The Modix Big-120Z is a large volume professional 3D printer. Undoubtedly, the Modix Big-120Z’s crowd-puller is the possibility to print uniquely-tall objects in one piece, offering a 600 x 600 x 1200 mm build volume, equivalent to .43 cubic meters.

Plus, it has all the fixtures of a typical desktop 3D printer, with some custom features to accommodate the printer’s massive size.

Read on as we review what these features are.

Rigid Frame & Enclosure

The Modix Big-120Z is based on the battle-proven design of the Big series, with the frame being made of 40 x 40 mm T-slot aluminum profiles combined with powder-coated laser-cut aluminum brackets and joints.

Furthermore, the Big-120Z is crammed with premium, name-brand components for top-notch performance.

To start off, this large-format machine is equipped with Hiwin MGW motion rails for the axes, providing a wide rail and carriage for a smooth and stable operation. Combined with the quadruple geared Z-axis setup – consisting of four stepper motors each paired to a precision lead screw – the Modix Big-120Z has a precision of 0.5-micron layer hight when moving the print bed.

Another top name present in the Big-120Z is german-based IGUS, which provides high-grade signal and encoder cables.

The enclosure consists of 3 mm black aluminum composite panels (ACP) for the body, combined with a see-through polycarbonate door and top lid, which should grant easy access to the print bed from different angles. In general, the enclosure should provide proper thermal and noise insulation.

Plus, the Modix Big-120Z is designed with modularity in mind; you can install an optional external air filter to capture fumes and particles or even drill into the aluminum casing for custom fixtures or add-ons.

Dual Print Head

The Modix Big-120Z features a dual E3D Titan Aero direct extruder and dual E3D Super Volcano hotends for multi-material printing. Combined with the 40 mm 5015 blower fans that the Modix Big-120Z is equipped with, this should reduce potential clogging in closed-chamber printing scenarios.

Being an E3D Super Volcano hot end, any E3D Volcano compatible nozzles can be used. The Modix Big-120Z can also be modded to switch from the default 1.75 mm filament to 2.85 mm.

According to the manufacturer, you can also swap to a high-temp thermistor to reach temperatures up to 400°C instead of the default 285°C. This opens up the possibilities of printing with industrial-grade materials.

With this functioning combo of the E3D Super Volcano hot end, Titan Aero extruder, and enclosed printing chamber, the Modix Big-120Z can process PLA, PETG, PVA, ABS, ASA, PC, nylon, TPU, carbon composites and other exotic materials.

Heated Print Bed

The Modix Big-120Z  has a US-manufactured 6.35 mm thick Mic6 cast aluminum plate print bed covered with a PEI print surface, that is capable of reaching 120°C.

The bed itself also contains a PID controller that can maintain a constant and accurate temperature. This consistency in temperature is also boosted by a 6mm thick dual-zone silicone foam insulation pad, which also helps to lower power consumption and provide a smoother print surface.

On top, the Modix Big-120Zs print bed features dual heating zones. For smaller print jobs, the inner zone measures 200 x 200 mm, which should result in better power consumption.

Control Panel

The Modix Big-120Z printer comes with a 7-inch touchscreen for easy operation. With the integrated WiFi module, you can operate it remotely via a PC or even a mobile phone.

According to Modix, the Big-120Z is shipped with a Duet3D 32-bit controller, enabling features such as resume print function in case of a power outage, stall detection, as well as a pause print function and thermal runaway protection.

Assembly Kit

Like its Big-series brothers, the Modix Big-120Z is delivered as a self-assembly kit. The advantages of a kit are its lower price point in comparison to assembled machines, lower shipment costs as well as the flexibility in selecting a preferred location for the printer itself. Due to its compact packaging, this 2-meter-tall machine should pass through every door.

The printer’s basic design and assembly are similar to smaller desktop models that have been on the market for nearly a decade. With a basic understanding of 3D printer frames and mechanics, the assembly shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge.

Plus, Modix stated it redesigned the whole assembly process from scratch for the newly released versions of the Big-60 and Big-120X, to make it faster and easier. This includes symmetrical parts, smaller metal brackets, and a more intuitive assembly of the print head, as well as adding over 80 videos guiding you through the assembly process step by step. As all three printers feature an identical setup, we can assume that the assembly for the Modix Big-120Z has also been streamlined.

Further Features

Additional features include:

• Draft mode: Print with 100 mm/s instead of the standard 60 mm/s
• Open source RepRap firmware
• Filament runout sensor
• Trinamic TMC2660 drivers: Quieter and more durable drivers
• Optional onboard camera
• Optional external air filtration system
• Leveling casters