Direct extruder

The Sovol SV05 features a direct extruder. This is an advantage in a cartesian XY printer because the heavy print head which in this case is made of metal doesn’t have to move on the z-axis and moves on the XY with adequate support from the structure of the printer. It could result in better prints and possibly smoother printing with troublesome flex materials like TPU. The extruder seems similar to the one on the SV01 Pro and the SV04.

Cartesian XY head

The major point of difference for the SV05 from all other Sovol printers to date is the cartesian XY head. This means the printhead moves only across the X and Y axes, and the bed itself raises on the Z. Prior to now, all of Sovol’s printers have been cartesian XZ in design, so this is a change in direction for the company. However, Sovol has been appreciated in the past for great performance on a budget. If this printer does indeed come in under $300, it could be an interesting budget pick – provided it performs as advertised.

CR touch auto bed leveling

The CR touch bed leveling is another desirable feature on a budget printer. Having something like bed leveling automated is just one of those creature comforts you want. Simply because it potentially removes a lot of the smaller issues caused by a printer being misaligned. Not to mention you have to calibrate your bed less often. The under-bed spring-loaded screws are still available for proper bed leveling.

32-bit Creality board

Like many of the more recent 3D printers, the SV05 features a 32-bit mainboard with TMC 2208 stepper drivers. The board is made by Creality, and is specifically the v4.2.2, which is one of Creality’s more recent boards. It’s served in numerous Creality 3D printers in the past, and successfully too, so expect to have a reliable and consistent experience here too.

Further Features

Additional features include:

• Flexible build plate: A polycarbonate-coated flexible build plate that can be twisted for easy print removal. Some work better than others, so only testing will reveal how this one gets on.

• Belt tensioners: Belt tensioners offer an easy way to tighten belts and improve overall print quality.

• Anti-backlash nut: An anti-backlash nut is important here because the z-axis is carrying a lot of weight. In the event of power failure, it could collapse without this nut holding it up.

• Nozzle, bed, and filaments: The SV05 has a maximum nozzle temperature of 260 ℃, and the bed can go up to 110 ℃. That means you’ll be limited to printing with normal consumer filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.

• Build Volume: The build volume which is 220 x 220 x 300 mm on this 3D printer, so you get a little more possible print height than in many Ender 3 clones, which typically top out around 250 mm.