VOXELAB offers two desktop 3D printers, the Aries and the Arquila X2. Both printers offer a variety of features, but we will be comparing them based on assembly, extruder, and build plate. We will base our decision on user skill level as well as project needs.
VOXELAB Aries
The Aries is a desktop 3D printer that offers great features. It has an externally mounted Bowden extruder, a 4.3-inch responsive touchscreen UI, and a Carborundum glass build platform.
Assembly
The printer comes fully assembled. It is ready to print after only ten minutes of preparation. It is partially enclosed in a sturdy plastic frame. The motion system is kept partially hidden, preventing anyone from touching it during printing.
Extruder
The Aries’s Bowden extruder is located on the back of the printer. The filament is fed from the extruder through a PTFE tube connecting directly to the hot end. The extruder has an exposed lever that allows for the pushing or pulling of filament if needed. This location of the extruder allows users to easily diagnose and fix extruder-related problems.
Hot End
The hot end moves on the X and Y-axes but remains fixed on the Z-axis. This allows the build platform to remain stationary during the printing process, slowly lowering with each layer change. The X and Z-axes have dual linear rods that allow for smooth motion. The Y-axis has a pair of linear rods.
Its hot end comes fitted with dual fans. One fan cools the filament as it extrudes. The other fan cools the heat break attached to the heating element. Its fans are protected by a plastic enclosure that triggers the X endstop.
Touchscreen
The Aries features a 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen. It is bright, responsive, clean, and readable. All menu options are clearly labeled. The screen is located at the bottom of the printer and is slightly angled upward. During printing, it displays the print speed, build time, Z height, current and target temperatures for the hot end, and estimated time remaining. Users can touch the gear icon to enter the advanced settings. Here, filament colors are switched, print speed and temperature are adjusted, and the light is turned on and off.
Build Platform
The build platform is Carborundum glass. When heated, it offers excellent adhesion. Once cooled, prints extract easily. The glass bed is detachable once printing finishes. This allows for more rapid cooling and easier extraction of the completed print.
Other Features
The Aries features a build volume of 200 x 200 x 200 mm. It supports PLA, ABS, and PLA+ that are 1.75 mm. Its print speed is 60 mm per second. The printer offers a semi-automated bed-leveling process.
Voxelab Aquila X2
The Aquila X2 is a desktop 3D printer. It offers features like a Bowden extruder, XY tensioning knobs, and a filament run-out sensor.
Like the Aries, the Aquila X2 supports PLA, ABS, and PLA+ filaments. However, it offers a larger build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm and its bed-leveling is fully manual.
Bowden Extruder
The printer uses a Bowden extruder that feeds the filament through a PTFE tube to the hot end during the printing process. The PTFE tube keeps the filament from curling and not feeding properly into the extruder.
Filament Run-out Sensor
A filament run-out sensor is included in line with the extruder module. This sensor will detect interruptions in the filament and pause printing, allowing users time to change out the spool of material.
Tensioning Knobs
The X and Y-axes feature tensioning knobs at the end of their extrusions. These knobs can add or take away tension from the X and Y belts. This is critical to making prints without muting detail on corners.
Build Platform
The build platform is Carborundum glass. This allows for greater adhesion and heat conductivity. It is detachable once printing is complete, allowing for easier removal of finished prints.
Other Major Features
The hot end module has dual fans. One fan cools the filament while the other fan cools the heat break. Its fans are the only source of noise while the printer is operating.
The UI is a push-knob-controlled 4.3-inch LCD screen. The Aquila X2 comes partially assembled. It will take users around an hour to finish putting it together.
Our Recommendation
While both printers offer excellent features, we must compare the two for users to commit to purchasing one over the other. The Aries offers a partially concealed motion system, a rear-facing Bowden extruder, and a 4.3-inch intuitive touchscreen UI. We recommend this printer for beginners as well as classroom settings.
On the other hand, the Aquila X2 is a bit more complicated with its assembly and bed leveling. We would recommend this printer for beginners.