Flsun have already impressed with previous delta 3D printer releases like the QQ-S (which we tested here) and the Q5, and the Flsun Super Racer, or SR, is their latest release.
So, intrigued with this latest model, we dove head-first into the specs to investigate whether this new low-cost delta printer is the next big thing.
Flsun Super Racer Main specs:
- Price: $449 — Available on Madethebest here / 3DJake here
- Build volume: 260 x 260 x 330 mm
- Max speed: around 200mm/s
Size
The first thing to note is the really good maximum build area — 260 x 260 x 330 mm. It’s around the same size as the QQ-S Pro (255 x 255 x 360 mm), just slightly larger X and Y build area, and slightly smaller maximum height.
This is really impressive, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a delta printer with anything like this size build volume for the price.
Extruder and hot end
Delta 3D printers always feature Bowden extruders that keep the weight off the print head so they can print faster before any pesky vibrations and imperfections creep into your model. This is a major advantage over direct drive 3D printers, and delta printers have always been known for their fast printing speeds.
We also have a ranking of the best delta 3D printers
The Flsun SR is no different, able to print at up to 200mm/s, several times faster than some standard Cartesian 3D printers. But if you want to play it safe, Flsun recommend keeping to a standard 150mm/s print speed — notably faster than previous Flsun printers like the Q5. For intricate and precise prints, keep it slow and steady, but if you’re printing one big cube or a similarly simple project, turn it up to 11.
The downside usually of going with a Bowden extruder is that they can struggle with flexible filaments. Flsun solves this in the SR by installing a dual-drive extruder to more reliably extrude filaments and more reliable filament feeding, so fans of TPU 3D printing will be rejoicing.
For more information, check out our full guide to 3D printer extruders
The Flsun SR is also fitted with a volcano hot end. As the name suggests, the hot end spits out lava at random in a cruel game of Russian roulette with the maker. No, but seriously, it’s designed to quickly melt filament that can be extruded even at the top end of the Flsun SR’s 200mm/s maximum print speed. If you’re planning on using a large nozzle to print even quicker and at larger layer heights, this more powerful hot end should be able to handle the extra exertion.
However, it’s not exactly a compact little printer that can sit on the edge of a desktop. It’s almost a meter tall (96cm) and fairly wide, so you’ll need an allotted space for your Super Racer to sit.
Touchscreen and glass bed
The 3.5-inch touchscreen is a nice extra touch, and this one’s especially interesting as it is magnetically removable. In theory that makes it portable within reason — there’s still a phone cord-looking wire on the back. 3.5 inches is large enough to efficiently print and bring up and change any settings you need to change. Larger touchscreens like those on Qidi Tech 3D printers are great, but this one’s still fine for your 3D printing workflow.
Like the QQ-S Pro the Flsun SR has a glass bed which we found to be great for adhesion and for easily removing prints when they’re finished. This print bed is also removable, which is extra useful. When testing the QQ-S Pro we didn’t even need to use a build surface like glue stick, hairspray, or Magigoo, and we were very impressed with Flsun’s glass bed — so it seems the Flsun Super Racer is more of the same. It can reach 100C, so for all standard filament printing like PLA, PETG, and ABS and flexibles, you should be all sorted.
Auto-leveling
We highlighted the Flsun QQ-S previously on our list of some great low-cost auto-leveling 3D printers, as many printers in this price range don’t come with this extra feature. The Flsun SR also auto-levels which is great especially for beginners who could be intimidated by manual leveling or make mistakes leading to worse quality prints, and is generally just a nice quality of life boost.
Though it’s a big printer, Flsun have taken steps to prevent it from getting too heavy. It’s fitted with lightweight carbon fiber to reduce the print head’s weight and maintain the high print speeds you expect with a delta printer.
Filament and power outage sensors
Other quality-of-life improving features include a filament run-out sensor that detects when filament is running out and pauses your print, and a print saving and resume feature so that if you get struck down with a power cut you don’t ruin your entire 30-hour in-progress print.
It comes as a kit, but it’s mostly pre-assembled. The parts you have to put together are the rods that connect the print bed and the top part of the frame, and are only the parts that couldn’t be assembled without tripling the size of the shipping package. It shouldn’t take more than 30 or so minutes to completely print, have it auto-level, and be ready to print right away.
It unfortunately doesn’t feature WiFi printing or connectivity, but you can use a USB stick or SD card which shouldn’t add too much time to your workflow.
Flsun Super Racer SR Full specs:
- Price: $449 — Available on Madethebest here / 3DJake here
- Type: FDM 3D printer, 3D printer kit, delta printer
- Build volume: 260 x 260 x 330 mm
- Extruder type: dual-drive Bowden extruder
- Nozzle size: 0.4mm
- Maximum nozzle temperature: 240C
- Maximum heated bed temp: 100C
- Print bed: removable glass bed
- Does it have self-leveling: Yes
- Does it have a filament run-out sensor: Yes
- Does it have print resume features after a power outage: Yes
- Open source: Yes, open source firmware and third-party filament compatible
- Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU and other flexibles
- Slicers: compatible with slicers like Cura, Simplify3D
- OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
- Frame dimensions: 440 x 390 x 960 mm
- Weight: 13.6kg
