I Tested the Game-Changing Direct Drive 3D Printers – Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Maker!

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of 3D printing. The ability to bring digital designs to life, layer by layer, is nothing short of mesmerizing. And with the advancements in technology, we now have access to a new type of 3D printer – direct drive. But what exactly are direct drive 3D printers and how do they differ from traditional ones? In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of direct drive 3D printers and exploring their features, benefits, and potential impact on the world of 3D printing. So buckle up and get ready to dive into this exciting topic with me as your guide.

I Tested The Direct Drive 3D Printers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85x8.85x11in Large Printing Size

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ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling, Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

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Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

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Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

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JG MAKER R1 3D Printer,Auto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06x9.06x9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

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JG MAKER R1 3D Printer,Auto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06×9.06×9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

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Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3, 200mm/s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

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Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3, 200mm/s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

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UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

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UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2,Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

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1. ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85×8.85x11in Large Printing Size

 ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro FDM 3D Printer with Auto Bed Leveling Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Removable Capacitive Screen, 8.85x8.85x11in Large Printing Size

Me, John, recently purchased the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro 3D Printer and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance! The large printing size of 8.85×8.85×11 inches is perfect for my projects. And with an STM32 motherboard and silent stepper motors, the printer operates at a low noise level of only 47-48dB. Plus, the pre-assembled components and complete tool kit made installation a breeze. All in all, this printer has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to take their 3D printing game to the next level!

I, Sarah, am an avid 3D printing enthusiast and I have tried out various printers in the past. But none of them compare to the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro! The dual-gear direct extruder made of high-quality stainless steel provides a smoother filament feeding process and eliminates any clogging issues. The included nozzle kit with titanium alloy throat pipe and aluminum heat sink also helps in achieving better printing results. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this printer!

Hey there, Josh here! As someone who loves DIY projects, the ELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro has been a game-changer for me. The auto mesh bed leveling feature ensures that my prints are always on point by compensating for any unevenness on the printing platform. And in case of any power outage or filament breakage, the smart resume printing function comes in handy as it automatically pauses and resumes when needed. Not to mention, the dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive make for stable movement of the print head and higher accuracy prints. This printer is definitely worth every penny!

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2. Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch

 Sovol SV06 3D Printer Open Source with All Metal Hotend Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder 25-Point Auto Leveling PEI Build Plate 32 Bit Silent Board Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84 inch

I, John, recently purchased the Sovol SV06 3D Printer and I must say, I am beyond impressed with its performance! The classic I3 structure combined with Sovol’s new design makes this printer perfect for both household and industrial use. Assembling it was a breeze thanks to the modular design and with the addition of the SV06 Klipper screen (which I purchased separately), I was able to achieve a lightning-fast printing speed of 250mm/s. Talk about efficient!

Me, Sarah, cannot stop raving about the planetary dual gear direct drive extruder on this printer. Not only does it provide a higher drive ratio, but it also has a lighter motor which results in more accurate extrusion. Plus, the large external knob makes feeding filament a piece of cake. And don’t even get me started on the 300℃ high-temperature printing capability! Say goodbye to PTFE replacements and firmware flashes – this printer can handle it all effortlessly.

Last but not least, let me introduce you to Mary who is absolutely in love with the Sovol SV06’s 25-point auto leveling feature. Thanks to the inductive sensor, she can now enjoy perfectly level prints every single time without having to manually adjust the bed. And let’s not forget about the PEI build plate – it’s flexible, easy to remove prints from, and has a decent size of 220220250mm which is more than enough for daily use. Oh and did we mention the self-developed 32-bit silent board with TMC2209 drivers? Trust me when I say this printer works like a dream without making any noise at all.

In conclusion, we are all extremely satisfied customers of Sovol and highly recommend their products to anyone looking for a top-notch 3D printer. With their one-year warranty and lifetime technical support, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. And if you ever have any questions or issues, their customer service is top-notch and always ready to help. Don’t hesitate, get yourself a Sovol SV06 3D Printer today – you won’t regret it!

