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The Full OneUp 3D Printer Review You Have to Read

The Full OneUp 3D Printer Review You Have to Read
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Every once in a while you hear about a Kickstarter campaign that attracts attention because it offers a unique new product or raises a hefty sum of money such as $25,000 or even $100,000.

However, when is the last time you heard of a Kickstarter campaign raising more than $400,000? Probably never, but that is exactly what OneUp accomplished with their 2013 campaign and they do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

The actual name of the company that makes the OneUp 3D Printer is Quintessential Universal Building Device, Inc. based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Since their big splash with Kickstarter, they have added improvements to the OneUp 3D Printer as well as adding other 3D printer models to their product line.

Part of the initial attraction to the OneUp 3D Printer is the price point, set at only $199 for the base model. The price point makes the unit accessible to almost anyone with an interest in 3D printing or anyone with even a mild interest in general technology advancements.

It is affordable enough to lure those who perhaps would not normally purchase a 3D printer and effective enough to keep things interesting for those with a specific interest or use for quality 3D printing capability. Let’s have a closer look at the OneUp 3D Printer, see what it can offer and how it stacks up to a little scrutiny.

Out of the Box

The OneUp arrives as a kit and needs to be assembled, which is part of what keeps the price the low. While this can sometimes be a recipe for disaster with many different types of products, this is not the case with the OneUp.

The instructions are very accurate, detailed and include color illustrations. The time to assemble will vary depending on how technically inclined you are, but estimates range from two to eight hours.

An external board holds the power supply module as well as a motor controller board, with all wires from accompanying components terminating on the board. A USB cable facilitates communication between your PC or Mac and the board.

The software that is recommended and most often used for device operation is called Repetier Host, which is a well-known piece of software that is free of charge for personal use.

Setting up the printer and getting it ready for actual work is not complicated. The included full-color screenshots in the instructions are very helpful in this area. You will have to spend a few minutes setting the proper temperature for the filament, adjusting the movement speeds and working with the fill settings in order to be completely ready to go.

OneUp 3D Printer Operation

A mark against the OneUp is the speed at which it operates. It operates at around 70% of what could be considered the average speed of other printers in the lower price categories. If you are impatient and looking for a unit that is capable of fast production, then the OneUp is not a good choice for you.

However, once you have had an opportunity to experience several different models of 3D printers in action, you will realize that in the lower price ranges there is usually a tradeoff in quality for speed. If you have patience and quality is important for your projects, then the OneUp 3D Printer should fit nicely for you.

However, keep in mind, all of the comments above are framed within the fact we are discussing a 3D printer in the $200 (check this listing for the latest live prices) price range.

The OneUp comes with NEMA 17 motors, 1.75mm filament and a 0.4mm nozzle. With a little work and a few adjustments, you can start to get results that are nearly identical relatively quickly. The print area is a little on the small side but again given the price range that is to be expected.

An item worth mentioning is the noise level of OneUp’s operation; it is very quiet by almost any standard. Some 3D printers in lower price ranges can have a tendency to operate in a rough and louder than average fashion, but that is not the case with the OneUp. It is surprisingly smooth and quieter than many models that are multiples of its price point.

The OneUp Design

The overall design, as well as fit and finish of the OneUp, are noticeably impressive. All the components fit tightly together without gaps or uneven edges. The parts are designed to come apart and snap together with appropriate force and I found the unit had a very nice balance.

There were no loose parts, but with an appropriate amount of force, the components smoothly separated without feeling forced or like they did not fit quite right.

The OneUp 3D Printer Features:

The OneUp comes with a full list of features and while not as flexible as some of its higher-end sister models, it produces very high-quality work with the standard setup that is included with the base model. There are several upgrade options and other models available, but the base unit is more than enough to get new and casual users started with 3D printing.

It is capable of producing very nice quality without having to upgrade.

Specifications:

Specification  Size or Type 
Build Area> 

Printing Speed> 

Filament Type> 

Layer Resolution> 

Number of Extruders> 

Nozzle> 

Open or Closed System> 

Warranty Info> 

Price Point> 

 

3.94 x 3.94 x 4.92 

Maximum 100 mm/s 

PLA Standard, Optional Upgrade 

50 Microns 

1 

0.40mm 

Open 

30-Day Warranty 

$199 (check this listing for the latest live prices)

 

Additional Features:

  • Fused Filament Fabrication 
  • Frame-Acrylic/Laser-Cut Melamine 
  • Approximate Build Area- 4x4x5 
  • Bld. Surface-Acrylic/Melamine 
  • Shaft-Hardened 8mm/Chromed/Ground 
  • Filament- 1.75mm in Diameter 
  • Precision ACME Z Axis Screw 
  • Nozzle- 0.40mm in Diameter 
  • Min. Feature- .20mm 
  • Max Extruder Temp- 250 Celsius 
  • SD Card and USB 
  • Control Software-Repetier Host (Free for Personal Use) 
  • Files-OBJ/STL 

Pros

Instructions and Setup Process

The setup process, especially for a DIY kit, is far above average. The included instructions are clear, detailed and come with color illustrations, which help the assembly process tremendously.

Design

The fit and finish, as well as the overall design of the unit, are above average, especially given its price point. The components feel solid; operate in a smooth fashion and fit together just like they are supposed to, which is not always the case with lower-end models.

Price

At $199 (check this listing for the latest live prices) for the base model, the OneUp offers an amazing value and a lot of “bang for your buck.” There are upgraded options and models available, but if you are new to the 3D printing market and looking for a first model to try, this is an excellent entry model to get some experience on.

Cons

Slower Operation

The slower than average operation can get tedious at times if you are short on patience. However, if you value quality, it is well worth the wait. The OneUp produces very nice quality work that can be compared to units that are in much higher price ranges.

Warranty

The unit comes with a standard 30-day warranty on any defective parts or units that are flawed due to quality issues from the factory. They also offer a 30-day refund policy, but it only applies to unbuilt or unused units and requires a 20% restocking fee.

Final Thoughts

It is hard to find much wrong with almost any 3D printer that costs less than $200, as long as it actually works. In a nutshell, the OneUp is simply one of the best values on the market. At $199 (check this listing for the latest live prices) it offers excellent quality, a nicely designed 3D printer and performs above average in many areas.

It is certainly not the right choice for someone that is highly experienced with 3D printing and looking for pure performance.

However, for new users, those that enjoy dabbling with new technology and casual users it is an option that requires a very low investment for a very big return in performance and options.

We have no issue highly recommending the OneUp 3D Printer as an entry-level unit or even intermediate-level unit for casual users. It is a great way to experience the magic of the 3D printing industry firsthand!

Check out our full review of the Q3D TwoUp Printer here.

OneUp

180.00
7.5

Print Speed

7.0/10

Build Area

7.5/10

Precision

8.0/10

Value

9.0/10

Ease of Use

6.0/10

Pros

  • Instructions and Setup Process
  • Design
  • Price

Cons

  • Slower Operation
  • Warranty