Mingda D2, FDM 3D printer for just over 250 euros | Review

Mingda D2

We have been reviewing various 3D printers in recent months, especially the new resin models equipped with monochrome LCD screens, which offer high precision at an affordable price. However, FDM printers are still the best choice for those approaching the world of 3D printing, especially for ease of use. What we propose in this article is the first model from Mingda, a Chinese manufacturer that is trying to make its way into the crowded market for low-cost 3D printers.

The D2 model takes a classic approach, but offers some interesting features such as the color LCD display, the heated bed and the magnetic printing pad is already included in the package, which you can remove and fold to easily detach the 3D models.

Receive this semi-assembled printer , and all you have to do is connect the extruder to the support, and then to the base. However, the instructions provided are scarce; those who already have experience will have no problem completing the installation, while if it is your first printer you may have a few more difficulties, and therefore take longer than necessary.

The print bed has dimensions of 23 x 23 cm, for a height of 26 cm. We can therefore consider it a medium format in terms of print volume. Among the accessory features, in addition to those indicated at the beginning of the article, we also add a sensor that checks the presence of the filament that allows you to pause the print in case it ends and an LED that illuminates the printing area (of dubious utility ). There is also a USB socket, for connection to a PC and an SD card reader, in standard (not micro) format in which to include the projects to be printed.

The printing characteristics are comparable to those of other models in the price range, ie a speed between 20 and 60 mm / s and an accuracy of 0.1 mm. Print all common materials, such as PLA, ABS and variants. It can be easily configured in the most common slicers (Cura, Simplify3D, etc).

Everything can be controlled from the 3.5 ”LCD touchscreen. The software has beautiful graphics and various control elements, but we cannot say that it is the most intuitive we have tried. However, after a few tests it is pleasant to have the many available parameters under control, an opportunity not offered by all models. The start of printing requires only to select the file, while subsequently it is possible to intervene on the temperature of the base or extruder (even during printing), the printing speed and the extrusion of the filament, act on the babystep to solve potential problems while printing, or increase the power of the cooling fans. In other words, it is possible to have detailed control over the individual parameters to intervene during the printing phase. During the configuration phase, however, it is possible to move each axis separately, to start the automatic procedure for loading or removing the filament.

After assembly, you only have to adjust the printing surface (using four screws with springs) and, in our case, also the limit switch of the vertical axis. Everything happens in a very simple way and the procedure is well explained in the manual, also within the reach of novices.

Print test

We printed the usual 3D Benchy as a qualitative test, of which you we put several pictures below. The overall quality is good for a printer of this range (and comparable to other models), albeit not perfect. Several defects that we encounter can be limited with an optimization of the printing parameters. The model you see was obtained with the basic settings of the slicer used (Cura), without any kind of intervention.

It must be said that the motors used to move the axis are very silent, which however is not can be said for the cooling fan. It's a shame the company didn't invest a bit more for a superior fan or cooling solution, as it could have achieved certainly better ergonomic results.

Verdict

The Mingda D2 it is a printer capable of offering good print quality, considering the range to which it belongs. It is not excellent, so it is probably not the model that we would recommend to those who want to create perfect models, but it is perfectly fine for those approaching this world or as a second printer.

The touchscreen with various additional commands and the presence of a full size Micro SD card reader. The choice of very quiet motors of the direct extruder is good, which allows more freedom in the choice of printing material, and the presence of the magnetic printing base. Too bad for the fan a bit too noisy.