FDM printers like Anycubic Mega S Vs Ender 3 V2 are convenient and great for beginners trying the manufacturing process. These printers are reliable and come with upgrades to increase performance and experience. They share some similarities and have some notable differences. If you wonder which printer to go for, let’s see what to expect from the two here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How FDM 3D Printer Works
- What are Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How are the Units of Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How are the Capacities of Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Building Bed in Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Bed Leveling in Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Extruder in Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Performance of Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
- Anycubic Mega S Vs Ender 3 V2
FDM 3D Printers
3D printing is not new anymore, and you can bring home a good printer for under $200. Depending on what to print and what quality you want to achieve, our choice may vary. Like most products, a 3D printer can offer the same benefits but with different bells and whistles that make the machine varies. FDM is still the most popular option for people who have recently been interested in the manufacturing process. FDM or Fused Deposition Modeling is a manufacturing method that uses a solid filament melted on top of a plate.
The 3D printing process is always interesting to look at. You can see how a small nozzle deposits melted filament on a build plate. The nozzle moves quickly, following a specific path that, over time, will make up the model. The machine works layer by layer, so the process is not instant, and the larger the item, the longer and the more material we need. The most common material for FDM printers is ABS, PLA, and PETG. The filament looks like a thick string and comes in a spool.
Most FDM printers work in Cartesian style. The extrusion head is mounted to a three-axis system that allows it to move across the X, Y, and X axes. According to the design, the printer will extrude melted filament in thin strands, depending on the setting, and put it layer by layer in a specific path. Once deposited, the melted plastic will cool and harden. Your printer will have a cooling fan that speeds up this process. Depending on printer styles, the build plate descends, or the extruder goes up as the model gets taller.
| Anycubic Mega S | Ender 3 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 16.14 x 15.95 x 17.83 inches | 18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 24.2 pounds | 17.2 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2
FDM is very popular because the printer is affordable and relatively easy to work with than a resin printer like Voxelab Proxima Vs Elegoo Mars 2. But, resin printers are best at producing nice details and smooth printing surfaces due to the nature of liquid material. FDM printers are usually adequate for most people who want to build a prototype, small parts of more significant construction, or the actual product itself. We may have different purposes for the machine, so it is wise to consider the function.
Many entry-level 3D printers are under $200, but you can spend more to get a ready-to-use printer with better components like Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2. These printers are suitable for users who want a relatively easy to get started machine at a low cost. They are about the same price range, and you can build almost anything that the thermoplastic filament can handle. However, these printers are far from identical, so you may decide based on what they can offer.
Both Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 are very similar in capacity. Both printers come with decent build volume that most users will find helpful. They are suitable for students who want to model their learning tools, professionals who want to build prototypes or enthusiasts who love being creative. The printers are not the most straightforward system available but are still manageable for beginners who never used a 3D printer before. The performance is also similar, and they produce good prints.
The main difference between Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 is that the latter is open source which means you will have higher freedom with the machine regardless of the support from the company. However, most capabilities are the same, so it is subjective.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Units
When the FDM printer arrives, the first thing you have to do is assemble the unit. Most FDM machines are not ready to use, and the assembly level varies among printers and prices. The Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 require assembly, but Mega S is faster. This printer comes in two main parts, the base, and the X-axis, supporting the hot end. You need to connect these parts, and most jobs are done. The Ender 3 V2 is similar to the original printer with slight upgrades.
We are happy that the power supply is now streamlined to the base and makes the printer look better. The frame and supports are all metal, and they seem to be highly durable with proper maintenance. Another thing we love from Mega S is the touch-screen because it makes the operation handy. For Ender 3 V2, usually, we mount the filament holder at the top, while for Mega S, the holder is at the bottom. Like most FDM printers, these machines use micro-SD and micro-USB to receive files.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Capacity
One of the early steps in choosing a 3D printer is deciding what you want to print. The size matters for a 3D printer because they are usually not upgradeable. Once you select a capacity, we will be stuck with the build size forever. The Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 have a stock build volume of 8.2 x 8.2 x 8 inches and 8.6 x 8.6 x 9.8 inches. The difference is not noticeable in the X and Y axes but is more prominent on the Z-axis or height.
However, you can increase the build volume of Ender 3 V2 with an Extender kit. The Extender kit is available for Ender 3 and CR10 printers from Creality and Aquila from Voxelab. This kit helps achieve larger print without changing the printer. You can choose from several different Extender kits, such as the Extender 400, that increase the X and Y axis build capacity up to 400mm or from 9.8 to 15 inches. The price varies depending on the kit’s capacity.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Building Bed
Now let’s see the building bed of Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 because they are also different. Mega S seems to have upgraded the bed using a special coating called Ultrabase. This coating is smooth to the eyes but has a texture when you touch it. This coating effectively keeps your prints stuck to the bed until they finish printing. Anycubic also claims that the performance will stay the same after repetitive use, so it seems to be resistant to wear.
On the other hand, Ender 3 V2 has a textured glass bed which is also reliable. This bed is one of the best we have nowadays at keeping filament from detaching itself from the surface. The temperature controls the adhesive, so it will pop out easily once it cools down. As for the bed, these printers are the same or can heat up to 100 degrees.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Bed Leveling
The bed leveling in these printers is also the same. They are manual, so you have to use a paper or measuring tool to adjust the nozzle and build plate distance. Leveling is crucial for printing and any 3D printer because it decides the success rate. The nozzle that comes too close to the bed will mess up the filament, and the filament won’t stick to the base if it is too far. To automate this process, you can add a sensor to the printer.
You can buy the sensor from third-party brands and install it on the printer. Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 use different accessories, but you can find many learning materials, including video guides on adding a leveling sensor to these printers.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Extruder
Next, let’s take a look at the extruder. Both Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 use a Bowden-style extruder, meaning the extruder and hot end are separated. The Mega S most significant upgrade is in the extruder. It uses an updated Titan extruder that improves the feeding system to avoid jamming and is more compatible with flexible filament. The Ender 3 V2 uses a standard design and can be pretty difficult to feed because the opening is small and next to the lead screw.
Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 Performance
Lastly, we want to talk about performance, and they are good. Most people seem satisfied with the Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 test prints. These printers are far from fancy, but they should work well with the proper setting. The test prints produce good benchy and smooth-looking items. Dialing the slicer is the most complicated part of 3D printing, but the result will mostly be good once we get to the ideal settings. The Mega S is also compatible and works well with flexible filaments.
Anycubic Mega S Vs Ender 3 V2
Both Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 are excellent options for sub $300. These printers work well with the ideal settings and are suitable with standard filaments. The test prints show that they can achieve good details with minimal to no stringing. The main difference is that Mega S is not open source and is slightly smaller in build volume than Ender 3 V2. But, this machine has a better extruder that is easy to feed and suitable for flexible material.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because Anycubic Mega S and Ender 3 V2 are pretty different. If your main goal is printing large items, the Ender 3 V2 has an Extender kit that expands the building capacity without changing the printer. But, if your goal is an easy-to-use and reliable printer, the Mega S is cheaper and works well.