Voxelab is famous for its budget FDM printers like Voxelab Aries Vs Aquila X2. These printers are suitable for enthusiasts who want a reliable but affordable printer. They share many similarities with some crucial differences. If you wonder which printer to invest in, let’s see what they can offer and which you may like better here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- Are You Currently Looking for a 3D Printer
- What are Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- How are the Units of Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- How is the Capacity of Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- How is the Building Bed in Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- How is the Bed Leveling in Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- How is the Extruder in Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- What else Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 can offer
- How is the Performance of Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
- Voxelab Aries Vs Aquila X2
FDM 3D Printers
The best 3D printer is the one that fits your application. Not everyone has the same goal and preferences, so it is wise to get something you will enjoy using. Today’s most popular 3D printer type is FDM, and it is easy to see why. They are affordable and relatively easy to start with. The same resin printers usually yield smaller build volumes than an FDM at the same price point. However, FDM printers are also available in various types depending on the mechanism.
The most common FDM printer is Cartesian such as Voxelab Aquila S2 Vs Ender 3 V2, while the other coordinate system is Delta machine with typically tall build capacity. When buying a 3D printer, plan what you want to use the device for. Many people are interested in the machine itself, like FPV drone enthusiasts who build their system from scratch. Many 3D printers are upgradeable, and you want to improve the machine to achieve better print results.
This type of machine is open-source, and you can add or replace some components without harming the performance. On the other hand, some people don’t want to fiddle too much with the machine. This type of user wants a reliable and intuitive machine that produces good prints for their projects. FlashForge is an example of a brand that carries plenty of intuitive 3D printers. The machine usually comes in a box, is fully sealed, has plenty of automation, and has a relatively small build volume. Price-wise they are more expensive.
| Voxelab Aries | Voxelab Aquila X2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 22.5 x 14.9 x 8.4 inches | 22.05 x 8.27 x 14.96 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 20.2 pounds | 21.7 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2
Depending on what you need for the project, you can find various types of 3D printers from plenty of companies. We suggest spending on well-known or reputable names because they usually have a good product quality. Sometimes the machine is good, but the quality control is bad. Decide what your focus is and set the budget. If the budget is flexible, we can go for the most advanced FDM printer in the collection, especially if you are looking for convenience.
Voxelab is one of the famous competitors in the budget section, and if the name is not very familiar, it is because they are relatively new. This brand is related to FlashForge, so don’t be surprised when seeing how close the companies are. Like most brands, Voxelab offers varying options to cater to their consumers, such as Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2. They are suitable for beginners but not for the same users. The Aries is more expensive and perfect for users who focus on convenience.
The Aquila is a famous printer from Voxelab and is available in a few different variants. The Aquila X2 is a slight upgrade over the original Aquila, while the S2 is a higher variant with a more noticeable difference. The main difference between Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 is the capacity because Aries is smaller despite the higher price point. This issue can be the primary concern when you want to invest in any of these printers. Many people expect to find auto-leveling in Aries, but this feature is missing.
The overall features of Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 are very similar. Still, the shape and appearance of Aries make it an ideal choice for users who want to have a machine that they can display while operating. Arguably a box printer is more eye-pleasing than a typical FDM, but the functions are identical. We recommend the Aquila X2 because it is larger and more affordable.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Units
One of the best things to choose Aries is the lack of assembly. This printer comes almost ready to use with only a small amount of components we need to attach manually. This printer may look like it has a full enclosure, but it is not. The front, sides, and tops are not covered, which means the temperature inside the printing chamber is not well-maintained. The control panel is at the bottom, and the spool holder and the extruder are at the back.
On the other hand, the Aquila X2 comes in parts. The main components are the building base and the pillars that support the hot end and extruder. The manual is helpful, but we recommend watching video assembly for convenience, and you may find some tips while connecting the parts. This type of printer is less convenient, but it is possible to get a proper installation even with less experience. Voxelab usually provides a small spool of filament so you can start the printing tests.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Capacity
Before buying any 3D printers, you must consider the item to print, especially the size and material. Not every printer has the same printing capacity and ability. The print volume is a common factor that increases a machine’s cost, so a bigger printer almost always costs higher. Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 are relatively small but suitable for beginners and many users. However, the Aquila X2 is slightly bigger at 220 x 220 x 250 mm, while Aries is 200 mm in all axes.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Building Bed
The Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 use a glass bed to help the prints stick to the surface. The carborundum glass plate has texture on one side or the top and is smooth on the other. The texture is necessary to provide an adhesion effect to the first layers to stick well. Glass beds can be prone to damage and not flexible, but subjective. We think the bed works well, and you can buy the spare part if necessary; Voxelab sells the parts for their printers.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Bed Leveling
While Aries doesn’t have an auto-leveling feature, this printer has a semi-auto-leveling system to aid the process. Instead of manually measuring the distance, you can use the menu from its control panel and follow the instructions. Press the Level on the menu and see the print head moving to three different positions while the build plate moves into a position just under the nozzle. The manual part measures this distance using a paper or similar thin sheet.
The purpose is to adjust platform height so the nozzle can scrape the paper as it moves around. Adjust the distance from the menu or rotate the gray knobs under the platform. Repeat the process for every spot across the build plate, and once done, the printer will store the setting for you. On the other hand, Aquila X2 is entirely manual. However, you can buy a BL Touch sensor and install it on the X2 to make this process automatic.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Extruder
Next is the extruder, and both printers are using a Bowden-style extruder which means the extruder and hot end are in separate housing. The Aries has its extruder mounted on the back of the printer, above the spool holder. The Aquila mounts its extruder on the X-axis to reduce hot-end weight. The temperature will reach 250 degrees to accommodate standard filaments like PLA and ABS. The extruder in Aries seems to cause more noise in the frame, making the printer pretty loud.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Features
The Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 also come with some features. As mentioned above, the Aries has a semi-automatic bed leveling which is helpful for new owners to reduce the leveling steps. Aries also has Wi-Fi which is convenient if you want a wireless printing process. These printers have a filament run-out sensor to tell you that the filament spool is empty or there is a possible breakage. They also have resume printing that saves your job if there is a power outage or loss.
Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 Experience
Lastly is for the overall experience with Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2. They are ideal for PLA and ABS, but PETG can be tricky to print. The best software to slice your design is still Cura because we see some people struggling to get a clean print with VoxelMaker. But, when dialed in, the machines can print good items. The benchy we see is not incredibly smooth but looks good enough for most applications. Printing bearings is also possible, and they are satisfying.
Voxelab Aries Vs Aquila X2
Both Voxelab Aries and Aquila X2 are good printers but for different users. The main difference between these printers is their shape and features. Aries is smaller in capacity but larger in form factor. The Aries has a nice-looking box, Wi-Fi, and semi-auto leveling that can be helpful for beginners. The drawback is the machine can be loud, and the stock slicer is not as good as Cura. The Aquila X2 is cheaper, has a bigger build capacity, and everything is manual.
Conclusion
We like these printers and their printing performance. But, we recommend the Aquila X2 because the upgrades and overall convenience from the Aries are not exciting. The Aquila X2 is reliable and easy to upgrade if you want to achieve greater performance or convenience.