The world of 3D printing is rapidly expanding as the technology becomes more accessible and affordable. One stand-out budget-friendly printer is the Voxelab Aquila, which packs impressive capabilities and features into an inexpensive package. In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the specs, performance, pros and cons of the Voxelab Aquila to see if it’s the right choice for your 3D printing needs.
Overview of the Voxelab Aquila
The Voxelab Aquila is a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer made by Voxelab, a division of FlashForge. Currently priced under $200, it’s one of the most affordable FDM printers on the market while still offering a build volume of 7.9 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches.
Key specs and features of the Voxelab Aquila include:
- Print technology: FDM
- Build volume: 7.9 x 7.9 x 9.8 in (200 x 200 x 250 mm)
- Layer resolution: 0.1 – 0.4mm
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Filament type: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood, Copper Fill
- Max extruder temp: 255°C
- Heated print bed
- Touchscreen display
- WiFi and USB connectivity
- Compatible with Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D
The Aquila comes partially assembled, requiring just a bit of setup out of the box. It has an open frame design with a rigid metal construction and uses Bowden extruder. There are several upgrades available to enhance print quality and usability.
Unboxing and Setup of the Voxelab Aquila
Unboxing and setting up the Voxelab Aquila is a fairly straightforward process. The package includes all the tools and accessories needed, like hex wrenches, a scraper, and SD card.
Assembly takes about 1-2 hours and involves attaching the gantry, tightening screws, mounting the filament spool holder, loading the filament, leveling the bed, and installing the software on your computer.
The touchscreen interface makes calibration and setup simple by guiding you through the initial processes like auto bed leveling and loading filament. The screen can also be used to select and start prints without connecting to a computer.
While the Aquila doesn’t come fully assembled, the manual provides clear instructions with pictures. All the necessary parts are neatly packed and protected for shipping. Overall, setup is easy enough for beginners but gives you a basic understanding of how the printer components work.
Print Quality From the Voxelab Aquila
Given the affordable price point, the print quality from the Voxelab Aquila is impressive. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Resolution: The 0.1mm layer height capability produces detailed prints with smooth surfaces. Small text and finer features come out cleanly.
- Accuracy: Prints are dimensionally accurate when calibrated properly. Parts and holes are printed at the correct size.
- Speed: Print speeds up to 80mm/s are possible. Smaller, detailed prints may require slower speeds around 40-60mm/s.
- Strong Parts: Parts printed in PLA, PETG and ABS have good strength and layer adhesion. Minimal post-processing is needed.
- Surface Finish: Using optimal slicer settings gives decent surface quality with little visible layer lines. Some occasional stringing or oozing.
The Aquila can create detailed tabletop miniatures with thin elements, functional mechanical parts with tight tolerances, and more. With a little tuning, print quality rivals more expensive machines.
Pros and Cons of the Voxelab Aquila
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the Voxelab Aquila 3D printer:
Pros
- Very low price for the build volume and performance
- Heated bed for printing ABS and other materials
- Touchscreen and SD card printing convenience
- Sturdy metal frame construction
- Active online community provides tech support and mods
- Compatible with common slicing software
- Quiet operation compared to other budget printers
Cons
- Partial DIY assembly required
- Smaller community support than some brands
- No auto bed leveling or resume print feature
- Filament runout sensor prone to issues
- Can’t print very flexible filaments like TPU
- Limited official customer support from Voxelab
While not perfect, the Aquila provides tremendous value for the price. The pros far outweigh the cons for most hobbyists and new users getting started.
Print Surface and Bed Leveling
A common upgrade for the Voxelab Aquila is switching out the print surface. The stock build plate works decently for PLA but struggles with adhesion when printing ABS and other materials. Upgrading to a flex steel PEI or glass print bed improves adhesion across different filaments.
The Aquila has manual bed leveling using the leveling knobs under the build plate. This takes a bit more time and effort than a printer with auto bed leveling but can achieve great first layer results once dialed in properly. Going slow and carefully leveling each corner is key.
Many users switch the Aquila over to a BLTouch auto bed leveling probe. This modifies the printer slightly but makes bed leveling easier, faster, and more consistent. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for the convenience factor and optimizing print performance.
Filament Compatibility
The Aquila can technically print in a range of filaments beyond just standard PLA and ABS. However, results can vary depending on the specific filament used.
PLA – Prints effortlessly with great surface quality and part strength suitable for most applications.
