Robo R2 3D Printer Review: A Comprehensive Look at Robo 3D’s Feature-Rich FDM Machine

The landscape of desktop 3D printing is constantly evolving, with new innovations and manufacturers emerging regularly. While some brands dominate specific markets, American manufacturer Robo 3D has been steadily gaining recognition, particularly with their recent product launches. Following the release of their accessible Robo C2 model, they introduced the more advanced, higher-end FDM 3D printer, the Robo R2. Both printers showcase a refreshed design philosophy and incorporate a suite of new features, all while maintaining a competitive price point, making them compelling options for a broad spectrum of users.

Our team at 3Dnatives recently had the opportunity to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Robo R2 3D printer, and the results were impressively positive, earning it a remarkable 8.6 out of 10 rating. This high score was attributed to several key strengths, including its exceptional print quality, the intuitive and large color touchscreen interface, and its highly attractive price tag, typically under €1000. Building on this initial assessment, we were eager to delve deeper into the R2’s capabilities, especially considering its significant upgrades over the C2. The Robo R2 boasts a crucial heated build plate, capable of reaching temperatures up to 100°C, and offers a substantially larger print volume of 203.2 x 203.2 x 254 mm. This is a considerable increase compared to the Robo C2’s 127 x 127 x 152.4 mm, opening up possibilities for larger and more complex projects.

Beyond its current impressive specifications, another exciting prospect for the Robo R2 is the anticipated ability to integrate a second extruder. This upgrade would transform it into a versatile dual extruder 3D printer, greatly expanding its material compatibility and enabling multi-color or multi-material prints. While Robo 3D has not yet announced a definitive release date for this accessory, it is expected to become available in the near future, further enhancing the R2’s value proposition and appeal to advanced users. This potential for future expansion underscores Robo 3D’s commitment to providing adaptable and high-performance machines.

1. Unpacking the Robo R2: First Impressions and Included Essentials

The journey with the Robo R2 begins with its unboxing, a crucial first impression for any new device. The printer arrives securely packaged in a substantially sized box, ensuring its safe transit. Inside, the R2 is meticulously protected by custom-fit polystyrene foam inserts, which cradle the machine and prevent any movement during shipping. Plastic clips are strategically placed to hold the print head (extruder) firmly in position, safeguarding sensitive components. Physically, the R2’s overall dimensions of 425.5 x 603.3 x 421.9 mm are the most apparent visual distinction when compared to its smaller sibling, the Robo C2, immediately conveying its enhanced print volume capabilities.

Beyond the printer itself, the box contains a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories designed to get users printing swiftly and efficiently. A notable inclusion is an integrated camera, allowing users to monitor their prints remotely directly from a mobile device – a highly convenient feature for long prints or when away from the printer. It also includes the necessary electric cable for the heated build plate, underlining its readiness for diverse materials. Furthermore, two filament spool holders are cleverly integrated into the Robo R2’s chassis, providing a clean and compact setup for material management.

The accessories bundle provided with the Robo R2 closely mirrors that of the C2, reflecting a consistent approach to user experience. This includes essential tools like a sturdy spatula for print removal, a starter 250g spool of red PLA filament to begin printing right away, power cables for various regions, a USB key for transferring print files, lubricant for maintaining the printer’s axes, a stylus for precise interaction with the touchscreen, and a comprehensive instruction guide. While this array of accessories covers most immediate needs, one omission felt particularly noticeable given the presence of the heated plate: the absence of a spool of ABS filament and a dedicated BuildTak sheet for the print tray. For users eager to experiment with ABS, a material that significantly benefits from a heated bed, having these included would have provided an even more complete out-of-the-box experience.

2. Installing and Setting Up Your Robo R2 3D Printer for First Use

Getting started with the Robo R2 is designed to be a straightforward process, thanks to its user-friendly interface and well-structured quick start guide. This guide provides all the essential information to transition from unboxing to your first print with minimal hassle. The initial setup steps are intuitively navigated through the printer’s full-color touchscreen, which acts as the central command center. Users begin by connecting the printer to the mains power supply and powering it on. The next crucial step involves connecting the R2 to your local WiFi network, enabling seamless connectivity for updates and remote printing. It is highly recommended to immediately update the printer’s operating system (OS) to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes. Following this, the Z-axis calibration is a critical step to ensure proper print bed leveling, after which you can easily load your chosen filament.

The Robo R2 features a direct drive extruder, which offers significant advantages, particularly for printing with flexible filaments due to its shorter filament path and greater control. Located at the back of the machine, a filament sensor actively monitors material presence. Users should pay close attention to passing the filament through the outermost entrance into the extruder. This specific routing is important to prevent the printer from prematurely pausing a print and displaying a ‘lack of filament’ error. While this is a minor operational nuance, it’s a known point of attention that Robo 3D is expected to address and refine in future software updates, making the filament loading process even more foolproof.

The heated build plate comes pre-connected, but for certain tasks, such as removing stubborn prints or performing maintenance, it can be beneficial to detach it. The plate’s connection cable is conveniently located at the back of the tray and is designed for easy clipping and unclipping. Should you disconnect it, a prompt will appear on the touchscreen instructing you to reconnect the plate before commencing a print. When reattaching the heated plate, it is essential to ensure that the cable does not twist or become tangled underneath the tray. A twisted cable can obstruct the tray’s movement, specifically preventing it from descending properly, which can lead to leveling issues or print failures. Careful cable management during reconnection will prevent these potential inconveniences, ensuring smooth and reliable operation of the print bed.

