I would love to see them add multiple build plates to their software, like how Bambu/Orca slicer does. That way I can load in a whole project, have it laid on on multiple build plates, then just work my way through one at a time. It is SO much easier to keep track of that way on my Bambu printers.
Another banger, great work and I'm happy to see Heygears continuously improving this thing. I really ought to get around already to making my own video on this thing, because for me the lock in stuff is a deal breaker and it's a point worth hammering I feel. Also, this printer is a fume nightmare for anyone unaware - it has three powerful fans in the rear that just directly blast the fumes into whatever space you're using it in. So make sure if you do buy this printer you have an enormous and vented enclosure for it, or a space away from your living areas like an outdoor shed that you could set it up in.
Thanks mate, yeh and I alluded to this in the video, but it’s worth hammering home, I run a massive centrifugal extraction system in my garage which pulls out the fumes, in time I plan to build a seperate fume cupboard for them all too. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as someone who loves to get into customising machines it would be be a really interesting take.
Yeah I definitely agree with the lock-in, and i really dislike how their slicer reports every action you perform back to their servers even if you run offline projects, and the silly password protected slicer output files (i assume to prevent you from using other slicers to create/modify them? the password wasn't too hard to work out, at least, but didn't seem like you can specify custom exposure times in those files so not too useful.) unfortunate since the printer itself seems really nice, it's just a little much for me to stomach. :D
The vertical integration (software + printer + resin + control of printing and environmental parameters) can theoretically provide some serious advantages such as individualised pixel curing / grayscale (expose supports more, and local areas of parts more or less depending on negative / positive details, etc.), compensation against cross curing (because it knows the resin's susceptibility to cross curing for a given layer height / temp, and uses its own slicer), etc. I don't know to which extent these theoretical advantages are effectively realised, though. If they already are to a tangible extent then I think that Heygears should market that more explicitly because this has the potential for being a huge asset. I'd welcome an "open mode" though, even at a cost if Heygears considers that they may have to beef up support to handle some issues... or without if they explicitly say "at your own risk". But I don't see that as a priority given what they're trying to achieve. Perhaps what they could do as well is partner with some known third party brands in a sort of certified program, to expand their lineup more quickly, in particular for oddball resins that wouldn't be profitable for them.
I really disagree with closed ecosystems like HeyGears and Formlabs, the entire business model is incredibly anti-consumer. The vast majority of consumer printers 'just work' (as well as they can, having used several professional printers that also go wrong) with very little/no tinkering nowadays, especially if you're paying for the more premium options, and they don't lock you to their software and their resin.
I know exactly what you mean, but having spent a fair chunk of time recently battling a variety of printers and multiple resins, it’s refreshing to not have to. Tinkering is a bit part of the 3d printing hobby, it’s just not the bit I enjoy.
Right now I am a hobbyist and I have no reason to buy this printer. My Mars 4 DLP is great for my needs. However I do plan to start up a 3D printing studio where I will design and print fan art statues, miniatures, molds and start producing short stop-motion films. From what I've seen, HeyGears has everything I need (both hardware and material wise) for my studio needs. Their printer and their materials are exactly what I've been looking for and the closed ecosystem will save me a lot of time. But I get what you are saying. It has pros and cons and for me at least, the pros outshadow the cons.
@@RisingApe Totally get you there, but the extent of tinkering nowadays tends to be running an exposure test (on a quality printer anyway), and if you stick with that resin that's all you should need to do given that most models are presupported/you can use autosupports. Yeah, if you want to push for the best quality you'll need to tinker, but if you're happy with ~90% (what these closed ecosystem printers typically get to) then you should be fine.
@@evanskan6326 Totally understand the convenience factor for a business - however, what happens if HeyGears goes out of business? Or they stop supporting this printer and move onto the next one? Being locked into software and consumables from one specific brand means that overnight, the printer (or in the case of my lab, printers) can just become useless. See what happened with the previous Formlabs printers. The main benefit of these printers is that people with literally zero 3d printing knowledge can operate them with minimal training successfully, so they're great for larger businesses, universities etc. And don't forget, you can still buy their resins and use them as normal (although there are normally cheaper options), you just need to take the 20 minutes to calibrate them.
