Monoprice Select Mini v2: Better Printer, Better Price

I’m sure you thought there’s a v1 if there’s a v2; you’re absolutely right. Yet, the Monoprice Select Mini v2 has some unique features from its predecessor, the Monoprice Select Mini v1. So, how does the v2 stack up against its older sibling?

I hate to get ahead of myself, so I’ll do a quick comparison of the v1 and v2 Monoprice 3D printers. They are essentially the same desktop 3D printer with a few notable changes:

• The v2 is available in two colorways – white and black.
• The v2 features a build surface, with added insulation below the build plate. If you’re familiar with BuildTak, you’ll enjoy the build plate.
• The v2 sports a fan around the printer’s base. The fan helps supply airflow across the mainboard.
• The v2’s complete metal hot end is a clone of the E3D v6 hot end.
• The v2 offers a larger, more tactile rotary dial for the LCD controls.

Overview of the Monoprice Select Mini v2

Once I laid eyes on the Monospace Select Mini 3D printer, it was hard to ignore the portable build area – a mere 120×120×120 mm. It’s roughly the height of a Coke can. The maximum print resolution is 100 microns, with a heated build plate and a printing speed of 55 mm per second.

Monoprice v2 exploits the v1’s solid spec foundation by adding some minor yet highly significant upgrades. We’ve mentioned some of these improvements above. One is the wholly-metal hot end. The one hundred percent metal improves heating and minimizes clogging. There’s also the heated/insulated printing bed, which enhances print adhesion and prevents warping.

Besides the improved heated bed, the v2’s build surface has a special pad material that I find makes adhesion easier during printing. It also makes it easier to remove parts after printing. Monoprice has also added an internal cooling fan that keeps things from running chaotically due to overheating.

My standard questions when I look at any 3D printer include whether I can upload files to the machine using a microSD slot or a USB connection. These might not seem important in an era of bits and bytes, but it’s better to err on the side of caution, right?

To use the Select Mini v2, you need a software application to prepare the objects for printing. These include Simplify 3D, ReplicatorG, Repetier Host, and Cura. In other words, the Select Mini v2 can interpret standard GCode using even non-proprietary software.

What Hasn’t Changed?

Monoprice didn’t overhaul the entire v1. So, what winning element did they leave unchanged? The max resolution is one – it’s still the same 100 microns (0.1 millimeters) present in the v1. Granted, it’s average, but given the price, there’s not much more you can desire.

Another element it retains is the build envelope – a snug 4.7-inch cube – as in the v1. The spec is average too, but not a failing grade by any measure.

The maximum temperature of the all-metal hot end is unchanged, allowing me to print using a decent range of filament types. Unfortunately, I’m unimpressed that I can’t use some more exotic higher temperature filament.

Of course, I can still load models into the printer as in the v1, using a microSD card, a direct USB connection, or via WiFi through the Monoprice mobile app.

While the Monoprice Select Mini v2 makes significant upgrades to the v1, I’ll prefer to call it an evolution than a radical deviation from v1. Yet, these improvements greatly improve the printer’s overall reliability and performance – all for an extra twenty bucks.

Specs

Dimensions

• Physical Dimensions: 11.3×7.5×13.5 inches
• Weight: 14.4 lbs

Functional Specs

• Bed Leveling: Manual
• Build Plate Volume: 4.7×4.7×4.7 inch (120×120×120 mm)
• Calibration: Manual leveling
• Connectivity: microSD Card, USB Data Cable, WiFi
• Display: Color LCD Screen
• Extruder Type: Single
• Filament Material: PLA, PLA+
• Input Formats: AMF, DAE, OBJ, STL,
• Resolution: 100 microns
• Maximum Extruder Temperature: 230 °C
• Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 110 °C
• Modeling Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
• Output Format: GCode
• Print Bed: BuildTak
• Print Speed: 55 mm/s
• Support Print Materials: ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA, TPU, and Wood
• Travel Speed: 100 mm/s

Materials

• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Third-party Filaments: Yes
• Support Print Materials: ABS, Bronze Fill, Copper Fill, PLA, and Wood Fill

Software Requirements

• Firmware: Open Source
• Operating System: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
• Recommended Slicer: Cura, Repetier-HOST, Simplify 3D

Features

Let’s now consider some of the excellent features that would excite makers like me.

