Hi everyone,
I am looking for a good 3d printer, and is interested in Ultimaker 3 Extended and BCN3D Sigma. Looks like they have similar features such as dual extruders. Can someone tell me which one is a better choice? Price is not a major concern here, just need to find a better one in terms of function / power. Thanks!
Hi Sammy,
I currently bought a BCN3D Sigma and I’m pretty happy with it. I have no experience with the UM3 (I only own an UMoriginal and a UM2).
I think you might wanna consider what’s more important: print high or print wide. The prints I make are more often wider in stead of higher. Ok, I could of course consider printing things upright, but for most of the models the positioning will be better to have a big platform.
I’m pretty charmed of the construction of the Sigma, I like the 2 separate print heads. The price is good and the operation is easy.
There are cons of course: Sigma is pretty noisy. Another thing: it uses Cura for slicing. For the dual head BCN3D forked the ‘old’ Cura, while I love the new Cura. After some adoptions I am able to slice in the new Cura, but only for prints with 1 printhead. With an UM you’ll be more sure to have the right slicer for your machine
Good luck with your decision!
Cheers,
Charlotte
Thank you so much for all the replies. Some mentioned the print size, which I agree to be important. I was more into BCN3D which has a bigger build volume, but later I learned that Um3 has an extended version which has additional 10cm in build height up to 30cm, very attractive, although its width and length remains the same (< BCN3D). I would like to know if build height is as important as length and width or not (Yes = Um win, No = BCN3D win)?
Also what is the performance difference between the Um heads and the separate heads of BCN3D, maybe in printing speed or product quality ?
For my situation I care more about the product itself, the price or working noise level is not as important.
Wow impressive!! Found some info said its extruder mechanic design is revolutionary. Is it not easy to buy it outside Russia? Also this machine was out in 2014, is there a newer version recently?
Hi Charlotte, Since you have both the sigma and a UMO; how would you compare the noise levels? I now have a UMO with heated bed and thinking of buying a sigma or an UM3. I am looking for a bigger print bed than I have right now, so than the sigma has a big plus, but I also print a lot at night, when I am sleeping and than the noise level could also be a differentiator, because the printer is in the room next to my bedroom.
My choice is the Sigma. Cheaper, better construction and more versatile.
One thing you have to consider is what materials you want to print. The Sigma can print flexible and will be soon able to print also abrasive materials.
Moreover I think that will be quiter in a few days…
Sigma makes more noise. I measured around 60db with my smartphone. Ultimakers are around 50db.
Its not like the difference is really big but it can be a bit annoying
The Sigma is more noisy. Probably same mistake as Ultimaker once made: no isolation between the housing and the extruder motor (which is in my opinion the most noisy).
I know there is new fans on the latests Sigma, do you have the last one ?
