A glaring omission on the M200 is a menu option to check the head temperature.
When replacing heater cartridges etc, it would be nice to have the option to set a temperature then read directly from the sensor to see if the ACTUAL heat value was within expected range.
A temperature calibration facility would also be nice. ANOTHER REASON why you should open source things.
The M200 is a PITA for hotend problems which is why I have just made my own (slightly larger) heating block out of brass, and bought a micro swiss all metal hotend.
The other thing I have done is machines small fins into the block, this allows the temperature to rise and fall more quickly with the fan operating, but keeps a good thermal dynamic overall.
The M200 worked pretty flawless for almost a decade now. Complaining about not being able to modify it easily is a bit off. Especially cause open source is a philosophy that even pursa left for the very most things
The new software (wich is not better imo anyway) does not support it. Also Open source and G code reading are 2 different stories. Opening for other slicers is of course good
I agree Zortrax has become their own worst nightmare, support never just answers the questions in te forum, always, we’re sorry to hear, can you please contact support, prices are to high, loosing marketshare like crazy. The only good thing about Zortrax is their build quality.
The M200 printer is an old but proven design. However, complaining about a 10-year-old device and expecting functionality from 2025 is a bit strange. You can always upgrade to the M200 Plus, which works great and fulfills its purpose.
As for technical support, all issues that the user can fix themselves are addressed through the forum or the service center.
If this were a crappy iPhone, then I can understand your point, but this is a £2000 device with a lot of working units still out there so not at least allowing people to adapt them so prolong life rather than suggesting they spend money they don’t have have, is a little insulting.
Ok, here’s what I suggest. We ALL do as suggest and upgrade to new machines… We’ll ALL buy Bambu multi filament machines. They’re faster, more accurate and MUCH more versatile than any current Zortrax offering.
And…THERE you have it. We’ll ALL stop asking awkward questions and become Bambu’s problem. THAT’S how you lose LOYAL customers and without customers, you don’t have a business. What we asked for was simple, but hey ho
I understand your point of view, but keep in mind that Zortrax continues to support its devices, and all printers are guaranteed a stable slicer. Additionally, Zortrax addresses critical issues that arise, even for older models like the M200/M300.
Regarding Bambu Lab-type constructions, I am very familiar with these solutions, and while they are indeed faster, they have a bigger problem with ghosting, which is a common issue in CoreXY systems. Furthermore, Prusa still uses its MK3 printers, which print slower but offer better print quality.
When printing large ABS models, there are significant issues with the PEI plate magnets, which tend to warp. Additionally, Creality, for example, had major G-code compatibility issues in firmware version 1.3.3.46 because most manufacturers rely on open-source solutions that are not always optimized for specific devices.
I own printers based on Klipper, as well as older models like the Inventure. I still use Z-Suite 2, the last version that supports legacy models, and it continues to work flawlessly. I run a print farm, and some clients specifically request Zortrax because you can start a print without worrying about adhesion issues. Plus, if you know the equipment well, you can run it for 10,000–20,000 hours before needing significant maintenance.
The most important thing is understanding the limitations of each machine and knowing how to use them effectively for the applications they were designed for.
@kicin just to be clear - we are working on a solution, that would allow our customers to keep using these printers with our software, not an upgrade to these printers themselves.
I expect you open M200/M300 to gcode like you did for Plus printers.
Mainboards are the same so I’m pretty sure it can be done, if only zcode is not handled and decoded by the display board.
I Was actually thinking about this, but even worse: rip out the entire electronics and stick in a board that can handle marlin. Perhaps calibrating it is a nightmare at first, but i bet with the build quality of the machine itself it should be something that is obtainable!
I was pushing my trigger on the new Elegoo Cantauri and say goodbye to Zortrax…330e pre-order is something you have to think about before investing money to convert an old m200
