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Zeus 3D Printer Review – My Take on the “All in One”

Zeus 3D Printer Review – My Take on the “All in One”
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Several years ago, the 3D printing industry caught the attention of many and looked full of promised to revolutionize the marketplace for consumers. While there have been some amazing developments in the 3D printing world recently, most of its influence has been limited to tech enthusiasts, hobbyists and those connected with the industry. That may slowly be starting to change though, as 3D printer manufacturers have intensified their focus on developing products that can merge the gap between the average consumer and the niche market.

The company behind the Zeus All in One is AIO Robotics out of California. The company was officially founded in 2013 and one of their primary goals is providing greater 3D printing exposure to the broader global marketplace. In fact, they identify this as a primary goal on their website.

AIO Robotics – About the AIO Robotics Mission

AIO Robotics has been actively engaged in efforts to reduce the barrier of entry to 3D printing technology and products for several years. Making 3D printers a viable option for even the average consumer was part of the motivation behind their development of the Zeus All in One 3D Printer.

Development of the Zeus began as a Kickstarter campaign, and while many other 3D printer Kickstarter campaigns failed, the Zeus project captured the attention of those familiar and unfamiliar with the 3D printing industry. At a quick glance, it’s easy to understand why the Zeus gained momentum on Kickstarter, as it combines technology already very familiar to consumers with cutting-edge 3D printing and scanning functions.

Let’s have a closer look at the Zeus All in One 3D Printer and see what it has to offer. Perhaps this is the 3D printer model that will finally connect with the average consumer and break down the barrier to the 3D printing world.

Introducing the Zeus All in One – Overview of Operations & Features

  • Push Button Print + Scan Solution: The Zeus offers a relatively unique design as it combines 3D printing and scanning capabilities with simple push-button copy and fax functionality. This is an important design element because it uses technology already familiar to consumers and pairs it with 3D printing functions. The unit operates as standalone hardware and does not require a connection to a computer, which is quite different from most other 3D printers.
  • Completely Self Contained: Typically, 3D printers utilize CAD files on a laptop or desktop computer to facilitate printing operations. The Zeus is completely self-contained and has a 1.7Ghz Exynos quad-core processor onboard as well as a seven-inch touchscreen control panel for easy operation. Not having to rely on an outside source to control operations is a significant advantage for this unit and gives it a leg up versus other 3D printers in its category.
  • Cutting Edge Tech (SLT): 3D printers have always pushed the edges of technology a bit, but recently they have reached even new heights and are really starting to do some things that are hard to believe. Some of the stuff is straight out of the movies. AIO designed the Zeus with a feature called swiping laser triangulation (SLT). Utilizing SLT technology, the Zeus All in One unit can scan an object that is a maximum of five inches tall and nine inches in diameter. Once it completes the scanning process the data is saved either in the internal memory or Micro SD card.

Who Needs a Driverless Car When You Have Teleportation?

  • Remote Printing: With the data available either internally or via micro SD, you now have two options. You can run a print job and have the Zeus print the object or you can use an internet connection to print the object to a remote location, 10 miles away or 1,000 miles away! I am very in-tune with the technology world and its recent advancements, but the ability to 3D print to a remote location on demand is very cool.
  • Slower Scan: While this is a very interesting feature, to say the least, the scanning process is quite slow and even very small objects can take more than thirty minutes. Not a huge downside for those who are familiar with and have worked with 3D printers before but perhaps it would be for people that are not as experienced.With the exception of a slow scanning process, the rest of its operations appeared to be efficient and smooth.
  • Clean Interface: The user-interface is clear and uncomplicated, in fact, probably easier to understand than many modern office copiers.
  • Attractive Price Point for Industrial Grade Experience: Besides being a self-contained unit, the second big advantage the Zeus offers over other 3D printers is print quality versus price. It offers excellent print quality that is comparable or better than many other machines in its category. In some cases, the quality is even on par with some industrial 3D printers that are five or times the price. Overall, it could run you as much as $3,000.
  • Optional Maintenance Package: AIO makes ownership easy by offering an optional maintenance package which includes one year of repairs and it covers parts as well as shipping.

Specifications of the Zeus

Build: 8.0 x 6.0 x 5.7″

 

PLA Filament

 

Fax from One ZEUS to Another

 

Enlarge & Reduce Capable in Duplication Process

 

Speed-Min. 40 mm/s & Max 160 mm/s

 

1 Extruder

 

80 Micron-0.08 mm Resolution

 

Speed-Min. 40 mm/s & Max 160 mm/s

 

Filament 1.75 mm Diameter

 

Color Touchscreen-7 Inches

 

Enclosed Build Area

 

Two 2.0 USB Ports

 

Scanning Volume Maximums: 5″ Ht. x 9″ Diameter

 

Standalone Unit-No External Operating System Needed

 

Supports Wi-Fi

 

Windows/Mac/Linux Compatible

 

Print File Types

STL/AIO

Exported File Types

PLY/OBJ/STL/AIO

Internal Storage

8GB + available 16 GB Micro-SD slot

Optional Maintenance Package

AIO offers an optional maintenance package for the Zeus All in One 3D Printer that includes 12 months of repairs, includes shipping costs and covers all parts. This is a nice addition and makes owning the unit hassle free, especially when you are learning way around for the first few months. It’s an affordable 3D printer that comes at a cost of the package is $350.

Shipping

AIO currently offers shipping within the United States only.

Final Recommendation

Overall, the Zeus All in One from AIO is impressive and it offers some unique features you don’t find with every 3D printer on the market.

The print quality is above average and matches or exceeds most other units in its category; in some cases it even equals the quality of units that are much more expensive. The swiping laser triangulation with the ability to 3D print to remote locations via an internet connection offers all kinds of amazing possibilities that make your imagination run wild, besides it’s just cool.

In addition to the above, the fact that the unit is completely self-contained and can operate without depending on an outside operating system is a big plus. When combined with having copy, fax, scanning and 3D printing functions all in one unit, it makes a nice package. The machine is straightforward and easy to use, which is aided by the simple layout on the seven-inch touchscreen panel. Functions are clearly marked and it is simple to navigate through the various screens to find what is needed.

If you are interested in a 3D printer that offers a total package, easy operation and high-quality results, then the Zeus is worthy of a spot on your short list of considerations. It is not quite as fast as a few other models but makes up for it in other areas. Overall, the unit is a solid value and we would consider a measuring stick for other units in its category. 

Zeus 3D Printer

8.4

Print Speed

8.6/10

Build Area

7.5/10

Precision

8.7/10

Value

8.1/10

Ease of Use

8.9/10

Pros

  • Industrial grade printing at a fraction of the price
  • Offers complete scanning solution in addition to print
  • Push button simplicity
  • Can reach higher print speeds without sacrificing too much in the way of quality
  • Consistently good overall quality prints

Cons

  • Still a pricey option for small businesses or sole props
  • Scanning can take 30-60 minutes
  • Enclosed system with not much room for tinkering
  • Only average build area
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Derek

Monday 5th of December 2016

What has happened to Zeus? After much hype about its kickstarter, they delivered the printer, reviews have been few. Zeus still updates its site, but they've fallen off the radar. This is a turnkey solution I'm looking for. But getting fair and balanced reviews is scarce. Amazon reviews are over the top glowing. is there a Zeus 2 on the horizon?