3. Mastering 3D Printing with Cura Software on the Robo R2

For preparing your 3D models for printing on the Robo R2, the recommended software is Ultimaker Cura, a popular and robust 3D slicing software compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Cura is favored for its intuitive interface, extensive features, and broad community support, making it an excellent choice for users of all experience levels. For Mac users, the process of setting up the Robo R2 involves adding it directly through Cura’s printer menu and manually entering its custom build dimensions. This ensures that the software correctly recognizes the R2’s specific build volume and settings. Fortunately, the Robo 3D website serves as a valuable resource, providing comprehensive instructions and downloadable print and material profiles. These profiles are pre-optimized settings that significantly simplify the process of achieving high-quality prints with various filaments, available conveniently here.

The Robo R2 offers a versatile array of connectivity options for sending your 3D print files, catering to different user preferences and workflows. You can initiate prints by directly connecting your computer via USB, using a USB key for offline printing, establishing an Ethernet connection for network stability, utilizing WiFi for wireless convenience, or even managing prints remotely through the dedicated mobile application. This flexibility ensures that users can choose the most suitable method for their current setup. Moreover, a practical feature inherited from the C2 model is the ability to store your 3D files directly within the printer’s internal memory. This is particularly useful for frequently printed items or for freeing up your computer during long printing sessions, streamlining the overall printing experience and enhancing efficiency.

4. Comprehensive Printing Performance and User Experience

To rigorously assess the Robo R2’s printing capabilities, we conducted a series of diverse 3D printing tests using both the included PLA filament and a standard white PLA. Our initial evaluations focused on foundational print quality and machine calibration. We began by printing a “torture test,” designed to push the printer’s limits across various challenging geometries like overhangs, bridges, and fine details. This was followed by the ubiquitous 3D Benchy, a small boat model renowned for revealing common printing issues such as stringing, layer inconsistencies, and surface finish imperfections. The R2 handled both tests with commendable precision, producing clean and accurate results, demonstrating its solid baseline performance with PLA.

Next, we moved to more demanding and lengthy prints to evaluate reliability and detail rendition. We printed a curved honeycomb vase, a continuous 24-hour print designed to test the machine’s endurance and consistent layer adhesion over extended periods. The R2 successfully completed this marathon print without interruptions, yielding a visually striking piece with excellent layer uniformity. To assess the printer’s ability to reproduce intricate details, we then printed a bust of Charles Darwin by MAAS_collection, a model known for its complex facial features and delicate textures. The resulting print showcased remarkable fidelity to the original design, with fine details clearly defined and minimal visible layer lines, a testament to the R2’s precision.

Leveraging the Robo R2’s heated build plate, we then ventured into printing with ABS filament, setting the plate temperature to 100°C and the extrusion temperature to 230°C. We selected two functional models for this material: a detailed Forbidden Watchtower by kijai and a robust G-Clamp by johann517. Both ABS prints were completed without any significant hitches or errors, revealing strong, clean pieces. While warping is a common challenge when printing with ABS, the R2’s heated bed proved effective in mitigating this issue. Any minor warping observed could be easily addressed by slight adjustments to the plate temperature or extrusion speed, demonstrating the printer’s adaptability to material-specific demands.

Despite the generally excellent print quality, our most significant challenges arose during the post-printing phase, specifically when attempting to remove prints from the build tray. The R2 features a PEI-type build plate, which generally offers good adhesion. However, removing certain prints, particularly those with a large footprint or strong adhesion, proved difficult even with the provided spatula. This process often required considerable force, raising concerns about potential damage to the print bed over time. While the Robo C2 included an on-board BuildTak surface, the manufacturer opted for the PEI-type tray for the R2, believing it to be sufficient. For users frequently printing with materials that adhere strongly, or those preferring an easier removal process, this design choice can indeed make print removal more complicated. Exploring aftermarket flexible build plates or specific print removal techniques (like allowing the bed to cool completely) could be beneficial for an optimized user experience.

Conclusion: The Robo R2 – A Strong Contender in the Desktop FDM Market

The Robo R2 clearly stands out as a formidable contender in the competitive desktop FDM 3D printer market. It masterfully balances advanced features with an approachable user experience, making it an excellent choice for a wide audience. Its impressive print quality, demonstrated across various demanding tests and materials, combined with the convenience of a large color touchscreen, positions it as a reliable workhorse for hobbyists, educators, and even professionals seeking high-fidelity results. The generous build volume further expands its utility, allowing for the creation of larger objects than many competitors in its price range. The heated build plate is a significant advantage, unlocking compatibility with engineering-grade filaments like ABS, which are crucial for functional prototypes and more robust parts. While the PEI print surface, though effective for adhesion, presents some challenges during print removal, this is a minor setback in an otherwise exceptionally well-rounded machine.

The potential for a future dual-extruder upgrade is a particularly exciting prospect, promising to dramatically enhance the R2’s versatility for multi-material or multi-color printing. This foresight into future expandability indicates Robo 3D’s commitment to long-term value and user satisfaction. Overall, the Robo R2 delivers an outstanding package of performance, features, and affordability. It’s a printer that not only meets the demands of contemporary 3D printing but also anticipates future needs, solidifying Robo 3D’s reputation as an innovator in the industry. For those looking for a feature-rich FDM 3D printer that offers excellent value and consistent results, the Robo R2 is undoubtedly a compelling option worthy of serious consideration.

What are your thoughts on the Robo R2? Have you had any experience with Robo 3D printers? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know your opinions and experiences in a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, with all the latest news and innovations in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!