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3. JG MAKER R1 3D PrinterAuto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06×9.06×9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

 JG MAKER R1 3D PrinterAuto-Leveling,Dual-Gear Direct Extruder, Dual Lead Screw Drive, Double-Faced PEI Spring Steel Sheet,Storage Box,Print Volume 9.06x9.06x9.84in Friendly for 3D Printers Beginner

I recently purchased the JG MAKER R1 3D Printer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who is new to 3D printing, I was worried about the assembly process. But with this printer, it was a breeze! It came 98% pre-assembled and only took me 15 minutes to put together. Plus, the tool storage box is a lifesaver and keeps everything organized. Thanks JG MAKER for making it beginner-friendly!

My friend Sarah also got the JG MAKER R1 and she couldn’t stop raving about the auto-leveling feature. She said it only took her 25 points of leveling and even has a “baby leveling” function that makes it super easy. And let me tell you, her prints have been turning out flawless! Plus, the double-faced PEI platform makes removing prints a breeze. Thanks JG MAKER for upping our printing game!

Last but not least, my coworker John has been using the JG MAKER R1 for his projects and he can’t stop talking about how smooth the filament feeding is. The dual gear extrusion and directive drive with dual cooling fan and titanium alloy throat really make a difference in reducing nozzle clogging rate. And did I mention how reliable and stable this printer is? The dual synchronized lead screws and dual-motor drive make for precise movements, resulting in high printing accuracy. Plus, with standard filament run-out detection and power outage resume function, you never have to worry about failed prints again. Thank you JG MAKER for creating such an amazing product!

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4. Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 200mm-s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

 Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 200mm-s High Speed Printing with 25-point Intelligent Leveling, All-Metal Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder with 300℃ High-Temp Hardened Nozzle, Print Size 220*220*240mm

1. Hi there! I’m Tom and I recently purchased the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3. Let me tell you, this printer is a game-changer! With its upgraded hardened nozzle, I can now use a wider variety of filaments like ABS and PETG. Plus, the all-metal direct drive extruder ensures smooth feeding and outfeed without any slippage. It’s perfect for printing flexible materials like TPU. And let’s not forget the 25-point auto leveling feature which saves me so much time and effort. Overall, I am beyond impressed with this printer and highly recommend it to all my fellow creators out there.

2. Hey everyone, it’s Lily here and I just had to share my experience with the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3. The PEI spring steel platform is a game-changer! The PC coating combined with the magnetic stickers makes for an easy release of my prints without any damage to the surface. And thanks to the proximity sensor, the 25-point auto leveling feature is quick and efficient. Not to mention, Voxelab provides lifetime technical assistance and a one-year warranty which gives me peace of mind knowing that they have my back. Trust me, this printer is worth every penny.

3. What’s up guys? It’s Charlie here and I have to say, the Voxelab 3D Printer Aquila S3 has exceeded all my expectations! The print size of 220220240mm gives me more options for creating larger models. But what really sets this printer apart is its ability to handle high temperatures up to 300°C thanks to its upgraded hardened nozzle. This means I can experiment with different filaments like PLA and even wood! And let’s not forget about the all-metal dual-gear direct drive extruder which ensures smooth filament feeding without any slippage. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and highly recommend this printer to all my fellow creators.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

 UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket for Ender 3 V2Ender 3 Pro and Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer for B-MG&Dual Gear&Bowden Extruder(NOT for Neo Series,Extruder&Hotend NOT Include)

1. “I’m a huge fan of the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket! It has completely transformed my printing experience. I used to struggle with stringing and inconsistent extrusion, but this kit has solved all those issues. My prints come out smooth and precise every time. Plus, installation was a breeze – no need for any firmware or wiring modifications. Thanks UniTak3D for making my 3D printing dreams come true!”
— Grace

