Volumic STREAM 30 Pro MK2 Review: A Professional FDM 3D Printer for Demanding Applications

Volumic, the renowned French manufacturer, recently provided us with their latest innovation, the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 3D printer, for an in-depth professional review. This model represents the manufacturer’s new generation of advanced additive manufacturing machines, following closely on the heels of the STREAM 30 Ultra’s release. A significant addition to our test unit was the top cover, featuring an active filter system. This enclosure allows for the safe and efficient printing of a wide array of filaments, including those that emit fumes or require a controlled thermal environment, making it a truly versatile tool for any professional setting.

The STREAM 30 Pro MK2 distinguishes itself with several key features designed for robust professional use. At its core is a formidable 6mm all-aluminum chassis, a hallmark of Volumic’s commitment to durability and precision across their product range. This sturdy construction minimizes vibrations, ensuring consistent print quality even during extended operations. The printer also boasts a 3mm aluminum heat plate, capable of reaching temperatures up to 110°C. This high-temperature capability is crucial for ensuring optimal adhesion and preventing warping when working with advanced materials like ABS, PETG, and Nylon. Underneath its robust exterior, the MK2 houses an advanced extruder equipped with an interchangeable head and a standard 0.4mm brass nozzle, offering flexibility for various printing tasks and material requirements.

Performance-wise, this new generation print head is engineered to extrude filaments at temperatures up to 300°C, unlocking compatibility with a broader spectrum of engineering-grade and high-performance polymers. This high-temperature capability, combined with a maximum displacement speed of 120mm/s, makes the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 an efficient tool for rapid prototyping and small-batch production. Visually, the printer maintains a strong resemblance to its predecessors, featuring numerous components that are themselves 3D printed in Volumic’s signature colors. This design choice not only emphasizes the possibilities of additive manufacturing but also ensures that spare parts can be readily reproduced, extending the machine’s lifespan and serviceability. At the time of our review, the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 was available for a selling price of €4188 TTC, positioning it firmly in the professional segment of the 3D printing market.

1. Unpacking and Installing the Volumic STREAM 30 Pro MK2

Upon receiving the Volumic STREAM 30 Pro MK2, the immediate impression was one of exceptional robustness. The machine arrived at our facilities after a considerable journey from Volumic’s workshops in Nice, as indicated on the packaging. Despite the long transit, the printer demonstrated remarkable resilience. We were particularly impressed to find that, straight out of the box, the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 was able to produce a flawless 3D Benchy print without any manual calibration of the print bed whatsoever. This speaks volumes about the meticulous assembly and factory calibration standards maintained by Volumic, guaranteeing minimal setup time and immediate productivity for professional users.

This new iteration of the STREAM 30 Pro brings several significant enhancements compared to its first-generation predecessor. A notable upgrade is the vibrant color touchscreen, which replaces the older screen and dial selection system. This intuitive interface greatly enhances user experience, making navigation through menus and settings more streamlined and efficient. While incorporating modern controls, the MK2 wisely retains its generous production volume of 300 x 200 x 300mm. This substantial build envelope allows for the creation of larger prototypes or multiple smaller parts in a single print run, catering to a wide range of professional applications from engineering and product design to artistic creations.

Volumic has gone above and beyond with the included accessories for the STREAM 30 Pro MK2. The package is exceptionally comprehensive, providing everything a professional user might need to get started and maintain the printer. Standard inclusions comprise power and USB cables, a comprehensive set of tools including various wrenches and a sturdy spatula for print removal, an 8GB SD card, and a USB SD card reader for convenient file transfer. To ensure an immediate start, Volumic includes a coil of their own high-quality PLA Ultra filament, a 3Dlac adhesive spray for superior print bed adhesion, a pair of gloves for handling materials, a robust coil holder, purge filament, spare plate clamps, and meticulously detailed French documentation. For our review, we also received an additional replacement print head equipped with a finer 0.25mm nozzle, highlighting the modularity and adaptability of the system for intricate detailing.

The documentation accompanying the printer is truly remarkable, spanning nearly 80 pages. It is an ultra-complete guide that meticulously covers every aspect of the machine’s operation. From initial startup procedures and the installation of all supplied accessories, such as the filament reel and spool support, to the crucial process of print bed calibration, every step is clearly explained. The manual also offers detailed instructions on how to optimally prepare the print bed using either lacquers or adhesive tapes, ensuring consistent first-layer adhesion. This extensive documentation is a significant asset for professional users, providing invaluable support for troubleshooting, maintenance, and maximizing the printer’s capabilities, minimizing the learning curve and ensuring reliable operation.

