 3D Printer with Filament Sensor and Auto Leveling FDM Delta 3D Printer 1.75 PLA DIY 3D Printers (FLSUN QQS PRO)
  • High speed 3D printer

The FLSUN QQ-S Delta Printer has a stainless steel casing around the glass lattice base where the print bed sits providing proper adhesion and easy removal after printing.

The QQ-S is one of the quietest 3D printers.

It can also print a larger volume, with a maximum of 255 x 255 x 360 millimeter at the same high speeds.

The heavy frame provides accuracy for printing large objects.

The QQ-S print bed also reaches temperatures over 100°C in under five minutes so that you can use some of the common filaments like ABS, PLA, PETG, and wood-filled options. 

Pros:

  • Quiet and fast.
  • Full sheet metal structure.
  • 90% pre-assembled.
  • WiFi remote control.
  • Extra fans for the cooling system and effector.
  • Works with most common filaments.

Cons:

  • Heavier weight.
  • Ideal for experts to assemble.

Advantages of Using a Delta 3D Printer

There are many advantages to using a Delta 3D printer. 

Delta printers get their name from their circular print bed, which has an extruder suspended from three arms over the print bed. The result is a triangular configuration.

They’re also tall and thin. These design aspects help them stand apart from other printers.

What makes the build unique is the Bowden extruders. The print beds never move, so the extruder uses the three arms to move up and down the post.

Moving each delta arm individually allows the extruder to reach any part of the print bed and in any direction. 

Delta 3D printers are also high speed. They’re built for speed.

Both the extruders and motors are fixed to the printer’s top and sides, so the print head remains as light as possible.

The result minimizes drag and retains accuracy, even at high speeds. 

Another benefit of the build is that large prints are far more bearable as well.

Delta printers can handle printing tall structures or a large volume. They’re well worth the money.

Factors to Consider Before Your Purchase

Now that you’ve looked at the best Delta options, how will you choose the right 3D printer for you?

Use the following factors to consider your purchase. 

Safety Features

All 3D printers should offer safety measures. If you were exposed to the filament cutter or laser, you could suffer serious injuries.

Most Delta 3D printers are enclosed, which makes them safer products. They also have a cooling system to keep you from burning your hands. 

Accuracy

With 3D printers, you also need to think about accuracy. Explore reviews to make sure the print quality is what you had in mind before you buy. 

If you’re buying a model in person, ask the sales rep if they have test products. Most printing shops have test products on display for this purpose.

You can also double check the accuracy by looking for a high-resolution printer with at least a 100-micron resolution rating. 

Price

How much you pay depends on the amount of work you want to do yourself. If you are willing to partially build the printer, you could go with a cheaper option. 

However, a Delta 3D printer that’s fast, accurate, and reliable costs anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands.

The price range includes various features. Consider your preferences, DIY knowledge, and budget in selecting the right price point. 

Related Questions:

Delta printers have a smaller community of users, so finding the answers to some of the problems you may face could be difficult.

Here are a few frequently asked questions. 

Are Delta 3D Printers Better Than Cartesian 3D Printers?

Compared to Cartesian 3D printers, Delta is a much better brand.
Cartesian is the most common type of FDM 3D printer on the market. However, Delta printers are cheaper, faster, and have excellent FDM technology.
A Delta printer at the lowest price prints twice as fast as Cartesian models. 
Cartesians are also heavier and more likely to create mistakes.
They can only move in one direction, giving them a tendency to overshoot the STL file dimensions and print too fast. 
The technology and design of Delta printers allow them to print taller 3D objects as well.
Because Delta’s print head is more flexible, it can move in any direction and produce more accurate results. 
That said, the best printer for you depends on what you print.
The direct-drive extruders on Cartesian printers are better than Bowden extruders for printing flexible filaments, such as TPU, but Deltas print many filaments as well. 

Are Delta 3D Printers More Difficult to Use?

Delta printers are different than using a Cartesian. They’re more difficult to operate.
Using a Delta comes with a higher learning curve, particularly if you assemble a DIY 3D printer yourself. 
These printers are recommended for experts or those more confident in their DIY skills. However, the advantages often outweigh this downside. 

Wrapping It Up

As you can see, there are quite a few options available, each with its own perks and drawbacks.

For the most bang for your buck, the best choice, in my opinion, is the FLSUN Q5 Delta 3D Printer.

It’s reliable, easy to assemble and figure out, has great quality and speed, and it won’t send you to the poorhouse.

For recreational home use, this 3D printer is ideal and is really fun to watch in action. You won’t be disappointed.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/research-rounds/resroundsv1n12.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321443224_Optimization_of_3D_printing_with_flexible_materials

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