They don't lock you to their resin. There are loads of videos on youtube of people using all sorts of resins from other brands in a Reflex RS with zero issues. Haters gonna hate but this is easily the best consumer grade 3D printer out there at the moment, it's not even close.
I’m a fellow HG Reflex lover and have about six months under my belt with it for engineering applications including casting metals with the PAC10 resin. Just quick note: from my research the Form4 uses a system that sounds identical to the PRM unit of the HG’s. It’s just built into their printer. Also, the PAH10 resin is the strongest resin they make by a long shot. Use it where strength is critical. Lastly, I regularly use third party resins in my HG’s printer. It works wonderfully doing so.
@@RisingApeif you do try PAC10, reach out. I found their recommended burnout wasnt ideal. I modified it to be more of a conventional resin burnout (theirs seems based on wax) and it worked fantastic! The print quality of PAC10 is like nothing I’ve seen and utterly effortless. Unlike every other burnoutable resin I’ve used
Thank you so much for your videos. It was your content that helped me finally make the decision to order an UltraCraft Reflex. Also, thank you SO much for the discount code! I really enjoy your channel and look forward to your future content. Keep up the great work!
The ability of a screw to cut into and hold in a piece of material is always going to depend on the material you are fastening into. I'm sure those screws would be find for mounting something to a block of cheese or even styrofoam. I would be curious to see if they would drive into a properly pre-drilled pine 2x4 and what kind of shear strength they would offer.
I don't mind some post processing but I do mind companies telling me what I can and can't use when I spend my hard earned money on their products and I definitely don't want to pay $12-1500 or more on a machine that does the exact same thing as a $500 printer
I completely get that, and you’re right in the sense that if you are just cranking out minis then cheaper printers are the way to go. This is a professional machine with the extra capabilities, workflow and support functions, it’s like buying snap on tools over home depot branded, both do the same job, but one is just nicer to use.
@@RisingApe except snap on tools are not that great. This 3D printer sits somewhere between a consumer level and a production level printer and does not fit either category all that well. The company makes much better printers for production work then this one. This printer oversllmis just an odd duck. From an outsiders POV, it looks like they are trying to break into the consumer market, which have unique challenges such as having freedom of choice on slicer software and resins. I applaud them for trying as more competition in the consumer market is always good for the consumer. If they decide to do another printer entry into the consumer market they are going to have to really consider both price and more importantly choice of slicer software and resin selections.
Hey mate! Love your videos, love from Australia here mate! I’m a brand newby getting a resin printer soon and I’ve managed to snag a pre order for the gk3 ultra at 999 usd, but I’m still torn between it and the hey gears, both are amazing and I’m a bit deterred though by the price of resin for the HG hey gears, and that I can’t change any of the settings if needed. I know it’s perfect out of the box but in future it’ll change and we will still be stuck with that software, settings and resin. I will mostly print miniatures, busts, models and such so I’m happy for your thoughts and input if you’d kindly, I’m just torn between the two 🙂 Love your content mate you are an absolute legend
Cheers for the kind words, I haven’t used a GK3 yet but I love my GK2. For the heygears it’s a big investment sure, if you are a new printer honestly the GK will be a great buy the only decision will be the build volume / vat size, if you have space then the GK is a beast. For me the GK is ideal for most of my printing needs.
I haven't seen any reviews that mention the lifespan of the screen, or the cost of replacing it (and how easy it is). My DLP printer has spoiled me and I'm curious what the process it is/how much it adds to the cost.
