The Lulzbot 3D printers are synonymous with precision and impressive print quality, and the Taz 4 and 5 models embody these concepts. The Taz 5 is a nod-worthy upgrade of the Taz 4. It’s quite understandable if you can’t seem to make up your mind between the older model and the newer upgrade. Hopefully, our Lulzbot Taz 4 vs Taz 5 comparison article would help you in making a proper decision. On this page, the similarities and differences between these two similar models would be discussed to help us decide if the Taz 5 is really better than its predecessor.
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Lulzbot Taz 4 vs Taz 5 - 3d Printer Comparison
Construction and Design
Lulzbot Taz 4
The print bed of the Taz 5 is designed with a PEI thermoplastic surface that can be heated prior to printing to prevent warping and distortion and also ensure that the base of the object to be printed sticks to the surface of the print bed. The Taz 5 also features the new Lulzbot Hexagon All Metal Hot End technology. This technology allows users of the Taz 5 to explore a wider variety of printing filaments including those that require a maximum temperature of 300° C.
Extruder Design
Both printers feature a single extruder design. However, the open source design of these machines makes it possible for the extruder to be upgraded to a dual extruder design. With a dual extruder, users can conveniently use two materials or print with two colors at the same time. The ability of the Lulzbot Taz machines to be configured and upgraded whenever desired to meet the needs of their owners is one of the major reasons for their popularity in the 3D printing market.
Build Area
The Lulzbot Taz machines have one of the largest build areas that can be found on any 3D printer. A large build area translates into a huge print volume, making both machines capable of printing big designs with ease. Both the Taz 4 and 5 have the same build area dimensions.
Resolution and Printing Quality
The Taz 5 has a wider resolution range from a minimum of 50 microns to a maximum of 500 microns, while the Taz 4’s resolution ranges from 75 microns to 350 microns. The wider range of the Taz 5 makes it possible to produce finer or coarser prints if and when needed. The Taz 5 has a slightly better print quality than the Taz 4.
Printing Speed
Both Taz machines are designed with the same printing speed.
Supported Printing Filaments
The Lulzbot Taz printers are capable of working with a wide range of filament choices including but not limited to PLA, ABS, polycarbonate, wood-based and metal-based materials, and nylon among others.
Printing Software
The Lulzbot machines use free software. They have no customized software specially created for Lulzbot machines and instead are designed to be compatible with various types of free software available. In the case of the Lulzbot Taz 4, it works with free softwares such as Slic3r and Pronterface. However, as with most free softwares, they are not always of topnotch quality and not so user friendly.
The Taz 5 also makes use of a free software owned by another 3D printing company. Cura software owned by Ultimaker is actually better and well-structured than the Slic3r and Pronterface. It is reportedly easier to use.
Open Source Nature
The beauty of these Lulzbot machines is their open source nature. When it comes down to customizability and versatility, these printers are outranked by none, based on their complete and total open source design. They use both open source hardware which can be easily upgraded, as well as free upgradable open source softwares. With Lulzbot Taz machines, there is no limit to your creativity.
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Noise Level
The Lulzbot Taz 3D printers are reputed to be noisy, according to reviews from a vast majority of users.
SD Card and USB Connectivity
Users of the Lulzbot Taz printers can print wirelessly by virtue of the SD Card slot designed into the machines. An external card containing the file to be printed is inserted into the slot and via the LCD control panel consisting of a monochrome display and a push dial, users can set the desired printing parameters as required. Both printers also feature USB connectivity for the purpose of printing from a computer.
Steep Learning Curve
Nothing good comes easy and that is the case with the Taz 3D printers. The general consensus from a large majority of users is the fact that learning the workings of these printers takes time, focus and lots of practice. Most users claim that once you had gotten the hang of it though, you would definitely fall in love with the Taz printers.
Pros and Cons of the Lulzbot Taz 4
Pros
- Open source design makes it easy to customize and upgrade
- Huge print area
- Extruder comes with several configuration options
- Consistent print quality
- Open source design makes it easy to customize and upgrade
Cons
- Noisy
- Steep learning curve
Pros and Cons of the Lulzbot Taz 5
Pros
- Huge print area
- Higher resolution range
- Extruder comes with several configuration options
- Consistent print quality
- Open source design makes it easy to customize and upgrade
- Able to work with materials requiring high temperatures
Cons
- Noisy
- Steep learning curve
Summary
If you are deciding between these two high-end products, it’s safe to assume that price is not so much of a factor as the quality of output, performance and durability. The Taz 5 may cost more than the Ultimaker 2 at the regular price (although a sale can change that), but the various benefits it offers would ensure you enjoy your money’s worth. Its larger build area gives you ample room to create bigger designs, its parts can be easily changed or replaced to suit your needs, and it does offer one of the best print quality one can find in 3D printers.