Affordable printers like Voxelab Aquila S2 Vs Ender 3 V2 are perfect for users who want to start their 3D printing hobby. These FDM printers are easy to begin with and customizable for the enthusiast who wants to upgrade the machine in the future. They share some similarities with some crucial differences that may affect your decisions. Let’s see what they can offer and which printer you may like better.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How to Achieve a Better Print
- What are Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Printer of Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Capacity of Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Building Bed in Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Extruder Setup in Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- How is the Performance of Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
- Voxelab Aquila S2 Vs Ender 3 V2
Improving 3D Prints
Many have heard about 3D printing, but the machine is not yet very familiar to most people. The hobby is popular today with growing online communities and affordable devices, primarily coming from Chinese companies. Like most hobbies, 3D printing is exciting to try, but it is not something we can learn in one day. Both the machine and software matter to achieve the best print. Some 3D printers are easier to use by casuals, while some need constant tinkering and better suit enthusiasts.
The basic to achieve better prints is to level the bed and set the Z offset. We can’t keep the nozzle too close to the bed or too far because both are bad for your prints. The easy method is using a sheet of paper and sliding between bed and nozzle. The distance must be as close as possible, but the paper must move easily between the bed and nozzle. The other method is installing a BL Touch sensor to automate the process.
FDM printers heat the nozzle and print bed. Both parts have to be at the correct temperature for different purposes. The nozzle can cause stringing if it is too hot, and if it is too low, the filament can’t melt properly. The temperature on the bed is helpful to provide adhesion and prevent other defects. If your printer has issues like warping, the bed temperature should be higher. But, the prints will develop elephant foot or flaring if the temperature is too high.
| Voxelab Aquila S2 | Ender 3 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 22.25 x 15 x 8 inches | 18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 21.5 pounds | 17.2 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2
There are many other steps to improve your print quality, depending on what issue you have experienced with the specific machine. Not every 3D printer suffers from the same problem, so it is subjective to what we are dealing with. Most affordable printers don’t have the best quality controls, so it is very common to upgrade a machine once you diagnose the issue. Starting with entry-level printers is an excellent decision to save budget and build the skill, especially if you are interested in how the printer works.
Some of the best companies that provide excellent entry-level FDM printers are Voxelab and Creality. We are sure you have heard these brands before because they are pretty famous and carry plenty of exciting printers. The Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 are perfect for new enthusiasts who want to start a hobby or who want a reliable printer. They share many similarities, such as decent build volume and valuable features. However, they also boast different aspects that may affect your decision.
We have talked about the original printer in Voxelab Aquila Vs Aquila X2. These printers have similar core features and capacity with some slight differences. The Aquila S2 is a higher upgrade than the former printers and offers more exciting features such as a high-temperature nozzle. The increase in nozzle temperature can help the machine handle different filaments that require higher melting points so that you can try other exotic materials. Similarly, the Ender 3 V2 is also an upgrade over the original Ender 3.
The Ender 3 is a famous 3D printer and a best-selling variant from the company. It is not the best 3D printer overall, but it is difficult to beat at this price point. However, many people are willing to pay more for improved overall quality, and Ender 3 V2 is a good, reliable machine for most people. The crucial differences between Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 are extruder temperature and capacity. But, both printers are open source, so you can do modifications later.
Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 Printers
Like most affordable FDM printers, the Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 require some assembly. Newer machines are usually more convenient because the base arrangement is more solid and usually leaves the users with upper support. Creality has some of the best manuals to guide you through installation. We recommend watching assembly videos because they are more convenient, and you may get some tips on how to piece everything together correctly. The printers use metal construction for stability and durability.
The printing mechanism is identical, with the bed laying on the Y-axis and the hot end moving on the X and Z axes. The building bed and capacity are relatively small, so these printers only use a single rail to support the bed. They have a similarly vertical screen to provide control, but Voxelab has a color screen that arguably also looks better. You will mount the spool holder on top of the printer while its filament runs through the feeding system. These machines seem to use different extruder types.
Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 Capacity
Whether you enjoy exploring the printer’s ability or want one to produce countless 3D printed items, the vital part to consider in a 3D printer is the build volume. Most printers restrict users to a specific capacity, so you need to buy a bigger machine to increase build capacity. The Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 have similar build volumes at 220 x 220 x 240 mm for Aquila and 220 x 220 x 250 for Ender 3 V2.
What makes Ender 3 V2 a better option if you want a bigger machine or bigger capacity is because they also sell an Extender kit for these printers. You can buy an Extender kit that fits Ender 3 V2, such as the Extender 400 that expands the build volume in X and Y axes from 220 mm to 400 mm. The cost for this kit is $179, or you can also buy the kit that extends Z-axis only, which starts from $69.
Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 Print Bed
The print bed of Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 are also similar, and they are glass. If you have seen a similar print bed, the glass is not flat but has a texture or layer that helps the items stick to the surface. This surface type is excellent for producing a smooth layer and is very easy to remove after the bed cools down. Depending on printing intensity and handling, they may be prone to breakage, but we can buy the replacement part from the company.
The bed on these printers requires manual leveling, which is very common for a printer in the price range. The leveling step is vital to get a good print regardless of the machine. You can use the traditional paper method or install a BL touch sensor to automate the process. Both devices are open source, so you can add many accessories to improve the experience. These printers also seem to hold the level very well since we find it rare to re-level.
Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 Extruder
The extruder is one of the main differences between Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2. Unlike the original Aquila and Ender 3 V2 that use Bowden-style extruders, this Aquila S2 uses a direct drive all-metal system. The difference between direct drive and Bowden is where the extruder is installed. The direct driver combines the extruder and hot end as one item, so the gear that feeds the filament is closer to the extruder. On the other hand, Bowden-style mount the extruder in a fixed position while the hot end moves.
Both methods have pros and cons, so everyone has their preference. The biggest advantage of the Bowden style is they usually print faster due to the less weight on the hot end. But, the direct drive has better filament control since they can push and retract filament faster thanks to the close distance. In addition, the hot end temperature of Aquila S2 can reach 300 degrees while Ender 3 V2 is only up to 250 degrees Celsius. A higher hot end temperature allows Aquila S2 to use a wide range of filaments such as TPU.
Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 Performance
Both Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 are working well. The test prints come out beautiful, and the machines are relatively easy to use. Users may need to tweak the setting depending on the material and design, but overall we are satisfied with the performance. You can adjust the layer to as thin as 0.1 mm, giving the best-looking surface regardless of the machine. The print time is about the same, but the Aquila S2 is suitable with more filament types if you want to try the less common materials.
Voxelab Aquila S2 Vs Ender 3 V2
The best thing about Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 is they work well without much fuss. These printers are open source, and you can upgrade the components later, such as adding BL Touch to automate the leveling. The main difference between Voxelab Aquila S2 and Ender 3 V2 is temperature and capacity because Ender 3 V2 offers the ability to expand the build volume through the Extender kit. On the other hand, the Aquila S2 uses a direct drive extruder with an all-metal hot end that can reach 300 degrees Celsius to accommodate different filaments.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different preferences. We recommend the Aquila if your goal is to try other filaments that require a higher melting temperature. But, if you want a larger printer at a lower cost, the Ender 3 V2 is a perfect choice.