Sunlu Terminator 3 (T3) review
Table of Contents
Space Verdict
The Sunlu T3 is a very capable 3D printer worthy of a spot on anybody's workbench. The combination of fair price, plentiful features, and included spare parts makes the Terminator 3 a very competitive printer in the lower budget segment of the 3D printer market.
Pros
-
+
Simple assembly
-
+
Filament run-out detection
-
+
Clog detection
-
+
All metal extruder
-
+
Auto level
-
+
Full featured menu system
Cons
-
-
Fast mode needs work
-
-
Spool holder too thin
Sunlu is on a roll – after having released its S9 plus printer earlier this year, we can now welcome the Sunlu Terminator 3, or Sunlu T3, to its FDM 3D printer line-up.
The new Sunlu Terminator 3 has everything you need to get started printing right away, including filament runout detection, clog detection, and power loss recovery. This one is designed to print at speeds of up to 250 mm/s, which is quite impressive, but will the quality be up to par?
Let's take a look at the Sunlu Terminator 3 to see what it can do and how its print quality compares to the rest of our best 3D printers.
SUNLU TERMINATOR 3: DESIGN AND SETUP
Assembly screws
Allen key wrench set
Spare parts
Micro SD card
USB Card reader
Power cable
Metal spatula
Side cutters
Wrenches
USB Cable
Spool holder
Zip-ties
Sample Filament spool
Manual
Printer frame and base
The Sunlu Terminator 3 set-up is one of the most straightforward printers we've ever tried. Thanks to the detailed assembly instructions and numbered bags we managed to put everything together in about 10 minutes. The assembly process starts with mounting the upright assembly to the printer base, then you attach the filament spool holder, and finally you mount the power supply vertically on the back of the right side of the Z upright profile. When finished, ensure that the power supply voltage is set to the voltage used in your country.
Once the printer has been assembled, the next important step is to go through the levelling routine. You can do this by going into the motion menu and then levelling from the main menu.
The first step is to set the Z-offset. By selecting Z-offset, you can direct the printer to the center of the bed. We set the offset on a piece of regular copy paper so that the nozzle just begins to grab the paper. When you're finished, make sure Auxiliary leveling is enabled.
You can start your first print now, but there is also a manual levelling option to help make the leveling process more accurate. You will need to adjust the dials on each corner using the paper, just as you did with the Z-offset. The second dial helps to lock each corner into place once you've set each corner. Now you're ready to load your spool and print whatever your heart desires.
SUNLU TERMINATOR 3: SPECS AND FEATURES
Leveling: 16-point automatic leveling
Printing platform: 220 mm x 220 mm x 250 mm
Printing material: 1.75mm PLA, PLA+, carbon fiber, ABS, (low temp), PETG, HIPS, WOOD, PCL, TPU
Nozzle size: ø 0.4 mm (replaceable)
Nozzle temperature: ≤ 500°F / 260°C
Hot bed temperature: ≤ 230°F / 100°C
Printing speed: 20-250 mm/s
Recommended Printing speed: 40-60 mm/s
Control panel: LCD screen with control knob
Z-axis: Single threaded rod
Printer dimensions: 440 mm x 400 mm x 470 mm
Built in the traditional FDM style, the Sunlu Terminator 3 is , with a sleek base housing all of the electronics, a flexible magnetic build surface, and a power supply mounted vertically. The Sunlu T3 has a 1:1 extruder with an all-metal dual gear extruder. Just before the ex