LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6 are attractive choices if you are looking for a 3D printer with automatic print bed leveling. This is an incredibly convenient feature if you are tired of having to manually level a print bed so frequently. So, between LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6, which one is better for you? We will see the similarities and differences between these two models to help you answer the question.
By the end of this article, you will have learned everything about LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6:
- The similar features that both LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 offer
- How they differ in terms of design and size
- The build volume comparison between LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6
- Why LulzBot TAZ 6 can give you a better value in the long run than LulzBot Mini 2
- The print performance comparison of LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6
- Whether you should pick LulzBot Mini 2 or LulzBot TAZ 6
LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6: Similarities
Both LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 are equipped with a glass print bed that is covered with a polyetherimide (PEI) layer, which creates a flat adhesive area for printing with a wide range of materials. The glass print bed can heat up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures pretty much any material can stick properly onto the PEI layer.
If you need extra help to work with a more stubborn material, such as polystyrene, you can use white glue on the PEI layer. Over time, the PEI layer may get worn, but you can easily replace it.
One of the nicest things about LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 is the automatic print bed leveling. At the beginning of every print, the printer will automatically calibrate the Z-axis by itself. This adds slightly more time to the overall printing process, but it is totally worth the wait as it makes the operation much more convenient.
Additionally, LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 also automatically clean themselves prior to the automatic print bed leveling. This ensures that your first layer will always be perfect without any defect.
Each 3D printer here comes with a 0.5mm hexagonal hot-end. However, they have a modular design, and you can change the hot end quite easily by removing the screws and flashing the firmware – the Cura software provides a function for this. They are compatible with 0.35mm and 0.6mm hot-ends.
Last but not least, both LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 support tether-less printing via the SD slot. On each printer, there is an LCD screen that will allow you to select a model that is saved in your memory card and print directly from it. Otherwise, you can just hook them to your computer with a USB cable as usual.
| LulzBot Mini 2 | LulzBot TAZ 6 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 22.5 x 20.1 x 17.7 inches | 35 x 11.5 x 25.9 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 3.5 Ounces | 43 Pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6: Size
Now, the very first and most obvious difference between LulzBot Mini 2 and LulzBot TAZ 6 is the size. This can be a very important difference, depending on the condition of your work environment.
At 43.5 x 38.5 x 34 cm, LulzBot Mini 2 is a great choice for a desktop printer. It is really compact, with roughly half the size of LulzBot TAZ 6. Hence, LulzBot Mini 2 is also a more logical choice if you don’t have much space in your room.
One reason behind the compact size is how the spool holder is placed. LulzBot Mini 2 has the spool holder placed on the top. This allows the printer to eat up less space. Unfortunately, it does not have a filament feed tube, which may make the set-up process a little bit more complicated.
On the other hand, LulzBot TAZ 6 is great if you don’t need to worry about size. Indeed, it is much larger at 82 x 63 x 52 cm, and it probably requires a dedicated table of its own. But it also offers more advantages.
To begin with, the spool holder of LulzBot TAZ 6 is located on the side, and it is equipped with a filament feed tube. As a result, it becomes easier to set up. Read also: Lulzbot TAZ Pro VS Ultimaker S5 here.
LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6: Print Volume
LulzBot Mini 2 is more compact, and thus it has a smaller print volume. It gives you 152 x 152 x 180 mm to work with. This should be sufficient if you usually only print small items.
If you need to print a larger model on LulzBot Mini 2, you will need to break it into smaller, more manageable parts. However, sometimes you just can’t break the model because you need a full, one-piece result. In this case, you can’t use LulzBot Mini 2.
LulzBot TAZ 6 is generally better and more versatile. LulzBot TAZ 6 boasts a huge print volume of 280 x 280 x 250 mm. With this printer, you can easily work with small and large models without any trouble. LulzBot TAZ 6 is definitely the way to go if you need to print large one-piece models that can’t be broken down into smaller parts.
LulzBot Mini 2 vs TAZ 6: Extruder
LulzBot Mini 2 is armed with the E3D Titan Aero extruder, which is really impressive. Usually, you need to change the print head when you are switching from a rigid material to a flexible one. You don’t need to do this on LulzBot Mini 2, as the extruder can work with rigid and flexible materials just fine.
However, LulzBot Mini 2 can only work with a single extruder. For more advanced users who are looking for a system with dual extruders, this printer won’t satisfy you.
Nevertheless, this printer offers decent performance. It has a maximum travel speed of 300 mm/s. When tested for printing a 4.5-inch model, it only needs about 3 hours in the high speed mode, and 6.5 hours in the high quality mode.
LulzBot TAZ 6 comes with a basic extruder that is compatible with various rigid materials, including PLA, ABS, PVA, wood and metal composites, and nylon. The only thing that it can’t work with is carbon fiber, as this material can damage the extruder.
However, LulzBot TAZ 6 is also compatible with the Aero extruder, available as a separate purchase, if you want something that accepts both rigid and flexible materials. Other options include the MOAR extruder that is designed for fast high-strength prints, and the Dual extruder that features dual nozzles for more complex printing.
LulzBot TAZ 6 also has a maximum travel speed of 300 mm/s, but the high speed mode is somewhat faster. When tested for printing a 4.5-inch model, it can finish the job within 2.5 hours. Yet, the high quality mode is slower, as it works with a higher level of precision – it takes about 8 hours in this mode.
Conclusion
In general, you should choose LulzBot TAZ 6. It has a larger print volume, which will allow you to print large-sized models with ease. It also offers a higher level of precision, and it can work with a dual extruder system. It will serve your more advanced printing needs just fine. Meanwhile, LulzBot Mini 2 is only recommended if you really need a compact 3D printer.