Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer 115365 Review

You will surely agree with me how easy it is getting into 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 is initially launched. But we have found that it has become popular quite fast and right now this printer is sitting at top positions of best sellers on many online stores.

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

Performance

MP Select performance and final print quality are amazing for an FDM printer. Do not underestimate by 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 so that you can save time and free-up your other printers.

It’s layer resolution is 0.1mm. This device can print 55mm/sec which is quite comfortable speed for this category printers.

The extruder is Bowden style that means the filament motor is not on the print head. This design reduces the mass moving around considerably and results in less vibration and better print quality. This device is featured with a single extrusion print head, that 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 and it is removable and replaceable in case you decide to change it in future when it wore out.

Compact Design

It is well built and aesthetically pleasing model. It has an open frame design, easy to reach out inside objects and 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 caution to keep them away from the device when it is in operation.

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

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 of the entry level printers 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, metal composites. It is better you start with PLA first before you start experimenting with other 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 just very small in length(about 10ft) and will run out fast before you finish the test print. If you decide to buy this printer, you might include sufficient quantity (one spool at least) of the filament in your order along with the printer. That way, you can avoid waiting time till the filament arrives before you start your printing.

You can find your choice of filament colors here.

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

Flexible Connectivity

It supports both Micro USB, MicroSD card for connectivity and has a built in wifi. It’s 3.7 IPS color screen makes easy for navigation. There is 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 microSD card with the

You might prefer to use microSD card with the gCode file loaded and start printing your favorite model. This way you can use your printer anywhere and no need to connect to your computer all the time while you operate it.

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

This unit has built in wifi but you need to activate this feature explicitly though.

Monoprice supports Windows 7 & above. Mac OSX, and Linux as well so there won’t be an issue if you are 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 box, all you need to do is double check whether the print bed is still leveled and not disturbed during the shipping process. In case you find the bed needs some leveling, follow the instructions to center the head at the home position, to get the right distance from the nozzle using a paper. Overall, it is very little 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 pre-installed build mat is) already included. So you need not hold your excitement to start printing right away those dream models after unboxing it.

Accessories

You will receive from the manufacturer the tools necessary to setup and start printing. If you do not have a maintenance kit already with you, you might consider to take 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 trusted manufacturer and they provide great after sale customer service.  Their support team is friendly to help you troubleshooting in case you get into some issue. MP offers one-year replacement warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.

Pros

Cons

Monoprice Select Mini Consumer Ratings

We have searched many online shopping sites and read the reviews of consumers who bought this device, to understand their experience. A majority of consumers rated high for this printer. They are happy with the features it offers for the price, easy of use and compact size. About 20% of the consumers 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.