First off the new Power Module is whisper quiet. How much noise it DOESN’T make has to be heard to be believed. I would compare the two this way, The original one makes the noise of a v6 engine at idle. The new one make the noise of an electric car at idle, that is to say none at all. Even when doing a print the noise from the Power Module is about 95% less than the old version.
The new Linear Modules, like all Snapmaker stuff, are still the same great quality that we have come to expect from the company. To note here is that for the new ones, there are TWO DIFFERENT types of Linear Modules (08mm and 20mm). The original Snapmaker 2.0 A350 had only one. So when upgrading make sure you download the new manual for the A350T and that you use the right ones in the right place. While doing a Homing on the machine, I would say the noise is about 85-90% less than the original. Very smooth, I want to say it appears to have a smoother motion … but I really can’t say for sure.
The new 3D Print Module doesn’t seem to have changed much on the outside so how much better it does is still to be seen.
We just started a calibration cube and once it started to print … WOW … noticeably faster! And have I mentioned how quiet it is too … even printing it can barely be heard. Our house has a very open floor plan and the printer is on the first floor with us and as I type this I have to actively listen to hear if the printer is still going. THATS HOW QUIET IT IS.
I know that there were a lot of naysayers when they announced the upgrade if you already had a 2.0. I was slightly excited because I have been supporter since the first kickstarter for the 1.0. They are a good company and the build quality is always great. Once I got the upgrade kit and installed it I can honestly say I am not slightly excited any more … I am very excited. Worth every penny.
@GSchneider My experience so far with the A350T has been the same. I have only printed out a few things for the function of the machine, but everything to this point has been flawless.
I have the A150 and recently bought the enclosure and the air purifier during their black Friday sale and I’m super impressed with the build quality and ease of use. My machine has performed great with zero calibration issues and zero failed prints after going through 5kg of PLA. The laser has also performed great and even manages to cut through 2mm thick black acrylic with clean lines.
Luban can be a bit finicky at times but for the most part runs fine. It’s not as feature rich or robust as other programs I’ve used for other machines (like Fusion 360, Vcarve Pro or Prusa slicer) but it’s passable for a 3 in 1. Honestly if Snapmaker can improve their software I’ll be very satisfied with my machine, it’s definitely their weakest aspect and is the only time I’ve run into any issues. The actual hardware of the machine has been a near flawless experience. I was starting to think I was the only one on this forum that even liked their machine with all the hate it gets and disgruntled people on here.
I like my machine just fine but have the uncanny ability to order superseded models and then recieve offers on upgrades even before the machine I ordered has arrived…
Yeah the build quality on this machine is superb. They really have implemented all three features with what I feel are very reasonable trade offs and honestly I think a reasonable price for what you are getting. Its definitely got some quirks, but the fact that the Snapmaker staff is actively listening to what the community wants/needs from their machine and is actively improving their product is pretty reassuring. Haha I am definitely glad though that I got into the Snapmaker fam after they released the T series I live in an apartment so noise is a pretty significant factor for me.
I’m considering the upgrade path from A350 to A350T as well as my machine is well…in my bedroom. However, I’m thinking I could save some money by skipping the Power Module upgrade as frankly I know how to replace a noisy fan, just haven’t gotten around to doing it. I also feel drilling tiny ventilation holes at the bottom panel where the PSU’s fan is located and covering with air filter mesh would help airflow significantly as some posts here have shown that the PSU fan is struggling to move air due to the poor cramped design.
It should be totally fine to skip the Power Module upgrade I believe but just wanted some reassurance from experts here before I commit.
Other than noise the other improvements to the power supply seem to be minimal at best. May save a little power but I doubt enough to offset the cost. Changing the light show has no effect on performance.
I think everyone should pass on the power module. If the noise bothers you swap the fan and/or improve the airflow.
I believe the power supply noise is more than a fan update. I believe the power supply software or controller software has changed to make the fan come on only when needed, instead of running all the time.
You’re correct. The fan is controlled now but from people’s reports the new power supply is quiet enough that it doesn’t make much difference. And as long as the machine is running it’s usually at full power. It’s only at idle that it shuts off.
I’ve just upgraded my A350 with the new linear modules and the reduction in noise is really amazing. The power supply (even with the lower noise fan mod) is now the noisiest part, so I’m thinking about upgrading that one too.
I have the original A350 with the enclosure. The PSU is the noisiest for me, I can’t really hear the linear modules unless I’m doing something with the enclosure door open. So I don’t really figure the linear module upgrade is worth to me, especially with the increase in lead pitch which may lose torque in CNC mode.
The only differences are the linear rails and the PSU. Looking at their store, the rails are currently marked down to $329, normally $649. The PSU is marked down to $69, normally $129
So $398 + tax currently, or $778 + tax normally. The entire F350 only costs $799, so unless you catch a deal, it would be better to just grab the F350 and the A350 and swap the modules back and forth.
