2020 Nova3D Elfin 3D Printer: Review the Specs

2020-05-13

Founded in 2016, Shenzen-based Nova3D is focussed on developing CD-based 3D printers. In 2016, the company launched its first LCD 3D printer Bene1, followed by some upgraded iterations. Nova3D’s latest offering is the Bene3-based consumer-grade Elfin.

Nova3D Elfin: Review the Specs

Features

Let’s see what the Nova3D Elfin brings to the table.

Resolution

The vat’s transparent bottom with the LCD screen under it (Source: Nova3D)

The first feature that meats the eye – and also probably the most important – is the printer’s resolution. The Nova3D Elfin offers a 2K resolution LCD (2560 x 1440 pixels), putting the printer in the same ballpark as its budget competitors Elegoo Mars, Phrozen Shuffle, or the Anet E4. In case of malfunction, the LCD screen should also be replaced effortlessly within a couple of minutes.

When it comes to print area size, the Nova3D Elfin offers a maximum of 132 x 74 x 150 mm, which is also pretty standard on desktop LCD-based resin printers. With an XY-axis positioning accuracy of 0.05 mm and Z-axis positioning accuracy of 0.01 mm, the Nova3D Elfin should be capable of high detailed prints, as – again – is standard for resin printers.

Sturdy Design

Sturdy z-axis reduces wobbling (Source: Nova3D)

Printing with LCD based printers, the print quality is generally pretty good. On the one hand, this is inherent to the technique itself; on the other hand, there are – compared to FDM – just less moving parts when operating. To further eliminate any wobbling when printing, the Nova3D Elfin 3D printer sports a sturdy metal frame.

The Z-axis itself is fastened with the top frame to ensure it stays permanently in its intended position during prints. By using a seamless ball-type linear module as a replacement of the dual guide linear design, the Z-axis stability should be further enhanced as it is said to eliminate virtually any vibrations.

Semi-automatic leveling

Once leveled the platform stays aligned ((Source: Nova3D)

Another crucial factor when 3D printing is the pre-flight preparation of bed leveling. If a print platform is not correctly leveled, any print is going to have a hard time adhering to the print bed. Although Nova3D advertises their Elfin 3D printer as an automatic bed-leveling machine, most LCD-based resin printers are in truth semi-automatic when it comes to bed leveling, as turning screws or adjusting the hight must generally be done by the user. Nevertheless, this does simplify the process immensely.

Furthermore, the Nova3D Elfin printer is designed to permanently stay aligned once the platform was leveled, leaving you free of the somewhat tedious task for future prints.

Android Operating System

A lot of power under the hood (Source: Nova3D)

According to the manufacturer, the Nova3D Elfin runs on an independently developed Android-based system, that allows for a stable performance and the implementation of many new features, such as – combined with the printers WiFi connection – the possibility to start a print remotely from the computer or even mobile phone; a feature seldom found in budget resin printers.

Further Features

Additional features of the Nova3D Elfin 3D printer include:

-4.3 in touch screen

-Proprietary slicer: Nova Maker

-Internal 8 GB storage

-Replaceable FEP foil

-Smart cooling system

Nova3D Elfin: Review the Specs

Technical Specification