They came back to me, Thank you for your inquiry. For countries not listed on our website, purchases can only be made through our authorized distributors. Unfortunately, we don't have a distributor in the Netherlands at this time. We're actively working to expand our network of distributors to cover more countries. 👌
@@RisingApe I am still a bit worried about their "miniature" resin cause from what I've seen, it is way too brittle unless they have fixed that. I am a huge fan of the Phrozen RPG resin, which means I will have to buy two resin printers when I start up my studio.... The Reflex and another from Elegoo/Uniformation/Anycubic.... Will see....
Quality is unreal, using the pap-10 is better than anything I can print on my GK2 even using high detail resins. The parp is still good but notch or two down from there
Aye they are time limited BUT there is a new printer release incoming, stay tuned or jump onto my discord. Also thanks for using the code, it’s appreciated
@@RisingApe thanks, tried following discord link from your website but it says it has expired. I am, as you would categorise it, a ‘pro’ user, and need something decent quite quickly and with heated resin capability, as well as accuracy as I am in a dental field. Really enjoying going through your video catalogue. About to watch formlabs comparison one. 👍
Oof, 700 quid for a compressor? I thought Iwata charged a lot for things (a Power Jet Pro is like $7-800 CAD here in Canada, but it's also stupidly quiet and runs at a higher pressure than the AS186K based ones do). I'm glad you're giving it the spin you are, specifically the "it's a tool, and it kind of behaves like such too" kind of spin. Is it pricy? Yes, many things are pricy when compared to an "entry-level" Elegoo Mars printer. Is it closed ecosystem? Also yes. But to have something where you chuck the files in and it spits them out correctly the first time, by the sounds of it without having too many annoying supports to deal with (aka no over-supporting like one sometimes has to when rolling their own path)... I can see how it could be rather handy as a tool. Resin prices are still a massive oof though, but sounds like they're starting to work that out.
To be fair, it’s a compressor that digitally talks to the printer and inserts air as the build plate lifts. But yeh there is no getting round the cost, it’s a lot
Having watched Ross sing the praises of this printer, and now you, there's no doubting it's a wonderful thing but unfortunately it's also prohibitively expensive, as is their resin. Also, being locked into the HeyGears resin chain. For me, it's another, "If ever I win the lottery" item. A hard thing to do as I don't play the lottery 😂 Great video nonetheless, thank you )O(
Absolutely I have said in previous videos that this printer isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of machines available for much less that do a great job
I have no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best printers on the market right now if not the best. But $1500 plus $50-$80 per bottle of resin is just prohibitively expensive. Again, I’m sure it’s fantastic. I just cannot be even close to affording that right now, not to mention it’s not even a 10 inch build plate. It’s closer to the size of a Mars.
Good for the owners, but there's no way in hell I'll waste 1500+ bucks on a printer that chains me to a closed ecosystem and can only do 30 microns at best
I can absolutely see your point, but after using this for nearly 6 months I am in love, it’s just so good, there are new cheaper resins (£30/l) and profiles to print in smaller microns although I have no need for printing below 50 microns and for prototypes 100 microns is more standard
💯 it’s a completely different beast to be honest though. That said if you just want to print minis the S4U is a stunning printer, the Mars 5 U is the one I would say is the best for a beginner on a budget. This machine is on a different level though but it’s not aimed at hobbyists or anyone who has to really worry about the cost.
I would love to see them add multiple build plates to their software, like how Bambu/Orca slicer does. That way I can load in a whole project, have it laid on on multiple build plates, then just work my way through one at a time. It is SO much easier to keep track of that way on my Bambu printers.
Oh that’s I great idea, I will let them know, obviously you can create multiple jobs but that’s not the same. Good suggestion
Another banger, great work and I'm happy to see Heygears continuously improving this thing. I really ought to get around already to making my own video on this thing, because for me the lock in stuff is a deal breaker and it's a point worth hammering I feel. Also, this printer is a fume nightmare for anyone unaware - it has three powerful fans in the rear that just directly blast the fumes into whatever space you're using it in. So make sure if you do buy this printer you have an enormous and vented enclosure for it, or a space away from your living areas like an outdoor shed that you could set it up in.