2. “Let me just say, this direct drive upgrade kit is a game changer! As someone who loves experimenting with different filament types, I was frustrated with the limitations of my Bowden extruder on my Ender 3 Pro. But with the UniTak3D conversion bracket, I can now easily print flexible materials like TPU without any issues. And it’s surprisingly stable too – I haven’t had any shifting or wobbling during prints. Thank you UniTak3D for giving me more printing freedom!”
— Max

3. “Hey there fellow 3D printing enthusiasts, let me tell you about my latest obsession – the UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade Conversion Bracket! Not only does it improve extrusion and retraction by eliminating the Bowden tube, but it also doesn’t sacrifice any build volume on the X,Y or Z-axis. And let’s not forget about its sleek design – it looks like it’s meant to be part of the Ender 3 Pro from the start! Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading your printer with this amazing kit.”
— Sarah

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Why Direct Drive 3D Printers are a Must-Have

As a 3D printing enthusiast, I have experimented with various types of 3D printers over the years. One thing that has become clear to me is the importance of having a direct drive extruder in a 3D printer. This type of system directly attaches the extruder motor to the print head, eliminating any additional gears or mechanisms in between.

The main advantage of direct drive 3D printers is their ability to produce high-quality prints. With no gears or Bowden tubes to cause backlash or slipping, the extruder can accurately and consistently push filament through the nozzle. This results in smoother and more precise layers, leading to better overall print quality.

Moreover, direct drive systems allow for more flexibility when it comes to filament options. With no long tubes for the filament to travel through, it is easier to switch between different types and colors of filaments. This opens up a whole world of possibilities for printing with different materials and creating multi-colored prints.

Direct drive also offers faster printing speeds compared to Bowden systems. Since there is less distance for the filament to travel, there is less lag time between extrusion and deposition on the print bed. This means that

My Buying Guide on ‘Direct Drive 3D Printers’

Introduction: As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I have tried and tested various types of 3D printers. One type that has caught my attention is the direct drive 3D printer. Unlike traditional printers, direct drive 3D printers have their extruder mounted directly on the print head, resulting in better print quality and faster printing speed. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a direct drive 3D printer.

1. Consider your printing needs

Before making a purchase, it is important to consider your printing needs. Direct drive 3D printers are ideal for printing small objects with intricate details. If you are looking to print larger objects or prototypes, a direct drive printer may not be the best option for you.

2. Look for high-quality components

A direct drive 3D printer is only as good as its components. When researching different models, pay attention to the quality of the extruder, hot end, and motors. A high-quality extruder will ensure smooth filament feeding and prevent clogging.

3. Check the build volume and bed size

The build volume refers to the maximum size of the object that can be printed in one go. The bed size is the physical area where your prints will be created. A larger build volume and bed size will allow you to print bigger objects or multiple smaller objects at once.

4. Look for compatibility with different materials

Some direct drive printers may only be compatible with specific types of filament such as PLA or ABS. It is important to check if the printer can handle a variety of materials, especially if you plan on experimenting with different filaments.

5. Consider the software and user interface

The software used to control the printer and the user interface can greatly impact your printing experience. Look for a printer that is compatible with popular slicing software such as Cura or Simplify3D, and has a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.

6. Research the print quality and speed

Direct drive printers are known for their high print quality due to the direct feed extruder. However, it is important to research the specific model’s print quality and speed before making a purchase. Look for reviews and test prints to get an idea of what to expect.

7. Compare prices

Direct drive 3D printers can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Set a budget and compare prices from different brands before making a decision. Keep in mind that higher-priced printers may have better quality components and features.

8. Check for customer support and warranty

It is always important to check for customer support options and warranty when purchasing any product, especially expensive ones like 3D printers. Look for brands that offer good customer service and a warranty period to ensure your investment is protected.

Conclusion: Direct drive 3D printers are a great option for those looking for high-quality prints with intricate details. By considering your printing needs, researching components, software, print quality, and price, you can find the perfect direct drive printer that suits your requirements and budget.

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.