The Ender-3 V3 and the Voxelab Aquila S2 are both popular 3D printers. This comparison will help you understand their main features.
The Ender-3 V3 is known for its quality prints and reliability. It is often chosen by beginners and experienced users alike.
The Voxelab Aquila S2 is also user-friendly. It offers good print quality and is more affordable, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
Both printers have similar build sizes, making them suitable for various projects.
If you want dependable performance, consider the Ender-3 V3. If you need a cost-effective choice, the Voxelab Aquila S2 is worth looking into.
When comparing the Creality Ender-3 V3 and the Voxelab Aquila S2, several key aspects, such as design, performance, and features, come into play. Below is a comprehensive comparison to determine which printer aligns best with your 3D printing needs.
Design and Build
- Creality Ender-3 V3: This printer features an open-frame design with a sturdy die-cast aluminum frame, enhancing stability during printing. Its compact footprint measures 358 x 374 x 498 mm, and it weighs approximately 7.8 kg. The Ender-3 V3 incorporates a CoreXZ kinematic system, which combines the X and Z axes with a belt-driven mechanism, aiming to improve print speed and accuracy.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Also adopting an open-frame design, the Aquila S2 utilizes V-slot aluminum profiles and Delrin rollers, providing a rigid structure. Its dimensions are slightly larger at 485 x 344 x 382 mm, with a weight of around 8 kg. The printer employs a traditional Cartesian coordinate system with a direct drive extruder mounted on the X-axis.
Build Volume
- Creality Ender-3 V3: It offers a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, accommodating a variety of print sizes suitable for most projects.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Provides a slightly smaller build volume of 220 x 220 x 240 mm, which is marginally less than the Ender-3 V3 but still ample for numerous applications.
Extruder and Hotend
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Equipped with a high-speed direct drive extruder and a tri-metal “Unicorn” nozzle capable of reaching temperatures up to 300°C. This setup allows printing with materials such as PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, and CR-carbon.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Features a direct drive extruder with an all-metal hotend that also reaches temperatures up to 300°C. This enables compatibility with a broad range of filaments, including PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA, PC, TPU, PET-CF, and PA12-CF.
Print Bed
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Utilizes a PEI flexible build plate that enhances adhesion and simplifies print removal. The heated bed can reach temperatures up to 110°C, supporting various filament types.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Comes with a magnetic PEI-coated flexible steel plate, providing excellent adhesion and easy removal of prints. The heated bed can achieve temperatures up to 100°C.
Print Speed
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Capable of printing at speeds up to 600 mm/s, with recommended operational speeds around 300 mm/s for optimal quality.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Supports print speeds up to 180 mm/s, with typical printing speeds between 30-60 mm/s, balancing speed and print quality.
Bed Leveling
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Features automatic bed leveling, streamlining the calibration process and ensuring consistent first layers.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Requires manual bed leveling, which may necessitate more frequent adjustments to maintain optimal print quality.
User Interface
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Equipped with a 4.3-inch HD color touchscreen, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Features a 4.3-inch color display operated via a rotary knob, providing straightforward navigation through the printer’s settings.
Connectivity
- Creality Ender-3 V3: It offers connectivity options, including USB drive, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with Creality Cloud for remote printing and monitoring.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Provides connectivity through microSD and USB, allowing for flexible file transfer methods.
Price
- Creality Ender-3 V3: Priced at approximately $389.99, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities.
- Voxelab Aquila S2: Available for around $280, offering a cost-effective solution with a robust feature set.
Pros and Cons
Creality Ender-3 V3
Pros:
- High printing speeds up to 600 mm/s.
- Automatic bed leveling for ease of use.
- Wide material compatibility due to high-temperature capabilities.
- User-friendly touchscreen interface.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Open-frame design may not be suitable for all environments.
Here’s the continuation and conclusion of your complete comparison review between the Creality Ender-3 V3 and the Voxelab Aquila S2:
Voxelab Aquila S2
Pros:
- The direct-drive extruder supports flexible and advanced materials.
- Budget-friendly price point suitable for beginners and hobbyists.
- Sturdy, stable frame design offering reliable print quality.
- Magnetic PEI bed for easy print removal and strong adhesion.
Cons:
- Lower maximum print speeds (up to 180 mm/s) than Ender-3 V3.
- Manual bed leveling may be challenging for beginners.
- Limited connectivity (microSD and USB) without native Wi-Fi support.
Final Verdict,
Both the Creality Ender-3 V3 and the Voxelab Aquila S2 offer excellent value but cater to slightly different user groups:
- Choose Creality Ender-3 V3 if you prioritize:
- Significantly faster printing speeds (up to 600 mm/s).
- Automatic bed leveling for ease of use and convenience.
- Advanced connectivity features, including Wi-Fi and cloud monitoring.
- Slightly larger build height and robust construction suitable for frequent use.
- Opt for Voxelab Aquila S2 if you prefer:
- A budget-friendly entry point with solid overall performance.
- Strong compatibility with a wide range of filaments, including flexible and abrasive materials.
- A stable, reliable platform ideal for beginners or users less concerned with high-speed printing.
- The simplicity of manual operation and traditional controls.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific printing needs, budget, and level of experience. Both printers are capable and reliable—simply choose the one that aligns best with your personal or project-oriented priorities.
Recommendation
For those focused on innovation, efficiency, and productivity, the Creality Ender-3 V3 stands out as the stronger choice. Conversely, if affordability and versatility in materials are your primary considerations, the Voxelab Aquila S2 provides exceptional value.
Happy printing!
Here’s a detailed comparison of the Creality Ender-3 V3 and Voxelab Aquila S2:
| Feature | Creality Ender-3 V3 | Voxelab Aquila S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | 220 x 220 x 240 mm |
| Extruder Type | Direct Drive | Direct Drive |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C | 300°C |
| Build Plate | PEI-coated spring steel sheet, heated | Flexible, magnetic PEI-coated build plate |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic | Manual |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, CR-Carbon | PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA, PC, TPU, PET-CF, PA12-CF |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | microSD, USB |
| Interface | Touchscreen | 4.3″ LCD with rotary knob |
| Speed | Up to 600 mm/s | Moderate speeds |
| Price | ~$389 (often discounted to ~$299) | ~$280 |
Key Differences
- Bed Leveling: The Ender-3 V3 offers automatic bed leveling, making it more user-friendly, especially for beginners. The Aquila S2 requires manual leveling, which can be more time-consuming.
- Filament Compatibility: Both printers support a wide range of filaments. The Aquila S2 excels with high-temperature filaments like nylon and carbon fiber, thanks to its all-metal hotend.
- Speed: The Ender-3 V3 is designed for high-speed printing, reaching up to 600 mm/s, whereas the Aquila S2 operates at more moderate speeds.
- Interface: The Ender-3 V3 features a touchscreen, providing a more modern and intuitive user experience compared to the rotary knob on the Aquila S2.
- Price: The Aquila S2 is slightly more affordable, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.
Both printers are excellent choices, but the best fit depends on your priorities—speed and ease of use (Ender-3 V3) or filament versatility and affordability (Aquila S2).
