The Longer LK5 Pro, successor to the popular LK4 Pro model, is an affordable 3D printer that targets users seeking larger print space without significantly disrupting their budget. This review will thoroughly examine the printers features and functionalities and how it compares with the competition in the 3D printing field.
Appearance and Design
The Longer LK5 Pro retains the aesthetic appearance of its predecessor with a robust aluminum profile construction. The design is clean and modern, with a high frame and spacious print area. The manufacturer has added support rods to increase stability when printing large objects.
Print Volume of the Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer
One of the main advantages of the Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer is its large print space, measuring 300 x 300 x 400 mm. This volume allows for the printing of larger and more complex projects, ideal for users who want to experiment with various 3D printing applications.
Helmets and Costumes: Excellent choice for printing cosplay accessories and parts, such as helmets, masks, or entire costume sections.
Architectural Models: The large print space enables the printing of detailed architectural models, ideal for architecture students or designers.
Furniture Components and Decorations: Capability to print functional parts of furniture, such as handles, table legs, or decorative elements.
Prototypes and Functional Parts: Allows the production of large prototypes or functional parts for various industrial applications.
Educational Models: Ideal for printing educational aids, such as anatomical models, geographical maps, or historical replicas.
Artworks: Enables artists to create large sculptures, installations, or other art projects.
Toys and Games: Great for producing large toys, board games, and their components, such as figurines or building blocks.
Tools and Aids: Possibility to print useful tools, holders, organizers, and other aids for home or workshop.
Customized Accessories: Printing of personalized accessories, such as phone covers, tablet cases, or unique jewelry.
The Longer LK5 Pro offers almost limitless possibilities in what you can print, making it a versatile printer for various applications and projects. The large print space opens doors to creativity and innovation, ideal for anyone looking for a printer capable of handling diverse and ambitious projects.
Assembly and Calibration of the Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer
The assembly of the Longer LK5 Pro printer can be time-consuming and requires carefulness, which is important to ensure proper functionality and print quality. Compared to other printers, the LK5 Pro requires more effort in the preparatory phase. How to assemble the Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer can be found in our video on this page.
Detailed Assembly: The printer comes with several main components that need to be carefully assembled. This process provides users with a deeper understanding of the mechanics and operation of the printer.
Assembly Instructions: Although instructions are available, they can sometimes be unclear or insufficient, requiring users to carefully check and possibly seek external sources or video tutorials for better understanding.
Print Bed Calibration: The Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer does not include the function of automatic print bed leveling, meaning calibration must be done manually using the knobs under the bed. This can be challenging, especially for beginners, but is a key step in ensuring an even first layer of print.
Importance of Accurate Calibration: Accurate calibration is essential to prevent problems such as improper first layer adhesion, print distortion, or irregular layers.
Tools and Aids: The printer is supplied with several tools needed for assembly. It is recommended to have additional tools, such as digital calipers or a level ruler, on hand to ensure accuracy in assembly.
Community Support: For those struggling with assembly and calibration challenges, online communities and forums provide valuable advice and instructions from experienced users.
Testing and Tuning: After assembly, it is important to perform several test prints to further adjust and calibrate the printer for optimal results.
Overall, while the assembly and calibration process of the Longer LK5 Pro may be more challenging than other printers, it provides users with a valuable opportunity to better understand their printer and learn how to achieve the best possible print quality. This preparatory phase is crucial for long-term success and satisfaction with print results.
Printing Technology and Materials
The Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology and is adapted for printing with materials such as PLA and PETG. Due to the Bowden extruder and the temperature limitation of the print bed at 75 °C, the printer is not ideal for printing with TPU or higher temperature demanding materials like ABS or ASA.
Print Quality of the Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer
The Longer LK5 Pro is capable of providing users with decent print quality, capable of reaching a resolution of up to 100 microns, important for detailed and smooth print surfaces. This resolution is suitable for a wide range of applications, from artistic projects to technical prototypes.
Detail and Accuracy: With proper settings, the LK5 Pro can print with high accuracy, crucial for models requiring detailed processing.
Surface Finish: The printer produces smooth surfaces with good layer adhesion, increasing structural integrity and visual quality of prints.
Optimization and Adjustments: Although standard settings provide good results, further adjustments such as tuning retractions, print temperature, and print speed may be necessary to achieve the best possible print quality.
Supports and Bridging: LK5 Pro effectively addresses areas with bridging and supports, minimizing the need for post-processing.
Use of Different Materials: Print quality can be affected by the type of filament used. PLA and PETG typically provide the best results, while other materials may require experimentation to achieve optimal results.
Influence of Temperature Settings: Temperature settings play a key role, especially for temperature-sensitive materials. Users should conduct testing to find ideal temperatures for specific materials.
Consistency of Printing: The Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer provides consistent results when repeatedly printing the same models, important for projects requiring serial production or replication.
Overall, the Longer LK5 Pro offers an excellent combination of quality, accuracy, and flexibility in settings, making it suitable for a wide range of printing projects, from simple to challenging. With the possibility of detailed tuning and customization, excellent results can be achieved that meet the needs and expectations of users.
Price and Value
With the price at which the Longer LK5 Pro 3D printer is sold, it is one of the most affordable large-format 3D printers on the market. Although it requires some adjustments and effort to achieve the best results, it offers excellent value, especially for users looking for a large print volume at a low cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Large print volume at an affordable price.
Attractive and stable design.
TMC2208 stepper motors for quieter operation.
Cons:
More complex assembly and calibration.
Limited in the types of materials that can be used.
Lack of some advanced features, such as automatic print bed leveling.
Conclusion
The Longer LK5 Pro is an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable 3D printer with a large print space. Although it requires more effort in terms of assembly and calibration, it is ideal for users who are willing to invest time in setting up and adjusting to achieve quality prints. Considering its price and features, the LK5 Pro is a great choice for beginners and advanced users alike who are looking for a large print volume without a significant financial investment.
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