UP Mini 3D Printer – Performance

The UP Mini software isn’t the best 3D design software to ever grace the PC, but it’s more than enough for the job at hand.
   

You won’t be able to design and create your own models with it. There
are plenty of resources online, however – such as 123D from Autodesk, or Blender
if you prefer a locally
installed program.

D printed name tags on wooden surface” title=”UP Mini 3D Printer ” width=”300″ height=”169″ class=”align size-medium wp-image-323114″>
   
You can, however, easily
load up an already created STL 3D model file, scale it to fit the
dimensions of the printer, and fix any angle errors that may occur in
the design process.
   
The UP Mini has a maximum print size of 120 x
120 x 120mm, with an optimum resolution of 0.2mm. Although there are
higher resolution models available, such as the UP Plus 2, UP Box or
even the SeeMeCNC Orion Delta, the resolution is more than enough for
the level of 3D printing that the UP Mini is targeting.
   
A typical
print – we used a selection of name-embossed key rings, a model of an owl
and a model of Robocop’s ED-209 – took from just four minutes for a
Joel-named key ring, to 41 minutes for ED-209.
   

Thankfully each print was successful, with no sign of warping or other
issues related to an open-air 3D printer. Clearly, then, the oven setup
works perfectly fine.
   
Obviously, it is possible to opt for different-coloured ABS or PLA plastics, and with some experience you’ll also be
able to combine two-tone-coloured plastics on the same model. There were some slight blobbing effects after a complex print, but
these were few and far between – and could easily be resolved by picking
off the blob or filing it away. However, the more delicate printed objects
required a steady hand to pick away at the rafting left over from
the printing process.

D printer with completed yellow print inside.” title=”UP Mini 3D Printer ” width=”300″ height=”169″ class=”align size-medium wp-image-323117″>

Should I buy the UP Mini 3D Printer?

If
you want a 3D printer that’s capable of super-fine detail and a large
print capacity, then you may be better off opting for the more
expensive UP Box, UP Plus 2 or, if you really have the cash to splash, the exceptional Formlabs Form 2.

However, if you’re just starting to dip
your toes into the 3D printer world, and you have a few projects lined up to get started, then the UP Mini 3D Printer is the
ideal machine for you. The build volume, however, is very limited, so you won’t be able to make any particularly large one-piece prints.

Also note then when you buy the UP Mini, you also get the
following included in the box: a 700g spool of white ABS filament, a set
of heat-protecting gloves, power brick and USB cable, a six-piece
precision modelling knife, three cellboards, a pair of snips, tweezers,
scraping tool, and the necessary tools to maintain the printer during
its lifetime.
  
It’s reasonably cheap for a 3D printer capable of
this level of quality and stability, and it’s extremely easy to use and remarkably good fun.

Verdict

The UP Mini is a superb entry-level 3D printer. It’s compatible with the
new 3D app in Windows 10, easy to use and remarkably well priced, too.

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