Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer 115365 Review

Last Updated on July 19, 2023

You will surely agree with me about how easy it is to get into the 3d Printing hobby when you look at the MP Select price tag.

We have reviewed many other entry-level 3d Printers here but ignored this printer when it was initially launched. But we have found that it has become popular quite fast and right now this printer is sitting at the top position of best sellers on many online stores.

Then we decided to take a closer look at why this device has so much traction and high star ratings. Monoprice launched this product last year as v1. Kudos to their effort in design and keeping the low price tag. In this review, you will find a detailed discussion of this device’s features, pros, and cons.

Performance

MP Select performance and final print quality are excellent for an FDM printer. Do not underestimate its size and price. It is a workhorse, and you can print all your toys and favorite models one after another non-stop for long hours without issues. Even if you are a pro and using larger printers, this device could be a great time saver in printing smaller parts to save time and free up your other printers.

Its layer resolution is 0.1mm. This device can print 55mm/sec, which is quite a comfortable speed for this category printer.

The extruder is Bowden style, meaning the filament motor is not on the print head. This design considerably reduces the mass moving around and results in less vibration and better print quality. This device is featured with a single extrusion print head, which means you can print only single solid color models. The maximum extruder temperate as per specifications is 482 F or 250 c.

Nozzle size 0.4 mm is removable and replaceable if you decide to change it in the future when it wears out.

Compact Design

It is well built and aesthetically pleasing model. It has an open frame design, which makes it easy to reach out inside objects, and is also for during any maintenance. But safety could be an issue if the printer is not enclosed type, so if you have small kids around, you have to be cautious to keep them away from the device when it is in operation.

It is small in size with an overall dimension (13.5″ x 11.3 x 7.5″ or 343 x 287 x 190 mm). You will find even the large spool is fitted nicely on the side of the main unit. So you might find it compact enough for any desk and convenient to move around in your room.

Compatible with Multiple Filament Types

This unit is compatible with basic filaments PLA and ABS types. You can use any brand or from any manufacturer. This feature is a great money saver because some entry-level printers are forced to use closed filament types.

Thanks to its heated build plate, it is also possible to use other popular types of wood, conductive PLA, and metal composites. You should start with PLA first before you start experimenting with different advanced types of filaments.

It can accept 1.75 mm size filament. The Filament holder is in rectangle shape with the measurements 4.04″ Length x 1.04″ Width x 0.75″ Height.

A sample filament is included with the package for testing. But it is very small in length(about 10ft) and will run out fast before you finish the test print. If you buy this printer, you might include a sufficient quantity (one spool at least) of the filament in your order along with the printer. That way, you can avoid waiting until the filament arrives before you start printing.

You can find your choice of filament colors here.

A good quality PLA filament spool of 1KG should cost about $20-$25, and it is only your recurring expenditure.

Flexible Connectivity

It supports both Micro USB, and MicroSD card for connectivity and has built-in wifi. Its 3.7 IPS color screen makes it easy to navigate. There is a spinning wheel to select the menu items, which is convenient but some of you with large hands might find little difficulty in spinning. You might prefer to use a microSD card with the

You might prefer to use a microSD card with the gCode file loaded and start printing your favorite model. This way, you can use your printer anywhere without needing to constantly connect to your computer while you operate it.

You can use open-source programs like Cura or Repetier-Host(preinstalled in SD card) to generate and create your G-code file.

This unit has built-in Wi-Fi, but you need to activate this feature explicitly.

Monoprice supports Windows 7 & above. Mac OSX and Linux, so there won’t be an issue if you are a Mac user.

Pre Calibrated with Heated Bed

This device is fully assembled and calibrated at the factory – ready to go out of the box.  When you receive the package, you must double check whether the print bed is still leveled and not disturbed during the shipping process. If you find the bed needs some leveling, follow the instructions to center the head at the home position to get the proper distance from the Nozzle using a paper. Overall, it is minimal effort and you should be able to start your first printing in just 30 minutes after unboxing it.

An insulated and heated built plate (with a pre-installed build mat is) already included. So you need not hold your excitement to start printing right away those dream models after unboxing them.

Accessories

You will receive from the manufacturer the tools necessary to set up and start printing. If you do not have a maintenance kit already with you, you might consider taking a look here and order if you find some tools are missing in your kit.

• 3d printer along with bed masking tape type bed liner
• Filament Rack with sample filament to test printing
• Plastic Scraper to remove and lift the prints when you complete the printing
• USB cable to connect the printer to computer directly
• 256 MB MicroSD card with Cura and, Repetetier-Host pre loaded along with a sample cat 3D model to start your test print right away after unboxing. 256 MB not a lot of memory but just fine for most prints.
• Hex Wrench to help you adjust the print bed height
• Power adapter. It is 110v but you could use a switchable 220v power supply with the same rating
• AC power cord
• User Manual – Though the directions are not very clear for setting up the PC connection.

Support and Warranty

Monoprice is a trusted manufacturer and they provide great after-sale customer service.  Their support team is friendly to help you troubleshoot in case you get into some issues. MP offers a one-year replacement warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

Cons

Monoprice Select Mini Consumer Ratings

We’ve looked at a lot of online shopping sites and read reviews by customers who bought this device. In the vast majority of cases, they rated this printer well. They are happy with the features it offers for the price, ease of use, and compact size. About 20% of the consumers were not satisfied and rated low against this device mainly because of the issues they encountered with the initial set up, clogging on the Nozzle and not so detailed manual. Some of the consumers are not liked the cooling fan and power supply box.

However, many of them mentioned that support from the manufacturer is quick and technical team were helpful. There were no issues in getting replacements when they find some defective parts and returned them.

Monoprice Select Mini-115365 Price

The MP price is unbeatable and less compared to its counterparts in its category.  It is a real bargain considering its great features of build quality, amazing print resolution, heated build plate, and durability.  With its low cost, it is easy for you to get started as a new user. As mentioned earlier you will need to spend only on filaments on regular basis and very less on other major maintenance expenses involved.

Summary

If you are just getting into 3D printing, it is probably the best choice for you to own this as a first step into it. You will get much better quality prints matching with more expensive printers.

As a beginner, the price you pay for this product is very little considering the joy and excitement you can have as an owner of it bringing all those creations to life. Though its print bed is relatively smaller in size, you can have great fun, and trouble-free printing experience.

This product could be a great gift to surprise someone you love. An affordable choice of printers for projects in school labs.

If you want to learn deeper-level technology intricacies while building a DIY 3d printer or want to print large-size objects then this product is not for you. You can consider other models like Monoprice 113860 Maker Select or REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 3D Printer.