Tevo Tarantula Review Overview
The Tevo Tarantula, a popular 3D printer in the budget-friendly category, has garnered attention from hobbyists and beginners alike. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Tevo Tarantula, examining its features, performance, and overall value proposition. Released initially in 2017, the Tevo Tarantula has gone through several iterations and modifications. This review focuses on the core aspects that have made it a recognized name in the 3D printing community. We’ll delve into its setup, print quality, ease of use, and compatibility to determine if it lives up to the hype. Whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing enthusiast or a newcomer to the field, this review will help you make an informed decision about whether the Tevo Tarantula is the right choice for your needs.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Unboxing the Tevo Tarantula reveals a kit packed with components, requiring some assembly. The initial setup is crucial for a smooth 3D printing experience. The package typically includes all the necessary parts, from the frame and print bed to the control board and power supply. The assembly process, which can take a few hours, involves connecting various components and calibrating the printer. Although the assembly might seem daunting to some, the Tevo Tarantula’s documentation and online resources offer comprehensive guidance. Proper setup is essential to ensure the printer functions correctly and delivers high-quality prints. Many users find the assembly process a valuable learning experience, providing insight into the printer’s mechanics and operation.
What’s in the Box
Inside the Tevo Tarantula’s box, you’ll find a variety of components. These include the printer’s frame, which is typically made of aluminum extrusions, providing a sturdy base for the printer. The print bed, often heated, is essential for ensuring the first layer of prints adheres properly. The extruder, responsible for melting and extruding the filament, is another key component. Various electronic components, such as the control board and stepper motors, are also included, enabling the printer’s operation. The package also typically contains a power supply, various cables, and a set of tools needed for assembly and maintenance. Depending on the specific version of the Tevo Tarantula, you may find additional accessories, such as a filament spool holder and a microSD card for storing print files.
Assembly Process
Assembling the Tevo Tarantula is a hands-on process that allows users to understand the printer’s inner workings. The assembly usually begins with constructing the frame and mounting the various components. You will attach the Z-axis rods, stepper motors, and endstops to ensure the printer’s vertical movement is precise. Then, you’ll install the print bed, which is typically heated, and connect it to the control board. The extruder, which melts and extrudes the filament, is then mounted and connected. Wiring is a critical part of the assembly, as you must connect all the electronic components correctly. Once assembled, you need to calibrate the printer, a process that involves adjusting the print bed’s level and setting the Z-offset. This calibration is essential for ensuring that the first layer of your prints adheres to the bed properly, leading to successful print outcomes.
Key Features of the Tevo Tarantula
The Tevo Tarantula boasts several key features that contribute to its popularity. These features include its generous build volume, allowing users to print larger objects. The heated bed is essential for printing with materials like ABS, which require a heated surface to prevent warping. The open-frame design makes it easy to access the printer and observe the printing process. The printer’s compatibility with various filament types, such as PLA, ABS, and PETG, offers flexibility in material selection. Its affordability is another significant advantage, making it accessible to a broader audience. Furthermore, the Tevo Tarantula’s relatively simple design facilitates modifications and upgrades, allowing users to customize their printers and improve performance.
Print Quality and Performance
The print quality of the Tevo Tarantula is generally considered to be good for its price range, but it requires careful calibration and tuning. With proper settings and adjustments, the printer can produce detailed and accurate prints. The quality of the prints is influenced by several factors, including the type of filament used, the print speed, and the temperature settings. Users often experiment with different settings to optimize their print quality. The Tevo Tarantula’s print speed is relatively moderate, but the open-frame design can be susceptible to environmental factors, potentially affecting print quality. To achieve the best results, it’s often recommended to enclose the printer, especially when printing with materials that are sensitive to temperature changes. Despite these considerations, the Tevo Tarantula can produce satisfactory prints for many hobbyist applications and prototyping needs.
Ease of Use and User Experience
The Tevo Tarantula has a mixed reputation for ease of use, with the initial setup requiring some effort. However, once configured, the printer is relatively straightforward to operate. The user experience is enhanced by the printer’s compatibility with various slicing software, such as Cura and Simplify3D, which allow users to prepare their print files and manage settings. The control interface, typically a small LCD screen and a control knob, is easy to navigate. However, the printer’s open-frame design can expose it to external factors, potentially affecting the printing process. The need for occasional maintenance, such as nozzle cleaning and belt tensioning, is part of the user experience. The Tevo Tarantula’s active community provides resources and support, making it easier for users to troubleshoot problems and learn from each other’s experiences.
Pros and Cons
The Tevo Tarantula presents both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it’s a very affordable 3D printer, making it accessible to budget-conscious users. It also offers a relatively large build volume, making it suitable for printing larger objects. The open-frame design makes it easy to access and maintain. On the other hand, the Tevo Tarantula requires some assembly and calibration, which may be time-consuming for beginners. Print quality, although acceptable, can be affected by environmental factors and might require adjustments. The printer’s open-frame design can also make it less suitable for printing with materials that require temperature control. Despite the cons, the Tevo Tarantula offers good value, and its flexibility makes it a popular choice.
Print Bed and Build Volume
The print bed and build volume are important aspects of the Tevo Tarantula. The printer typically offers a build volume of around 200mm x 200mm x 200mm, which is suitable for a variety of projects. The print bed is usually heated, which is essential for printing with materials such as ABS, preventing warping and ensuring good adhesion. The size of the build volume allows users to print larger objects or multiple smaller objects simultaneously. The print bed is made of various materials, such as glass or build surface, to provide a suitable printing surface. Proper bed leveling is crucial for ensuring the first layer of prints adheres properly, and this can greatly impact the overall print quality and success rate of the prints.
Extruder and Filament Compatibility
The Tevo Tarantula’s extruder is a crucial component that melts and extrudes the filament during the printing process. The extruder design can vary, and upgrades are often available. The printer supports a wide range of filament types, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and others, providing flexibility in material selection. Different filaments have different printing characteristics, requiring users to adjust the temperature and other settings accordingly. The extruder’s ability to handle different filaments is a key factor in the printer’s versatility. The hot end of the extruder, where the filament melts, is another key component. It is essential to ensure the hot end is set to the correct temperature for the filament. Some users upgrade their extruders to improve performance and reliability.
Software and Firmware
The Tevo Tarantula relies on software and firmware to operate. The printer is compatible with various slicing software programs, such as Cura, Simplify3D, and others. These programs allow users to prepare their 3D models for printing, setting parameters such as print speed, layer height, and infill density. The firmware, which is the software running on the printer’s control board, manages the printer’s movements and controls the temperature of the hot end and heated bed. Firmware updates are often released to improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs. Users often update the firmware to enhance print quality and take advantage of new features. Understanding the software and firmware is crucial for optimizing the printing process and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Overall Value and Verdict
In conclusion, the Tevo Tarantula remains a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a budget-friendly 3D printer. Its affordability, large build volume, and compatibility with various filaments make it an attractive option. However, the assembly and calibration process, along with potential print quality issues, require careful consideration. The user’s experience can vary depending on the level of experience and the willingness to experiment with settings and modifications. The Tevo Tarantula provides good value for the price, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking a hassle-free, out-of-the-box experience. The Tevo Tarantula still makes it to our Top 5 Features list thanks to its community support, which is a great benefit for any novice or expert.