Large-scale 3D Printer with Integrated Consumables Drying System - SUNLU S9 PLUS Trial Report

S9 PLUS is SUNLU's newest FDM printer. The S9 PLUS is a user-friendly 3D printer that can be set up and used in less than 10 minutes after opening the box. It includes an integrated S1 PLUS filadryer (an upgraded version with a fan)

SUNLU S9 PLUS Printer Specifications:
Build Volume: 310(L)X310(W)X 400(H)mm
Layer Height: .1mm to .3mm (0.4mm nozzle)
Print Speed: Recommended 50-60mm/s
Materials: PLA, TPU, ABS, PETG, other
Build Platform: Magnetic Baseplate
Interface: 4.3”color touch screen
Connectivity: MicroSD Card, USB

Let's take a look at the surprises this machine will bring us~

What I received is the engineering version prototype, which has a very huge box, the size is about: 650x610x375mm, and the weight is up to 13KG. According to my experience, printers in this size package are generally pre-installed, and can be put into use immediately after simple assembly and debugging.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

When opening the outer packaging, you will find that there is an S1 plus filadryer (with fan modification) inside, which is connected directly to the printer using a provided cable, saving power sockets.

Several useful accessories are included, SD card, pliers, scraper, USB cable, etc.

The whole machine assembly is very simple, and the machine only has 10 screws. 4 on the bottom, 4 on the stabilizer bar and 2 on the Z axis. It took me less than 10 minutes to assemble this machine.

S1 plus vs S1

The fan is mounted at the bottom, adding an air outlet.

Compared with the S1, the s1 plus lacks a screen, and all controls are integrated into the printer operating system of the S9 plus. As a result, this S1 plus can only be used with this printer.

16 point auto-leveling system

Leveling has always been a novice's nightmare. For beginners, most of the reasons for print failures are improper manual leveling. This S9plus addresses this problem with a 16 point auto-leveling system. It will start to automatically level, which is very convenient, by measuring 16 points on the print surface.

Once done, the calibration is saved, eliminating the need to make frequent adjustments. I generally do level at the start of my printing day or if I have to remove the build plate to clean or remove a print for good measure.

Heated Bed – Magnetic Endothermic Bed

Not using the Removable Flexible Spring-Steel Build Plate is the biggest regret, but you can get it by modifying it yourself.
This magnetic heatbed surface flexes well and is better for some large models than the Removable Flexible Spring-Steel Build Plate.

Split Drive

SUNLU S9 PLUS uses the design of the traditional extruder and the hot end split. The advantage of this design is a low maintenance cost, the maintenance is simple, and it is more suitable for printing novice~
The extruder uses metal gears. After the hot end is disassembled, you can see the dual fan combination inside, as well as the hot end and automatic leveling components.

Print Test

I tested a few prints, the S9 PLUS prints were very clean.

The results were impressive!

Clog detection function

Print head clogs are an absolute nightmare in 3D printing. Especially when printing special Filament (marble, wood, etc.).
I got a clog while printing a model with marble.

In previous printers, blockages tended to cause the hot end of the printer to be wrapped in plastic or cause a thermal runaway condition. The Clog detection function of S9 PLUS is very easy to use. It will automatically pause printing and enter low-power mode when it detects that the hot-end discharge is not smooth. After you have dealt with the blockage of the hot end, you can continue printing! Minimized printing failures. I really like this feature.

Pros and Cons

PROS

– Easy to set up and use for beginners
– Build quality and print quality
– Auto bed leveling out of the box
– Stepper motors are silent
– Includes integrated filament dryer box
– Clog detection function

CONS

– Not equipped with Removable Flexible Spring-Steel Build Plate
– No Direct Drive

Conclusion

This is a very easy-to-use large-size printer. The configuration with auto-leveling and its own dryer box is very friendly to novices. I find the built-in clog detection function very useful. I have been printing for 200 hours without any problems. The initial price on kickstarter is only $259, which I think is a very cost-effective printer!
With purchase link: https://us.sunlu.com/pages/s9-plus-kickstarter?shpxid=2113127a-044f-4be9-8074-b3bfe1e2c39a