Thanks mate, yeh and I alluded to this in the video, but it’s worth hammering home, I run a massive centrifugal extraction system in my garage which pulls out the fumes, in time I plan to build a seperate fume cupboard for them all too. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as someone who loves to get into customising machines it would be be a really interesting take.
Yeah I definitely agree with the lock-in, and i really dislike how their slicer reports every action you perform back to their servers even if you run offline projects, and the silly password protected slicer output files (i assume to prevent you from using other slicers to create/modify them? the password wasn't too hard to work out, at least, but didn't seem like you can specify custom exposure times in those files so not too useful.) unfortunate since the printer itself seems really nice, it's just a little much for me to stomach. :D
The vertical integration (software + printer + resin + control of printing and environmental parameters) can theoretically provide some serious advantages such as individualised pixel curing / grayscale (expose supports more, and local areas of parts more or less depending on negative / positive details, etc.), compensation against cross curing (because it knows the resin's susceptibility to cross curing for a given layer height / temp, and uses its own slicer), etc. I don't know to which extent these theoretical advantages are effectively realised, though. If they already are to a tangible extent then I think that Heygears should market that more explicitly because this has the potential for being a huge asset.
I'd welcome an "open mode" though, even at a cost if Heygears considers that they may have to beef up support to handle some issues... or without if they explicitly say "at your own risk". But I don't see that as a priority given what they're trying to achieve.
Perhaps what they could do as well is partner with some known third party brands in a sort of certified program, to expand their lineup more quickly, in particular for oddball resins that wouldn't be profitable for them.
You SHOULD make a video and you SHOULD test it with multiple different resins!
I really disagree with closed ecosystems like HeyGears and Formlabs, the entire business model is incredibly anti-consumer. The vast majority of consumer printers 'just work' (as well as they can, having used several professional printers that also go wrong) with very little/no tinkering nowadays, especially if you're paying for the more premium options, and they don't lock you to their software and their resin.
I know exactly what you mean, but having spent a fair chunk of time recently battling a variety of printers and multiple resins, it’s refreshing to not have to. Tinkering is a bit part of the 3d printing hobby, it’s just not the bit I enjoy.
Right now I am a hobbyist and I have no reason to buy this printer. My Mars 4 DLP is great for my needs.
However I do plan to start up a 3D printing studio where I will design and print fan art statues, miniatures, molds and start producing short stop-motion films. From what I've seen, HeyGears has everything I need (both hardware and material wise) for my studio needs. Their printer and their materials are exactly what I've been looking for and the closed ecosystem will save me a lot of time. But I get what you are saying. It has pros and cons and for me at least, the pros outshadow the cons.
@@RisingApe Totally get you there, but the extent of tinkering nowadays tends to be running an exposure test (on a quality printer anyway), and if you stick with that resin that's all you should need to do given that most models are presupported/you can use autosupports. Yeah, if you want to push for the best quality you'll need to tinker, but if you're happy with ~90% (what these closed ecosystem printers typically get to) then you should be fine.
@@evanskan6326 Totally understand the convenience factor for a business - however, what happens if HeyGears goes out of business? Or they stop supporting this printer and move onto the next one? Being locked into software and consumables from one specific brand means that overnight, the printer (or in the case of my lab, printers) can just become useless. See what happened with the previous Formlabs printers.
The main benefit of these printers is that people with literally zero 3d printing knowledge can operate them with minimal training successfully, so they're great for larger businesses, universities etc. And don't forget, you can still buy their resins and use them as normal (although there are normally cheaper options), you just need to take the 20 minutes to calibrate them.
They don't lock you to their resin. There are loads of videos on youtube of people using all sorts of resins from other brands in a Reflex RS with zero issues. Haters gonna hate but this is easily the best consumer grade 3D printer out there at the moment, it's not even close.
I’m a fellow HG Reflex lover and have about six months under my belt with it for engineering applications including casting metals with the PAC10 resin.
Just quick note: from my research the Form4 uses a system that sounds identical to the PRM unit of the HG’s. It’s just built into their printer.
