Image by Brian Kaldorf.
DeltaMaker.com
Price as Tested $2,399
Build Volume 260mm Z, 240mm wide hexagonal platform
Bed Style Unheated acrylic
Temperature Control? Yes
Materials PLA
Print Untethered? Preconfigured OctoPrint
Onboard Controls? No
Host Software OctoPrint
Slicer CuraEngine
OS Mac, Windows, Linux
Open Software? Third-party software
Open Hardware? No
Everything about the DeltaMaker experience is minimalistic and seamless. With a Raspberry Pi tucked out of sight inside the base of its sleek silver frame, this wirelessly OctoPrint-controlled ‘bot arrives completely assembled with onboard CuraEngine slicing. While not a new OctoPrint feature, this is the first commercial machine I’ve seen with it enabled (Type A ships without onboard slicing). I’m flabbergasted that other vendors haven’t adopted it.
Streamlined Setup
Setup consists of removing the machine from the securely packed box, placing the removable, magnetically attached acrylic build plate on the frame, and plugging it in. Skim the setup guide for the OctoPrint login info, autolevel, load filament, and start printing from the browser of any device.
Properly Preconfigured Onboard Slicing
The built-in slicing configuration is conservatively configured to ensure success. It’s super easy and works quite well, as long as the model has been properly oriented before uploading. It’s refreshing that, unlike many other vendors utilizing free software toolchains, DeltaMaker took the time to properly preconfigure their slicing settings. The result is that their spartan approach makes the machine layer almost invisible, allowing OctoPrint to take center stage. Like any advanced digital fabrication tool – the hardware just works – and user energy is spent in software tweaking parameters, not mechanical fussing.
– Although currently without a heated-bed option, the Azteeg X3 controller used makes future upgrades possible.
– The Marlin firmware is slicer agnostic and both KISSslicer and Slic3r are viable options, but just use Cura. For more complex slicing needs, switch to the desktop version and upload your G-code via the browser.
WHY TO BUY
This delta robot-style machine looks and operates very differently than the boxy, Cartesian printers. It has a tall Z build area and ships with preconfigured OctoPrint with wi-fi enabled CuraEngine slicing out of the box.
Documentation Deficiency, XY Vibration
One area where DeltaMaker’s minimalist approach breaks down is the complete lack of readily available, online documentation. This austerity stands out in sharp contrast to the other machines tested.
A second detraction is that the hollow-ball connector rod ends that join the arms to the extruder-mounted effector platform seem to rattle a bit. It’s not particularly loud, especially when compared to Cartesian printers, but it appears to have produced resonance in the XY plane, failing our XY Resonance test.
CONCLUSION
While the DeltaMaker had miserable ratings for Retraction and Overhang, it earned top scores for Accuracy, Bridging, Backlash, Tolerance, and Z mechanical.
It also produced a nicely surfaced, completely articulated robot, tying with the Zortrax for the fourth highest overall print-quality score.
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