Gadget

Greetings to all! I present a review of the advanced photopolymer 3D printer Kelant, model S400, which is characterized by a large print area and high 2K resolution of the matrix. The Kelant printer comes partially disassembled and the user will need to install and secure a single movable Z-axis to move the carriage vertically, as well as assemble the top of the printer, which is a hard casing with a door and tinted acrylic glasses that protect against ultraviolet radiation.

Photopolymer 3D printer Kelant3D S400S 2K SLA

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The Kelant s400s kit includes everything you need to assemble the printer: components and assemblies, fasteners packaged in packages and signed, tools, protective accessories, as well as a detailed instruction manual and instructions for assembling and setting up the printer. The Kelant printer comes with a USB stick containing the necessary information, software and test models. The assembly process takes 10-15 minutes and does not require any special skills. The printer prints with photopolymer resin. In general, you can purchase consumables in the Kelant store itself. If you are interested in reviews of other models, then, for example, I suggest that you read a detailed review of the excellent budget Longer Orange 30 SLA printer. Article on choosing printers.

Specifications:

Brand: Kelant
IModel: S400S
Device type: Photopolymer (LCD stereolithographic) 3D printer
Consumable type: UV resin, including modeling and dental resins
Emission wavelength: UV LED 405 nm
Build area: 192 x 120 x 200 mm (8.9″)
Layer thickness: 1.25…100 microns (µm)
Print resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels, 75 microns
Z travel accuracy: 1.25 µm
Print speed: up to 30 mm/hour
Connection: USB stick
Control: touch screen 3.5″
Power: 24V 6A 144W
Printer size: 354 x 305 x 458mm
Software: Chitubox
Weight: 17 kg.

The package contains a partially disassembled printer, making it easier and more secure to ship. These are acrylic panels and rails for their assembly, linear rail assembly for the vertical axis, power supply, tools, and so on.

In addition, there is everything necessary for assembly and operation (tools, accessories, protective accessories). Complete power supply (with a standard round jack) for 24V. The kit also includes a USB stick with the necessary manuals, software and test models.

We start assembly.

Installation of parts from the kit is carried out in the following order: installation of the Z-axis assembly and connection, installation of vertical profiles for walls, installation of the top panel, installation of hinges and doors. Then there will be a launch, verification and configuration of the printer.

The supporting structure of the Z axis is fixed with four screws M6, with an internal hexagon. In the kit, all fasteners are packaged in packages and signed (very convenient).

Next, do not forget to tighten the motor coupling with the T8 screw, and connect the trailer cable for the lower position of the console.

The console carriage Z is mounted on two MGN12 type rails, moved with a T8 screw. In order to reduce backlash during movement, a special nut with preload is used.

An interesting point. The printer has air filtration. Sponge absorbers are provided, as well as two fans, which at the same time drive hot air from the UV module.

Next, we move on to installing the vertical guides for the side walls of the printer.

The guides are a special aluminum profile for clamping acrylic panels, installed in the body’s embedded pins and tightened.

In a similar way, we fasten four vertical guides, observing the location (B1-B2-B3-B4), since the door will then be attached to them.

Preparing acrylic panels for assembly. Carefully peel off the wax paper. Acrylic black smoky, translucent. Such acrylic not only protects against UV radiation, but also adds to the appearance of the printer.

As for the top panel, we first assemble the acrylic plus four profile pieces together, and only then install it on the printer itself. Try to carry out the installation without haste, first trying on the details, then stretching all the fasteners, in order to avoid distortions.

Roof example. After installing the top panel, proceed to the installation of the rear panel and the door.

You need to be careful with the door, acrylic is pressed on both sides with a massive hinge. Or rather, two loops.

Don’t forget about the door handle. Kelant did not stint on the quality of materials, all elements are of high quality.

The assembly is completed by installing the door on the profile.

This is what the hinges look like from the inside of the case.

Appearance of the assembled printer Kelant S400s.

The large touch screen is used for control.

The USB drive is installed on the right side.

Massive lower part with a control board, a source of powerful ultraviolet radiation, a high-resolution matrix. The engine is also located. The power supply is connected to a DC Jack, there is a power switch.

In principle, you can go directly to checking the printer.

We check how smoothly the Z axis rolls, we check the operation of the lower limit switch.

When you first turn it on, I recommend checking the overall performance, the operation of the ultraviolet emitter, and also how to calibrate the printer according to the instructions, that is, set the zero position using a sheet of A4 paper, then install the tray and fill it with resin.

We check the operation of the UV matrix (from the menu).

We calibrate the height with the tray removed. To compensate for the height of the FEP film, we attach a sheet of ordinary A4 office paper and insert the table into the lower position. We fix the screws, save the position in the menu.

The model preparation software is a standard Chitubox slicer, you need to import a Kelant profile from a flash drive for setup.

Add your profile, check the settings. When cutting the model, specify the desired profile.

For testing, I used a good photopolymer UV resin Weistek (ABS like resin). A detailed review is available at the link.

Carefully, observing safety requirements, pour about half of the bath with photopolymer resin. Please note that you should not fill to the brim, as the table will move up and down, squeezing out excess liquid.

In principle, you can proceed to print.

Next, install the USB drive with the prepared model, select the desired file and start the printing process. The printer is fast enough.

Let’s print the model. We are waiting)))) The printer prints quite quietly, since most of the time the UV illumination (silent) works, and the movement along the Z axis up and down occurs quite quickly in short periods of time. By the way, an advanced silent driver is used for the engine, which has a positive effect on the noise level and print quality in general.

Such a printer allows you to get highly detailed models of durable plastic. Suitable for both modelers and 3D modelers. Do not forget to thoroughly rinse and lighten after printing. This will require a special box needed for the final illumination of the models. I recommend doing a short exposure (30-60 seconds) in UV rays.

I am attaching some photos of the printed models.

The print quality and detail is amazing. ABS-like photopolymer gives a good result, the plastic is durable and hard to the touch. In general, there are also special model photopolymers, neutral dental polymers, elastic polymers.

Photopolymer printers are used, among other things, for creating burnt-out master models for jewelers. Therefore, he made several «rings of omnipotence.»

To assess the quality of printing, I suggest looking at the results under high magnification — you can see the details of the letters of the elvish letter. The size of small parts reaches 10 microns (µm). I use one of the microscopes in this article of choice.

As you can see, complex, overhanging, in-depth elements of models are well printed.

Maximum magnification. I printed on standard settings, in principle, it can be done even better (it will print a little longer in time).

Interesting effects are obtained with models, plastic is translucent.

If you are interested in reviews and tests of various gadgets and tools, then you can find other articles in my profile.

The most important advantage of the Kelant S400s printer is its excellent value for money. Its «big brother» Kelant S500 is already much more expensive, but already offers 4K resolution and increased print accuracy. This printer is suitable for amateurs and professionals — it does not require special skills for printing. At checkout, collect store coupons, and also add the store to your «favorites» list, as the discount for store fans is currently 30%. Available seller promo codes for a discount: JAPAN2020, RURU12, and from mid-October, a promo code for a discount will be valid: RU50910. I will try to continue to cover the topic of SLA printing in the iXBT blog, and if you have questions, ask.