3DQue has decoupled the hardware components of its Quinly 3D printer automation system, now the Quinly3D Collection, eliminating a hefty ~$230 entry price from the plug-and-play software. Unfortunately, that effectively raises the price of its impressive surface: the Variable Adhesion for Automated Part Release, or VAAPR, print bed.
The change comes as 3DQue pivots to a three-tiered subscription model for its automation software, with a minimum mid-tier AutoPrint3D subscription at $120 per year required to purchase the VAAPR and another $129 for the product itself; bringing the total to get your hands on a VAAPR up to $249.
That’s a hefty price for a print bed, considering alternatives like tempered glass often go for as little as $20. But, if you’re after an especially exotic surface to put down your first layers, the VAAPR is one of the most interesting out there. Though 3DQue keeps the VAAPR’s composition a closely guarded secret, we found it to be the most impressive part of the company’s offering during our Quinly review. The print surface held up to 3DQue’s claims with an extremely strong bond when heated, and perfect part release when cool. Seriously – you can remove parts with a feather.
The downside is that, for many 3D printers, the VAAPR needs to adhere directly to the heat plate. That makes removal a challenge, which isn’t ideal considering 3DQue’s ample warnings about damaging the surface — either through scraping it or attempting to clean it with alcohol. Both are no-nos. Fortunately, you can adhere it to a flex plate first, like Prusa’s spring-steel beds, and 3DQue has clarified that it can be similarly applied to any PEI-coated flex plate.
That extra subscription money also isn’t for naught. 3DQue’s automation software was already easy-to-use and well-supported when we reviewed the system back in May, and the company has made ample improvements since then including custom G-code for part removal and its new SpaghettiVision AI. Its highest subscription tier, AutoFarm3D, adds unique options like Etsy and Shopify integration and allows users to purchase the VAAPR print bed alongside more flexible subscription plans that fit the ebb and flow of their business, 3DQue says — but you’ll have to get an individual quote for the service.
The VAAPR bed has stayed on our Ender 3 V2 since our review. Even without running automated print routines, it’s our favorite print surface for how it completely eliminates any prying or peeling of printed parts. It’s practically permanent, but there’s nothing quite like it.
Correction 19/09/22: A previous version of this article stated the VAAPR print bed was available for independent purchase at $129. Though All3DP was able to reach checkout with the component independently, a notice on 3DQue’s general hardware page states that orders without an annual subscription to AutoPrint3D or AutoFarm3D will be canceled.
Lead image source: All3DP
License: The text of "This Might Be the Best Print Bed Around – But It Will Cost You" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.