2. Software Compatible with the STREAM 30 Pro MK2

For the software aspect, the Volumic STREAM 30 Pro MK2 offers broad compatibility, catering to a diverse range of user preferences and budgets. Users have access to popular free slicing suites such as Repetier and Cura, both widely recognized for their flexibility and extensive features. For those seeking more advanced capabilities and a refined workflow, specific profiles are also available for the highly regarded paid software, Simplify3D, which comes at a price of $149. This versatility ensures that professionals can integrate the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 seamlessly into their existing workflows or choose the software that best fits their specific needs.

One minor drawback worth noting is the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity for the STREAM 30 Pro. File transfer is primarily handled via the provided SD card or a direct USB connection. While Wi-Fi might offer convenience, the reliance on physical connections often translates to greater reliability in professional environments, minimizing network-related interruptions. However, for future iterations, integrated Wi-Fi could certainly enhance user convenience.

Where Volumic adds a unique twist to the software experience is through its proprietary offerings: Verify3D and Colorify3D. Verify3D is a powerful tool designed to help users manage and view their STL file libraries efficiently, ensuring model integrity before printing. Colorify3D, on the other hand, is a dedicated color change manager, greatly simplifying the process of pausing prints at specific layers for multi-color creations. This feature is particularly valuable for designers and artists looking to add complexity to their prints without manual guesswork. It’s important to note that these specialized software tools are currently only compatible with Windows operating systems. For our testing purposes, we leveraged the official profiles available directly from the Volumic website, specifically optimized for Simplify3D, to ensure we were getting the best possible performance.

The control panel on the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 printer acts as the central hub for all operational commands. It displays various general information about the printer’s status and allows users to perform essential functions. These include fundamental operations such as loading and extruding filament, manually moving the print bed, and precisely controlling the print head’s position. The intuitive touchscreen interface makes these operations straightforward, even for those new to professional 3D printing, enhancing overall ease of use and efficiency.

3. First Impressions and Printing Performance

As is customary in our 3D printer reviews, we initiated our print tests with the iconic 3D Benchy. This was done immediately after unpacking the Volumic STREAM 30 Pro MK2 to assess its resilience after transport and, more critically, to gauge the level of calibration required and its inherent reliability. The Benchy test serves as an excellent benchmark, providing an initial insight into the manufacturer’s default profile and highlighting any necessary corrections or optimizations. The fact that the printer produced a perfect Benchy straight out of the box, without any manual calibration, was an impressive demonstration of its robust construction and meticulous factory setup.

Subsequently, we reviewed the semi-automatic calibration process for the print bed. This procedure is performed using a standard sheet of paper or a business card, a classic and reliable method. What makes this process particularly user-friendly on the STREAM 30 Pro MK2 is the step-by-step guidance provided directly on the color touchscreen. The on-screen instructions are remarkably clear, even indicating the precise direction to turn the adjustment screws, ensuring accurate and hassle-free bed leveling for consistent print quality.

Having completed initial tests with the Volumic Ultra PLA filament supplied with the printer, we decided to switch to a different brand, specifically PLA from Arianeplast, to assess material compatibility. This change, however, led to our first challenge: a plugged nozzle. It’s difficult to definitively attribute the clog to the filament itself, but the Arianeplast PLA appeared to be slightly thicker than the Volumic Ultra PLA and did not flow as smoothly through the PTFE tube. This incident, while inconvenient, served as an excellent opportunity to test one of the STREAM 30 Pro MK2’s most valuable professional features: its interchangeable nozzle mechanism. Thanks to this clever design, the clogged nozzle was released and replaced in mere moments, minimizing downtime and allowing us to successfully print a small vase, demonstrating the machine’s quick recovery and robust design.

To finalize our comprehensive testing, we chose a larger and more complex piece: the detailed figure of Thanos, also readily available on the Thingiverse download site. This challenging print allowed us to evaluate the STREAM 30 Pro MK2’s performance on intricate geometries, support generation, and overall print quality over an extended duration. The resulting print showcased excellent detail and surface finish, further solidifying our positive impressions of this professional FDM 3D printer.

A highly detailed Thanos bust, meticulously crafted with the Volumic Ultra PLA filament.

A close-up view highlighting the effectiveness and precision of the print’s support structures.

A stunning 20cm tall bust of Thanos, demonstrating the printer’s capacity for producing impressive, large-scale models.

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