Sublime Setup and Configuration – Full Assembly and Calibration

I’ve had my lifetime’s worth of 3D printer experience, but I must admit the Monoprice Select Mini v2 certainly has the most sublime setup. Everything is pre-assembled and factory-calibrated.

I’m always proud to show off my Monoprice Select Mini v2 at our regular maker party. The setup is easy and smooth. Once I have the ideal print settings in place, my only job is to allow it time to deliver my amazing prints.

Anyone who enjoys trying out new products as soon as their order arrives will instantly fall in love with this printer. It’s plug-and-play so new users can try it out within a few minutes, just unbox and print.

So, how do I use it? Ensure the bed is level, load my filament, and plug in my microSD card – a nifty three-step process. Nothing technical at all. If you’re not cool with SD cards, Monoprice offers more connectivity options.

Connectivity Just the Way You Want It

I’ll tell you again: the Monoprice Select Mini v2 offers multiple options for connectivity. I hate to be stuck with just one way to upload my models; what if something went wrong with a port or WiFi just wouldn’t work. It’s a maker thing to want the machine churning out our models in zero time (just don’t call it impatience!).

So, sometimes I have some printable files on a microSD card. At other times, I would rather manipulate my models on a computer and load it up to the printer using a USB cable.

I enjoy using WiFi for many things in my life. It also offers me plenty of conveniences to print from wherever, whenever I have to.

All these connectivity options work excellently with the MP Select Mini v2 3D printer, making it an exciting machine to play with.

The Price Is Always Right

No debate about 3D printers is complete without price, right? The Monoprice Select Mini v2 is one of the most affordable 3D printers on offer. It’s safe for you and your household. I’ve given away a few units to my friends, effectively setting them up for the maker culture. That way, I don’t leave them guessing if they want to do this, and they can answer their personal questions themselves.

The best part is that I never have to rob a bank to buy a Monoprice Select Mini v2. It offers the best value for money if you ask me. And with the evolution of the features from the v1, this printer will deliver for as long as I can peek into the future. It costs even less than its older sibling.

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Pros

• A truly affordable printer
• The construction is sturdy
• The printing process is reliable
• The print quality is decent
• Upgraded features

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Cons

• The build envelope is smaller than most
• A noisy machine

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FAQs

What Makes the v2 Different from the v1?

There are important hardware improvements, even though the software is the same. The BuildTak build surface allows me to print directly onto the build surface. The v2’s print bed also comes with insulation, improving the heating of the build surface. There’s also an electronic nozzle cooling fan and a new type of control knob. I like the WiFi connectivity too.

How Do I Format the SD Card?

It’s important to format the card to FAT32. But that’s not always enough. It’s best to use a 32GB card or less.

Conclusions

I realize there are quite a few affordable 3D printers on the market. Of course, the industry is embracing more users than before. But, many cheap printers have serious issues on design quality, build quality, durability, and efficiency. I’ll be as plain as can be: the Monoprice Select Mini v2 ticks every box here and more.

I am confident it’s the best value for the money, no question about that. It does everything the Monoprice Select Mini v1 does, yet upping the ante with vital upgrades and features that enhance its overall performance – all for a great price.

Monoprice is taking the road less traveled by offering a better version of a product for less. It’s their way of rewarding customer loyalty and fostering even greater customer commitment for the future. This reliable 3D printer is what I want, and certainly what any true maker wants.

So if you’re looking for a gift that counts or a great utility tool, the Monoprice Select Mini v2 is worth considering. The power, ease of use, and open-source technology help you learn and understand 3D printing fast and create beautiful objects right away.

Yes, I trust the Monoprice Select Mini v2 to deliver even better than the models I have in my head.