ABS – Requires an enclosed, heated chamber for best layer bonding and to prevent warping. Simple enclosures can be added.
PETG – A strong and temperature resistant material that prints nicely on the Aquila. May require adjustments to avoid stringing.
TPU – Softer and more flexible filaments like TPU tend to jam frequently in the Aquila’s Bowden extruder. Direct drive mods help.
Wood, Metal – Composite filaments with tiny wood or metal particles can be printed but may wear the brass nozzle over time.
The Aquila’s stock hot end can reach 255°C, which is sufficient for any standard filaments. Overall, PLA is the easiest material to print but PETG and ABS give the best results once calibrated properly.
Print Speed Capabilities
The Aquila’s modest 32-bit mainboard and stepper motors allow it to reach decent print speeds, especially for smaller detailed prints.
For smaller prints under 100mm in height, 50-80mm/s is achievable with good quality. Larger prints over 5 inches tall tend to work best around 40-60mm/s. The slicer settings can also be tweaked to go faster on the outer walls and slower on inner infill.
Faster speeds tax the printer’s components and can cause ringing, layer shifts or other defects. 60mm/s is a good all-around speed for combining print quality and speed. Upgrading to a silent mainboard helps push speeds further.
Aquila vs. Ender 3 V2 vs. Artillery Genius
How does the Voxelab Aquila compare to some other popular budget printers like the Creality Ender 3 V2 and Artillery Genius? Here’s a quick rundown:
- The Ender 3 V2 normally costs $100+ more than the Aquila but has a bigger user community for support. It offers the same build volume, but the Aquila’s rigid construction gives it an edge.
- The Artillery Genius is priced similarly to the Aquila but has auto bed leveling and quieter stepper motors. The Genius excels at faster, high-quality printing but the Aquila has a larger user base.
- All three printers have similar quality when well-tuned. The Aquila punches above its class while the Ender 3 V2 and Genius boast extra features for the price. Any of the three make excellent starter printers.
Which one is best comes down to your priorities between cost, features, print speeds, quality, etc. For raw value, the Voxelab Aquila can’t be beat.
Upgrades and Modifications
One benefit of the Aquila’s open source nature is that there are many upgrades and modifications developed by the community to enhance the printer:
- Print surface – Adding a glass or flex steel PEI bed improves adhesion across materials.
- Auto bed leveling – BLTouch makes bed leveling faster and more automated.
- Direct drive extruder – Converts to direct drive for flexible filament printing.
- Silent mainboard – Mainboard replacements like the SKR Mini E3 reduce noise.
- Touchscreen firmware – Adds updated touchscreen interfaces like JyersUI.
- Filament sensor – More reliable runout detection to prevent failed prints.
- LED lighting – Lights up the print area to monitor progress.
- Enclosure – Contains heat and improves ABS printing.
The list of mods goes on and on. Part of the fun with the Aquila is customizing it over time to suit your needs.
Community Support and Documentation
Considering its price, the Voxelab Aquila has cultivated an impressive community over the years. Owners regularly share tips, tricks, upgrades, and knowledge about the Aquila in places like:
- Facebook Groups – The Voxelab Aquila (Biqu B1) Owners Group has over 25,000 members discussing modifications, troubleshooting, slicer profiles, and more.
- Reddit – The r/VoxelabAquila subreddit has FAQs and active discussions.
- YouTube – Dozens of channels cover reviews, tutorials, upgrades, and guides for the Aquila.
- Forums – Sites like the FlashForge Forum have sections dedicated to the Aquila.
Between official documentation and the wealth of community knowledge online, new owners can find answers to virtually any question about the Aquila. The supportive user base is a major plus.
Is the Voxelab Aquila Right For You?
The Voxelab Aquila delivers proven performance and reliability that rivals higher-priced 3D printers. If you’re on a tight budget or new to the 3D printing world, the Aquila is an ideal starting point.
The Aquila is a good fit if:
- You want large build volume for the price
- Don’t need advanced features like auto bed leveling
- Like tinkering with upgrades and refinements
- Prefer an open frame design
- Want a big community for troubleshooting help
Alternatively, if you desire a higher degree of convenience, reliability out of the box, or certain pro features, a pricier printer like the Prusa i3 MK3S may be a better investment.
At the end of the day, the Voxelab Aquila punches far above its weight class while retaining a bargain price tag under $200. For budget-focused buyers without ultra-demanding needs, it’s one of the best values in 3D printing.