Also, the PAH10 resin is the strongest resin they make by a long shot. Use it where strength is critical.
Lastly, I regularly use third party resins in my HG’s printer. It works wonderfully doing so.
Yeh I want to have a crack with PAC-10 at some point. The PAH is ace, I’m looking forward to trialling the silicone resin too.
@@RisingApeif you do try PAC10, reach out. I found their recommended burnout wasnt ideal. I modified it to be more of a conventional resin burnout (theirs seems based on wax) and it worked fantastic! The print quality of PAC10 is like nothing I’ve seen and utterly effortless. Unlike every other burnoutable resin I’ve used
Even though i usally dont even watch 3d printing videos, this was a joy to watch just as a video in it self, great stuff buddy❤
Thanks mate
Thank you so much for your videos. It was your content that helped me finally make the decision to order an UltraCraft Reflex. Also, thank you SO much for the discount code! I really enjoy your channel and look forward to your future content. Keep up the great work!
Awesome thank you for the comment and the kind words, glad you found it helpful! Welcome to to the club.
The ability of a screw to cut into and hold in a piece of material is always going to depend on the material you are fastening into. I'm sure those screws would be find for mounting something to a block of cheese or even styrofoam. I would be curious to see if they would drive into a properly pre-drilled pine 2x4 and what kind of shear strength they would offer.
These weren’t up to the mustard tbh, I tried on pre drilled holes into pine timber but need to make the shafts much thicker.
Will they make a wax resin for jewellery
They have PAC which is a casting resin, it’s v expensive though
I don't mind some post processing but I do mind companies telling me what I can and can't use when I spend my hard earned money on their products and I definitely don't want to pay $12-1500 or more on a machine that does the exact same thing as a $500 printer
I completely get that, and you’re right in the sense that if you are just cranking out minis then cheaper printers are the way to go. This is a professional machine with the extra capabilities, workflow and support functions, it’s like buying snap on tools over home depot branded, both do the same job, but one is just nicer to use.
@@RisingApe except snap on tools are not that great. This 3D printer sits somewhere between a consumer level and a production level printer and does not fit either category all that well. The company makes much better printers for production work then this one. This printer oversllmis just an odd duck. From an outsiders POV, it looks like they are trying to break into the consumer market, which have unique challenges such as having freedom of choice on slicer software and resins. I applaud them for trying as more competition in the consumer market is always good for the consumer. If they decide to do another printer entry into the consumer market they are going to have to really consider both price and more importantly choice of slicer software and resin selections.
Hey mate! Love your videos, love from Australia here mate!
I’m a brand newby getting a resin printer soon and I’ve managed to snag a pre order for the gk3 ultra at 999 usd, but I’m still torn between it and the hey gears, both are amazing and I’m a bit deterred though by the price of resin for the HG hey gears, and that I can’t change any of the settings if needed. I know it’s perfect out of the box but in future it’ll change and we will still be stuck with that software, settings and resin. I will mostly print miniatures, busts, models and such so I’m happy for your thoughts and input if you’d kindly, I’m just torn between the two 🙂
Love your content mate you are an absolute legend
Cheers for the kind words, I haven’t used a GK3 yet but I love my GK2. For the heygears it’s a big investment sure, if you are a new printer honestly the GK will be a great buy the only decision will be the build volume / vat size, if you have space then the GK is a beast. For me the GK is ideal for most of my printing needs.
@@RisingApe Cheers for the info mate!
So you reckon go the GK over the heygears?
I haven't seen any reviews that mention the lifespan of the screen, or the cost of replacing it (and how easy it is). My DLP printer has spoiled me and I'm curious what the process it is/how much it adds to the cost.
I don’t know actually I will ask them
Any idea when they are willing to ship to the Netherlands ?
Not as standard but I have enquired for you, as I don’t know how you would do this?
@@RisingApe Thanks a lot!
