The world of 3D printing is evolving rapidly, with new models coming to market all the time. One printer that has generated quite a buzz lately is the Sovol SV06 Plus. This budget-friendly device promises professional-quality printing at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Sovol SV06 Plus to see if it lives up to the hype. We’ll examine its features, print quality, ease of use, community support, and overall value to help you determine if this is the right 3D printer for your needs and budget.
Overview of the Sovol SV06 Plus
The Sovol SV06 Plus is an enclosed FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer with a build volume of 270 x 210 x 200 mm. It features a direct drive extruder, removable heated print bed, and dual Z-axis rails for stability.
Some key specs of the SV06 Plus include:
- Build Volume: 270 x 210 x 200 mm
- Layer Resolution: 0.1 – 0.4mm
- Extruder Temperature: Up to 275°C
- Heated Bed Temperature: Up to 110°C
- Filament Types: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood, Copper fill
- Connectivity: SD card, USB, WiFi
- Dimensions: 60 x 48 x 49cm
- Weight: 16kg
The SV06 Plus requires assembly out of the box, but Sovol includes all necessary tools and comprehensive instructions to get up and running quickly. Once built, the metal frame and acrylic body give the printer a sturdy, premium feel.
So let’s take a deeper look at the features and performance of this budget workhorse.
Detailed Features and Capabilities
Here are some standout features that enable the SV06 Plus to deliver quality prints at such an affordable price point:
Direct Drive Extruder
The SV06 Plus utilizes a direct drive extruder rather than a Bowden setup. Direct drive extruders feed filament directly into the hot end and provide more precise control, allowing you to print flexible materials like TPU more easily. The extruder also has an all-metal construction for durability.
Dual Z-Axis Lead Screws
To minimize bed wobble and alignment issues, the SV06 Plus features dual Z-axis lead screws rather than a single screw. This keeps the gantry perfectly level and improves print precision, especially for taller models. The Z-axis also uses POM lead nuts for smooth, quiet operation.
Enclosed Heated Print Chamber
The enclosed build chamber enables printing with higher-temperature materials like ABS by preventing warping and keeping ambient temperatures consistent. It also makes printing safer by containing fumes. The removable heated bed provides temperatures up to 110°C for adhesion when printing ABS and other materials.
Resume Print Function
If a print gets interrupted due to a power or filament outage, the resume print function lets you restart right where it left off. This prevents wasted filament and time when long prints get interrupted.
Touch Screen Interface
The user-friendly 4.3” touch screen makes selecting files and controlling prints intuitive. You can check temps, control settings, auto-level, and more right from the screen.
WiFi Connectivity
Built-in WiFi allows you to print wirelessly from compatible devices. You can queue prints on the go and monitor the printer remotely using the compatible app.
All-Metal Hotend
The micro-swiss style all-metal hotend can reach temperatures up to 275°C, providing the ability to print higher-temp materials like ABS and nylon. The redesigned cooling system further improves overhangs and bridging.
Outstanding Community Support
Sovol has built an engaged community of SV06 Plus users who share mods, tips, troubleshooting, and more in forums and groups. This makes the learning curve much easier for beginners.
Print Quality and Performance
One of the most important metrics for evaluating any 3D printer is the quality and accuracy of the prints it can produce. Overall, reviewers and users praise the SV06 Plus for achieving excellent print quality for a printer at this price point.
Prints display good dimensional accuracy and fine details thanks to the precise direct drive extruder and dual Z-axis setup. The minimum layer height of just 0.1mm allows for very detailed prints.
The enclosed chamber and heated bed allow materials like ABS and TPU to print smoothly with minimal warping. Users mention reliably printing figures, cosplay props, engineering prototypes, and more on this printer with great results.
However, like any budget 3D printer, the SV06 Plus isn’t without some limitations. The tradeoff for the low price is print speed, which tops out around 60-80mm/s. Complex models with intricate details will require slower speeds for the best accuracy.
Some users also note occasional layer shifting on taller prints before properly calibrating the belt tension. But overall, most users achieve remarkable print quality for the price once dialed in properly. The SV06 Plus can compete with printers costing twice as much.
Ease of Use
One of the goals with the SV06 Plus was maximum usability and minimal fuss, especially for beginners. Overall, the printer achieves this with features like the touch screen interface, WiFi printing, and simple menu navigation.
Assembly out of the box takes just 30-60 minutes thanks to the detailed instructions. Loading filament is as simple as inserting into the extruder and selecting “load” on the display. And removing prints from the spring steel sheet is easy after powering down the heated bed.
