Phrozen Shuffle XL 3D printer review — the extra space is worth the cost

While hobbyists have enjoyed FDM 3D press for a long time, it's only recently that resin printing — DLP printers typically, the ones that use UV light — has become as accessible to the masses. With build areas of around 115 x 65 x 155 mm, all of the recent cheap DLP printers are great for small-scale prints but not much else.

The Phrozen Shuffle Forty offers the aforementioned detail yous get from these smaller printers only with a build area that is most double the usable infinite. You can use that space to print a lot of fantastic stuff, from full-size mechanical pieces to extra large models and sculptures. The big question is if the price is worth the actress space.

Massive enjoyment

Phrozen Shuffle Twoscore

$1,300

Lesser line: The Phrozen Shuffle XL has a lot to recommend it. The impress quality is fantastic, and the build area gives you a lot of scope to do amazing things.

Pros

A huge build area
Fast impress times
Superb print quality
Cyberspace connectivity

Cons

It's a little pricey
You need some extra accessories

What you'll honey almost the Phrozen Shuffle XL

For a printer with an LCD the size of an iPad, you would be forgiven for worrying about the model quality. After all, the pixel density on the Phrozen is considerably less than something like the Elegoo MARS. There is no demand to worry, though; the Phrozen XL is as as crisp and detailed as it's pocket-sized counterparts.

The Phrozen uses something called a "ParaLED Optical Engine," which helps to keep the resolution high, and y'all tin tell in every print that it far exceeds expectations. When you await at the Cheerful Pilot it's difficult to know that the model is 3D printed, it could easily pass for an injection-molded piece. The mini Avengers by Wekster practise show some layer lines, just I printed them at l percent their standard size at 0.5mm layer top, and then it was inevitable. The layer lines are yet almost invisible, regardless of the size of the model. It's very impressive.

The biggest draw to the Shuffle Twoscore is the build area though, it'due south nearly three times bigger than the MARS and allows y'all to create far larger models than always earlier. I was able to fit a full-face mask — 5.5 inches x eight inches — on to the build plate, and though I wouldn't be happy putting a resin mask on my face, that'due south still a feat.

Category	Spec
3D Printer type	DLP/Resin
Build surface area	190 10 120 ten 200 mm
Print speed	30mm per hour
XY Resolution	75 µm (0.075mm)
Z Resolution	x µm (0.01mm)
Input type	USB and ethernet

Being able to print full-size cosplay pieces that you tin can then cast it in a safer, more flexible cloth is a big selling point, especially at the level of particular that the Shuffle can produce. At present, y'all can do this with a standard FDM printer for sure, merely with materials like PLA, yous volition need to sand the role for hours to go the same level of finish that you get direct out of the Shuffle Forty.

If making big stuff isn't your thing, the Shuffle 40 is as well very helpful for multiple prints. On an FDM printer, the number of parts y'all impress and the amount of time it takes is relative; the more pieces, the more than time it will accept. On resin printers, that relationship doesn't exist because the entire layer is cured at the same time. This means whether you are printing one chess pawn or all xvi, it will accept the same amount of time.

This is even better on the Shuffle Xl as you lot can load an unabridged chess attack to the build plate, and it will take the same amount of time every bit if you lot had printed just one pawn. If y'all are looking to create a print farm, then this is a great way to start.

If you are thinking most creating a subcontract, you may desire to use the built-in ethernet role to help monitor your printer every bit you work, or if you take a Wi-Fi dongle hanging effectually, you can employ one of the spare USB slots in the back and connect the Shuffle to your wireless network. This is particularly helpful for a hobbyist who might non have a router or ethernet connectedness in their workshop/garage.

What you'll dislike about the Phrozen Shuffle 40

The but thing to dislike about the Phrozen Shuffle XL is the cost. At $1,300 the Phrozen is at the high-end for a hobbyist, but still half the price of a Formlabs Course 2. It is possible to become smaller resin printers for around $300, and the Shuffle has 3 times the build volume, so $1,300 isn't too much of a stretch.

In that location are a lot of accessories you will need with any resin printer, though, so if you are coming from FDM printing, you may want to consider those costs when you buy. The resin is around the same price every bit filament, but you will need a lot more than safety equipment as well as resin curing stations to help you become the best results.

More: Must-have 3D press accessories for utilise with resin printers

There aren't a lot of other problems with the Shuffle Xl that a little patience and know-how won't overcome. The UI isn't incredibly intuitive, just if you lot read the setup transmission, you shouldn't take any trouble. The merely thing to remember is you have to load your models from the USB onto the "plates" of the shuffle earlier you tin can impress them. It's roundabout but works fine.

So should you buy the Phrozen Shuffle 40?

I take had a lot of fun with the Phrozen Shuffle XL, trying to push the limits of what I thought I could do with resin. It turns out the printer's biggest strength is the sheer size of the affair. I have been able to print huge amounts of models all in one become — all those Avengers minis were printed at the same time — as well as much larger models than I would have been able to before.

The cheerful airplane pilot model may exist my favorite from at present on, and you tin see in the pictures that all of the details are pin sharp. Information technology doesn't affair that I printed her at 240 percent; she still looks immaculate.

If y'all are looking to print large models or multiple models, and so the Shuffle XL is an excellent printer for you. If you have used resin 3D printers earlier you lot will know the actress costs involved, and if you are new to it, then make sure you familiarize yourself with them.

And e'er exist safe. Resin printing is far more dangerous than FDM printing, so don't become into this blind. The Shuffle Xl is worth your fourth dimension to go correct, though. Information technology's a work of fine art.