I have two versions (2013 & 2014) of the super popular Printrbot Simple 3D Printer. It's a fantastic printer for the price and a lot of fun to build and use.
Read previous reviews about this 3D printer:
- Printrbot Simple 3D Printer Kit Review (2013 Version)
- Printrbot Simple 3D Printer Kit Review (2014 Version)
3D Printing Primer
If you are new to 3D printing, get up to speed before reading my reviews. I have also created a 3D Printer Buyers Guide so you can easily compare all the different models and choose the right one depending on your budget and requirements.My Printrbot Simple XL Upgrade Kit Review
Printrbot Simple XL Upgrade Kit Review
If you already own (or a planning on purchasing) a Printrbot Simple 3D Printer, for only $99 more, you can upgrade the printer with the Printrbot Simple XL Upgrade Kit.
It's probably something you want to purchase with the 3D printer. Reason being is that you can build the XL version from scratch, instead of taking apart a completed printer and upgrading it.
The Printrbot Simple XL upgrade kit extends the build volume of a Printrbot Simple 3D printer from 4 x 4 x 4 inches / 100 x 100 x 100 mm (H x W x D) to maximum dimensions of 7.28 x 3.9 x 6.5 inches / 185 x 100 x 165 mm (H x W x D).
This upgrade kit, includes laser-cut birch wood parts, metal rods, and a Y-motor extension to assemble a tower that extends build dimensions and helps provide additional rigidity.
The tower includes removable wide-stance feet and a handle cutout for portability. Parts are also included to assemble a small filament spool and spool coaster to hold filament.
Build Much Larger and More Complicated Objects
After I installed this kit, I was able to print larger objects that I hadn't been able to print before.
Now I am able to print a number of complex models from Thingiverse.com like a Dragon Castle.
Installation Time: 40 Minutes
Installing the kit took around 40 mins. If you have built a Printrbot Simple from a kit, it will definitely take you less than an hour. If you have a pre-assembled Printrbot Simple, it might take you a bit more than an hour. Regardless, it's an easy installation.
The Printrbot website has a great video on how to install the kit.
The kit also includes a spool which enables you to organize your PLA and make sure that it doesn't get tangled.
What's in the Simple XL Upgrade Kit?
- 13″ smooth rods (2)
- 10.5″ acme rod
- Laser-cut wood plate for print platform
- Laser-cut wood plate for print bed
- Laser-cut wood pieces for tower, spool, and spool coaster(10)
- Y-motor extension
- Fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers, etc.) for assembly
- Zip ties (12)
- String
Printrbot Simple XL Upgrade Kit Contents
Summary
The Simple XL Upgrade Kit is a great addition to your Printrbot Simple 3D Printer. For $99, it's well worth it to almost double the size of objects that can be printed.
Hi Max, is this kit compatible with a legacy printrbot simple 2014 that has been upgraded with the makers 1405 kit? I need to know!
Hi Alphonse, some parts of the kit are, but to upgrade to the 1405XL you need this kit and the 1405 xl upgrade stepup kit. You also need the 2014 -> 1405 makers upgrade kit. They also make an XL upgrade kit for the 1405 as well.
Is this upgrade kit compatiable with the 2014 version of the printer?
Yes it is.