Leveling the bed manually takes patience but is essential for good first layer adhesion. Thankfully, the printer also comes equipped with an auto-bed leveling probe for automated leveling once configured properly. This makes the process practically foolproof.
The responsive touch screen and simple menu structure allow you to select files and control prints with minimal training or experience needed. You can even monitor temps and make mid-print adjustments as needed.
While not as refined as some high-end printers, the SV06 Plus still aims to make 3D printing as accessible as possible. And with the wealth of online resources from Sovol and the community, getting comfortable with core functions is relatively simple.
Filament Options
Having the ability to print different materials opens up a wider range of applications for your printer. Here are the filament types supported by the Sovol SV06 Plus:
- PLA – This corn-based plastic is the most common starter material due to its low temperature requirements and minimal odor/fumes. It comes in endless colors and finishes.
- ABS – Known for its strength and thermal resistance, ABS produces durable parts but requires higher temps to print cleanly. The enclosed chamber makes printing this material possible.
- TPU – Flexible TPU allows printing bendable parts like shoe soles and phone cases. The direct drive extruder handles this filament well.
- PETG – Similar to ABS but easier to print, PETG is great for containers and objects that need temperature resistance and strength.
- Wood/Copper Fill – Specialty wood and copper-infused filaments create decorative prints that feel like real wood or take on a metallic sheen.
The all-metal hotend reaches temperatures high enough to handle exotic filaments like polycarbonate (PC) and nylon as well. Overall, the SV06 Plus provides impressive material versatility for a printer at this price.
Print Size Limitations
While capable of printing a wide range of objects, the SV06 Plus still has some limitations on print size dictated by its build volume. Here are the maximum dimensions possible on this printer:
- X axis (width): 270mm
- Y axis (depth): 210mm
- Z axis (height): 200mm
The cubic build area of 270 x 210 x 200 mm allows printing of decently sized models, cosplay armor pieces, drone parts, and more. But very large prints like helmet replicas or massive terrain pieces will require a printer with greater build dimensions.
If planning to print large, intricate miniatures or cosplay props in one piece, make sure to double check that your model files fit within the above dimensions. Anything requiring more space will need to be scaled down or split into smaller sections.
For its entry-level price range though, the SV06 Plus still offers a generous build volume that can handle many common applications and model sizes. Just be aware of the boundaries when designing and slicing very large prints.
Noise Levels
Excessive noise is a common complaint for inexpensive 3D printers using cheaper components. However, the SV06 Plus does a decent job keeping volume levels reasonable for a budget device.
The combination of the enclosed body and electronic cooling fans keeps mechanical noise muted significantly. Most users describe the noise output as relatively minimal. You may hear some vibrations and fan noise, but nothing loud or disruptive.
Print speeds play a role as well – faster travels and prints tend to increase noise levels. But when running at normal speeds, the sounds are comparable to an average home desktop printer. Running overnight in an office or adjacent room should not be an issue.
For the most comfortable experience, you can further reduce sound with some DIY acoustic damping modifications on the body panels. But even in stock form, the SV06 Plus runs fairly quietly due to its sturdy metal frame and enclosed design.
Connectivity and User Interface
Interacting with your printer should be simple and frustration-free. The SV06 Plus offers a few options for connecting to devices and controlling your prints:
SD Card – Models sliced on your PC can save directly to the included SD card for headless printing. This allows printing without relying on WiFi.
USB – You can connect directly to a computer via USB cable to send print files and control the printer through host software like Cura.
WiFi – Built-in WiFi allows wireless printing from mobile devices or using the companion app for monitoring.
Touch Screen – The responsive 4.3” color touch screen provides the easiest direct interface. You can browse files, level the bed, adjust settings and more.
The touch screen is the real standout, making printer control extremely intuitive even for beginners. Between the screen, WiFi, SD card, and USB connectivity, you have plenty of options for managing your prints.
Reliability and Longevity
Considering the affordable price, a common concern is whether the SV06 Plus can deliver reliable performance over years of use rather than just months. Overall, the printer scores well in longevity for a budget model.
The metal framing and solid acrylic panels feel durable and able to withstand reasonable wear. As long as the printer is maintained properly by cleaning, lubricating, and replacing components as needed it should provide years of service.
Critical components like the motherboard, PSU, and hotend use proven designs rather than cheap knockoffs, lending to their longevity. And the 24V system avoids potential fire risks associated with substandard 12V electronics.
There are consumable parts like PEI sheets and nozzles that require periodic replacement after extensive use. But this is normal for any FDM printer. As long as you don’t mind occasional tweaking and tune-ups, the SV06 Plus should run reliably for years of moderate use rather than just burn out quickly.