They came back to me, Thank you for your inquiry. For countries not listed on our website, purchases can only be made through our authorized distributors. Unfortunately, we don't have a distributor in the Netherlands at this time. We're actively working to expand our network of distributors to cover more countries. 👌
@@RisingApe thanks... going the GKtwo route for now then... thanks again.
Oh that's what you meant by saying "next video".... I thought it was already out lol.....
Yeh running late today 😅
@@RisingApe I am still a bit worried about their "miniature" resin cause from what I've seen, it is way too brittle unless they have fixed that.
I am a huge fan of the Phrozen RPG resin, which means I will have to buy two resin printers when I start up my studio.... The Reflex and another from Elegoo/Uniformation/Anycubic.... Will see....
How does pap10 and parp10 compare to phrozen 8k resin in terms of detail and quality? Using phrozen on a GK2
Quality is unreal, using the pap-10 is better than anything I can print on my GK2 even using high detail resins. The parp is still good but notch or two down from there
Shame discount code is short lived. Just tried using it but it’s not working (from the UK at least). Not paying full price.
Aye they are time limited BUT there is a new printer release incoming, stay tuned or jump onto my discord. Also thanks for using the code, it’s appreciated
@@RisingApe thanks, tried following discord link from your website but it says it has expired. I am, as you would categorise it, a ‘pro’ user, and need something decent quite quickly and with heated resin capability, as well as accuracy as I am in a dental field. Really enjoying going through your video catalogue. About to watch formlabs comparison one. 👍
Oof, 700 quid for a compressor? I thought Iwata charged a lot for things (a Power Jet Pro is like $7-800 CAD here in Canada, but it's also stupidly quiet and runs at a higher pressure than the AS186K based ones do). I'm glad you're giving it the spin you are, specifically the "it's a tool, and it kind of behaves like such too" kind of spin. Is it pricy? Yes, many things are pricy when compared to an "entry-level" Elegoo Mars printer. Is it closed ecosystem? Also yes. But to have something where you chuck the files in and it spits them out correctly the first time, by the sounds of it without having too many annoying supports to deal with (aka no over-supporting like one sometimes has to when rolling their own path)... I can see how it could be rather handy as a tool. Resin prices are still a massive oof though, but sounds like they're starting to work that out.
To be fair, it’s a compressor that digitally talks to the printer and inserts air as the build plate lifts. But yeh there is no getting round the cost, it’s a lot
Having watched Ross sing the praises of this printer, and now you, there's no doubting it's a wonderful thing but unfortunately it's also prohibitively expensive, as is their resin. Also, being locked into the HeyGears resin chain. For me, it's another, "If ever I win the lottery" item. A hard thing to do as I don't play the lottery 😂 Great video nonetheless, thank you )O(
Absolutely I have said in previous videos that this printer isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of machines available for much less that do a great job
I have no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best printers on the market right now if not the best. But $1500 plus $50-$80 per bottle of resin is just prohibitively expensive. Again, I’m sure it’s fantastic. I just cannot be even close to affording that right now, not to mention it’s not even a 10 inch build plate. It’s closer to the size of a Mars.
No doubt it’s no for everyone and for minis, something like the S4U are incredible machines too
Good for the owners, but there's no way in hell I'll waste 1500+ bucks on a printer that chains me to a closed ecosystem and can only do 30 microns at best
I can absolutely see your point, but after using this for nearly 6 months I am in love, it’s just so good, there are new cheaper resins (£30/l) and profiles to print in smaller microns although I have no need for printing below 50 microns and for prototypes 100 microns is more standard
why did fauxhammer do a very similar video at the same time?🤷🏻♂️
I released mine first but it’s just coincidence, it’s not a paid thing from hey gears or anything.
Three times the price of the Saturn Ultra, even with the optional heater.
💯 it’s a completely different beast to be honest though. That said if you just want to print minis the S4U is a stunning printer, the Mars 5 U is the one I would say is the best for a beginner on a budget. This machine is on a different level though but it’s not aimed at hobbyists or anyone who has to really worry about the cost.