If you’re new to 3D printing or just want a machine that works right out of the box, the Voxelab Aries might be what you’re looking for. It’s a beginner-friendly 3D printer with built-in smart features. Let’s dive into what makes the Aries awesome, what could be better, and how to make it even cooler with upgrades.
First Impressions
The Voxelab Aries has a clean, enclosed design. It’s not fully sealed like some high-end models, but it does help with print stability. It comes nearly assembled, so setup is a breeze.
The design is sleek and has a modern look. The touchscreen is bright and very responsive. If you’re used to clunky navigation, this is a pleasant surprise.
Specs at a Glance
- Print Size: 200 x 200 x 200 mm
- Layer Height: As low as 0.1mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB stick, Ethernet
- Print Bed: Heated removable glass bed
- Leveling: Semi-auto assisted
The Pros
There’s a lot to like about the Aries. Let’s check out the main benefits:
1. Easy Setup
Setup takes around 15–20 minutes. You don’t have to put together a bunch of parts. Just attach the spool holder, load filament, and start printing.
2. Wireless Printing
Yep, it offers WiFi connectivity. You can send your prints directly from VoxelMaker (Voxelab’s slicing software). That’s super handy for fast jobs and remote control.
3. Enclosed Print Area
Though not sealed, the three clear sides keep temperature more stable and reduce warping. It also helps protect your prints from drafts.
4. Print Quality
The Aries is surprisingly good at details. With the right settings, it produces sharp, clean prints. It handles basic materials like PLA with ease.
5. Removable Glass Bed
The glass plate gives you excellent adhesion during printing. After cooling, parts come off easily. No scraping or damaging your prints.
The Cons
No printer is perfect, and the Aries has some downsides worth noting.
1. No Full Auto Bed Leveling
While it does have assisted leveling, it’s not fully automatic. You’ll need to use a piece of paper and a few button prompts to get it right.
2. Nozzle Clogs
Sometimes the stock nozzle gets clogged, either from dust in the filament or inconsistent heating. Make sure you keep it clean and use quality filament.
3. Noise Level
It’s not super loud, but it’s not whisper-quiet either. The fans and motors are noticeable. If you like total silence during printing, this could bother you.
4. Software Quirks
VoxelMaker is decent, but not amazing. Some people prefer switching to Cura or PrusaSlicer for better options and control.
5. Limited Material Support
The open-frame design and max heat limit on the extruder mean you can’t print high-temp materials like nylon or polycarbonate.
Best Upgrades
You don’t need to do much to get great results from the Aries. But a few upgrades can take things to the next level.
- All-Metal Hotend: Change the nozzle to an all-metal one to handle higher temps and reduce clogs.
- PEI Flex Plate: Swap the glass bed for a magnetic PEI sheet. Better layer adhesion and easy part removal.
- Webcam Setup: Add a webcam for timelapses or remote monitoring. Great for long prints.
- OctoPrint: Hook up a Raspberry Pi and run OctoPrint to manage prints from your browser or smartphone.
- Silent Board: Upgrade the mainboard to a silent one for quieter printing sessions.
Who Should Buy the Aries?
This printer is clearly aimed at beginners and hobbyists. It’s great for:
- First-time 3D printers
- Students and classrooms
- Makers who want a simple plug and play machine
- Anyone looking for good print quality at a low price
If you love fine-tuning and endless upgrades, you may want something more open and modifiable.
Tips for Better Prints
Here are a few simple tricks to get better results from your Aries:
- Preheat properly: Always let the nozzle and bed reach full temperature before printing.
- Clean the bed: Wipe the bed with isopropyl alcohol to avoid adhesion issues.
- Use supports: For parts with overhangs, supports help prevent drooping or failed prints.
- Replace the nozzle: Swap it every few months to keep your layers consistent and avoid clogs.
- Dry your filament: Store PLA and PETG in airtight containers to avoid moisture problems.
Final Verdict
The Voxelab Aries is a strong entry in the budget 3D printer market. It’s easy to use, gives excellent print quality, and doesn’t require hours of setup or tweaking. While it has a few flaws, they’re fixable with simple upgrades or basic maintenance. For the price, it’s hard to beat.
Is it perfect? No. But for beginners or casual makers, it’s pretty close.
Happy printing!