Safety Features
The hot components and moving parts involved with 3D printing pose some potential risks that responsible manufacturers try to address. Here are some key safety features built into the Sovol SV06 Plus:
- Enclosed Body – The enclosed frame contains heat and fumes for safer operation.
- Thermal Runaway Protection – Prevents uncontrolled heating in the event of a detected malfunction.
- Overcurrent/Short Circuit Protection – Automatically cuts power if electrical issues are detected to prevent damage.
- Error Reporting – Alerts display on screen if any issues like a loose belt or disconnected motor arise.
- Mounted Spool Holder – Side-mounted spool provides a fixed path for the filament, preventing snags.
While supervision is still recommended, these measures allow the SV06 Plus to print reliably for extended periods with minimal risks. As always, exercise caution when operating at high temps and while moving parts are in motion.
Included Software
The SV06 Plus comes preloaded with open-source slicing software from Cura combined with their customized profile for this specific printer model. This contains ideal settings dialed in by Sovol to get you printing quickly with optimal quality.
Cura is very popular for its robust controls and features while still being beginner-friendly. You can import models, position/scale objects, adjust layer heights, infill density, supports, temperatures and countless other settings to customize your print.
Once sliced, models can save to an SD card or directly via USB. Cura also makes updating firmware, host software, and WiFi easy when connected to your printer.
For even simpler printing, their companion app Sovol 3D allows drag and drop printing over WiFi. While limiting, the app offers usable basic functions for quick prints without turning on your PC.
Between Cura and the mobile app, you get professional-quality software and custom profiles specially made for the SV06 Plus – huge perks that elevate this printer.
Support and Documentation
Learning to use any new 3D printer has a learning curve. Having access to documentation and assistance can make the process far smoother.
Sovol provides helpful resources right on their website including manuals, FAQs, firmware files, technical info, and more. Even better, their support team is very responsive if you encounter an issue and need help troubleshooting.
Beyond official channels, the SV06 Plus has a thriving community across YouTube, Reddit, Facebook groups, and forums. This gives you access to details tips and mods from actual users. Between official and community support, answers are never far away.
Sovol SV06 Plus Upgrades and Modifications
One benefit of the SV06 Plus being open-source and DIY focused is that mods and upgrades are plentiful. Here are some of the most popular DIY enhancements users have made:
- Upgraded metal extruder arm for more grip
- Silicone bed spacer for flatter bottom layers
- Borescope camera for monitoring print interiors
- Raspberry Pi integration for more functionality
- Enclosure lighting for monitoring prints
- Noctua fans for quieter and cooler operation
- Z-axis stabilizers to minimize banding
- Additional side spool holders for quicker filament swaps
- Cable chains to contain wiring
The ability to purchase affordable upgrades over time or print custom add-on parts keeps this printer constantly improving and custom tuned to your needs.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Pros
- Excellent print quality for the price
- Direct drive extruder
- Dual Z-axis rails improve stability
- Enclosed heated chamber
- Good size build volume
- Intuitive 4.3” touch screen
- Reliable performance for a budget printer
- Strong user community provides guidance and mods
- Beginner-friendly but capable of pro-quality prints
Cons
- Manual bed leveling can be tedious
- Slower print speeds than premium models
- No all-metal hotend (upgradable)
- Low-quality SD card prone to issues
- Limited onboard slicing functions
- No integrated camera for remote monitoring
- Lacks high-end features and polish
Sovol SV006 Plus Verdict: Amazing Value for Money
Given its bargain price, the Sovol SV06 Plus manages to punch well above its weight class when it comes to performance, features, and value.
The combination of thoughtful design features like the direct drive extruder, dual-Z rails, and enclosed chamber allow this printer to produce results rivaling devices costing far more. Print quality when properly tuned is fantastic for precision parts, miniatures, decorative objects, and prototyping.
While lacking some polish and requiring occasional tuning, the SV06 Plus remains highly usable even for beginners thanks to the intuitive touch screen interface and great documentation. Reliability is also respectable considering the low costs.
For anyone looking to dip their toes into higher-end 3D printing without a huge investment, the Sovol SV06 Plus is quite possibly the best bang for your buck. It exemplifies how far budget printers have come in capabilities while remaining surprisingly affordable.
If you don’t mind a little DIY spirit and occasional troubleshooting, the SV06 Plus delivers professional-tier printing at an entry-level price. It earns our recommendation as one of the best values currently available in desktop FDM printing.
