Compare Ender 3 vs Mega S vs Photon

Comparison between the best 3D printers

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Foto da Impressora Ender 3 Foto da Impressora Mega S Foto da Impressora Photon
Model

Ender 3

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Mega S

Photon

Estimated price $210,00 $149,00 $100,00
Fabricante Creality 3D Anycubic Anycubic
Release Year 2018 2019 2019
Print Volume [mm] 220x220x250 210x210x205 65x115x155
Printer Size [mm] 440x440x465 405x410x452 220x200x400
Weight [kg] 6,62 14,5 7,2
Power Loss Recovery NO YES NO
Maximum Resolution [mm] 0,1 0,1
Processor 8 bits 8 bits
Display Mono Touchscreen TFT 2,8'' Touchscreen TFT 3,5''
Power Supply 24V / 270W 12V / 300W 40W
Connectivity SD / USB SD / USB USB
Operating systems Windows, Mac, Linux Windows, Mac, Linux Windows, Mac, Linux
Date of registration in the system 2021-04-13 2021-04-15 2021-04-15
Release date 2018 2019 2019
Extra features The Ender 3 V1 is a DIY assembly 3D printer, a sales leader since 2017, standing out for its cost-benefit. With a wide printing capacity, it has a CNC machined structure for precision and stability. It offers high-precision prints with low noise, thanks to its innovative V-profile and pulleys. It has a self-adhesive magnetic platform for easy removal of models and excellent adhesion. The Ender 3 heats up quickly, reaching 100°C in 5 minutes, ideal for agile prints. It includes protection against power failures, allowing you to resume printing after interruptions, saving time and material. The Anycubic Mega S offers a printing platform with excellent adhesion, easy removal after cooling. It has a filament sensor for a better experience with flexible materials and a multilingual and intuitive color touchscreen. Assembly is quick, requiring only 8 screws and 3 connections. It has a large build volume (210 x 210 x 205 mm), high positioning accuracy and supports a variety of materials, including TPU, PLA, ABS and wood. It stands out for its solid metal structure, superior stability, high-quality printing with layer resolution of up to 50 microns, Ultrabase for easy adhesion and removal of parts, resumption of printing after power outage, high-quality extruder for flexible filaments, suspended filament support and stable structure that reduces shaking, improving printing quality. The Anycubic Photon DLP is a resin 3D printer that stands out for its affordability and quality. It uses DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology to cure resin layers with precision, offering resolution of 25-100 microns. Its build volume is 115 x 65 x 155 mm, suitable for modest-sized projects. It includes a 2.8-inch touchscreen, USB and SD card connectivity, and a carbon filter to mitigate odors. It is notable for generating efficient support structures through its custom slicing software. Although it requires care in resin handling and post-processing, it is an excellent option for beginners and professionals who want to explore resin 3D printing with high resolution and ease of use.
Support for multiple colors and materials (AMS and CFS) NO NO NO

Notes *

Cost-benefit 6 / 10 6 / 10 6 / 10
Hardware 0.5 / 10 2 / 10 0 / 10
Screen . . .
Print volume 3 / 10 3 / 10 3 / 10
Performance 1 / 10 0 / 10 0 / 10
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison of the three 3D printers—Ender 3, Mega S, and Photon—reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses that may cater to different user needs and preferences.

The Ender 3, while being slightly more expensive, offers a robust build volume, exceptional print quality, and a reputation for reliability. Its ability to resume printing after power loss enhances its practicality for users who prioritize long, continuous jobs. However, it lacks a modern touchscreen interface, which might appeal to those seeking a more user-friendly experience.

The Mega S stands out with its solid metal structure, excellent adhesion, and resolution capabilities. Its quick assembly and intuitive touchscreen also make it a go-to choice for beginners and those who value ease of use. The printer's features, such as the filament sensor and Ultrabase, reflect thoughtful design aimed at enhancing user experience. Nevertheless, its print volume is slightly lower than that of the Ender 3, which may deter users requiring larger prints.

The Photon, being the most affordable and utilizing DLP technology, is attractive for users interested in high-resolution resin printing. It excels in precision and is ideal for smaller, detailed projects, but its build volume is significantly limited compared to the other two models. Additionally, the resin handling and post-processing may make it less appealing for those who prefer the convenience of FDM printing.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the user’s specific needs: if large build volume and reliability are paramount, the Ender 3 is the clear winner; for ease of use and support for diverse materials, the Mega S is a suitable option; and for those keen on high-resolution projects in a compact form factor, the Photon is a commendable choice. Each printer offers a unique blend of features at a competitive price, making them worthy considerations for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike.