As a long-time enthusiast of 3D printing, I’ve accumulated a collection of printers, from the dependable Ender 3 V2 to the high-performance Bambu Labs P1S and Prusa MK4. My journey has also led me into the world of 3D CAD design, creating custom cases and parts for various projects. However, one experience remained elusive: building a 3D printer from a kit. That changed with the arrival of the Positron V3.2, a unique and intriguing machine that promised to be unlike anything I had used before. This innovative kit piqued my interest, especially given the growing demand for portable and versatile 3D printing solutions. Could this be the ideal Travelling Printer for creators on the move? Let’s dive into the details.
The Positron V3.2 isn’t just another 3D printer; it’s a meticulously engineered kit born from the creative designs of K R A L Y N 3D. LDO Motors and Positron3D collaborated to transform this concept into a tangible product, the V3.2 kit. For those seeking a slightly different approach, there’s also the Positron LT, a taller and more budget-friendly reprap-style alternative. However, the V3.2, with its premium components and compact design, targets users who value portability and precision.
Upside-down benchy on Positron V3.2 bed
Priced at $699 for the comprehensive kit—including a robust carry case, CNC machined parts, PCBs, a Raspberry Pi CM4-powered touchscreen, and all necessary hardware—the Positron V3.2 is undeniably a premium offering. If you lack a printer to create the necessary printed parts, a pre-printed set is available for an additional $99. While the cost might seem substantial, especially for someone already equipped with several 3D printers, the unique features and focus on portability justify a closer look.
The most striking feature of the Positron V3.2, and the question on everyone’s mind, is its upside-down printing orientation. While some experiments have explored upside-down printing, its practical advantages aren’t immediately obvious in terms of print quality. The Positron’s inverted design serves a different purpose: consolidating the printer’s mechanics within the base. By housing the X, Y, and Z motors in the base and mounting the toolhead directly above, the printer achieves a low center of gravity. This clever engineering makes the Z-axis the sole vertical element, contributing significantly to its portability and stability, key features for a travelling printer.
The build plate also presents an interesting innovation. The transparent glass bed initially raised questions about its heating capability. However, the Positron utilizes borosilicate glass, known for its high-temperature resistance, coated with a 3-micron layer of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). This material, also used in aircraft cockpit defrosting, ensures remarkably even heating across the bed. Ideal for PLA and capable of exceeding 100°C, the heated bed, while impressive, is not optimized for high-temperature materials like ASA, ABS, or Nylon. Similarly, the 90°-angled print head is designed for precision and portability rather than high-throughput printing of demanding filaments above 250°C.
One minor quirk of upside-down printing is the tendency for the nozzle to accumulate stray filament. This necessitates a quick check and cleanup before each print to prevent imperfections caused by filament blobs. While Klipper macro updates are expected to improve nozzle docking and cleaning, vigilance is currently required. This is a small trade-off for the overall portability and unique design of this travelling printer.
To truly test the “travelling” aspect of this printer, I conducted a real-world portability experiment. Setting up the Positron V3.2 on my car trunk in a local park, powered by a compact 256 Wh portable battery, I successfully printed a frisbee.
Positron on car trunk
During operation, the Positron consumed between 50W and 150W, peaking during heating, and idled at around 20W. While a solar-powered print test with a backpack-sized solar panel was planned, it couldn’t be completed in time. However, the trunk test convincingly demonstrated the Positron V3.2’s potential as a genuinely mobile 3D printing solution.
For a more in-depth look at the build process, observed quirks, and the park-based printing demonstration, a detailed video is available. This visual guide complements this review and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Positron V3.2 experience.
In conclusion, the Positron V3.2 stands out as a unique and well-engineered 3D printer kit, particularly for those prioritizing portability. Its upside-down design, innovative heated bed, and robust construction make it a compelling option for creators seeking a travelling printer. While the price point reflects its premium components and niche appeal, the Positron V3.2 delivers on its promise of mobile 3D printing. For those interested in exploring further, kits are available through Positron3D, in partnership with LDO Motors. Moreover, the open-source nature of the design and software, accessible on Positron3D’s GitHub, encourages community involvement and further development of this innovative travelling printer concept.
