Sovol revisits the Core XY printer with a pint-sized powerhouse.
The Big Promise in a Small Package
In a market dominated by ever-growing build volumes, Sovol has taken a refreshingly different approach with its latest offering. The Sovol Zero is a compact CoreXY 3D printer that packs an astonishing amount of performance into its modest footprint, making it an intriguing option for makers working in tight spaces or needing rapid, high-quality prototypes.
Speed Demon: Breaking Velocity Barriers
Sovol boldly markets the Zero as “The World’s Fastest CoreXY 3D Printer,” and while such claims often deserve skepticism, this little machine comes with impressive credentials to back it up. With a maximum print speed of 1200mm/s and an acceleration rate of 40,000mm/s², the Zero is engineered for velocity that would make larger printers envious.
However, as Tom’s Hardware noted in their recent review, physics still applies – these top speeds are theoretical maximums that depend heavily on print size, model complexity, and other factors. The reality is that most models won’t allow the printer to reach these headline speeds, but the capability is there when conditions permit.
Precision Engineering in a Compact Form
The Sovol Zero features a build volume of 152.4×152.4×152.5mm³ – certainly on the smaller side, but perfectly adequate for many projects. What makes this space special is how Sovol has equipped it:
- Full Linear Rails on all axes for smooth, precise movement
- High-Temperature Capabilities with a nozzle that reaches 350°C, opening up compatibility with advanced materials like PA, PC, and other high-performance filaments
- Advanced Auto-Leveling combining eddy current scanning with pressure sensing technology for exceptional accuracy
- Enclosed Design with real-time chamber temperature monitoring
Smart Features for Modern Makers
Beyond the core performance specs, the Zero includes thoughtful features that enhance the user experience:
- Air Filtration System that captures particles and VOCs for safer indoor printing
- Pre-Assembled Design requiring minimal setup time
- Open-Source Approach with compatibility with regular OrcaSlicer profiles rather than proprietary software
The latter point is particularly refreshing – as Tom’s Hardware points out, Sovol deserves credit for “leaving Klipper alone” and providing profiles that work with standard slicers rather than developing proprietary solutions.
Value Proposition
Currently available for $429, the Sovol Zero represents solid value for what you’re getting. It’s essentially offering an experience similar to the community-favorite Voron 0 design but in a pre-assembled, ready-to-use package. For makers who appreciate the Voron philosophy but don’t want to source parts and build from scratch, this provides an accessible entry point.
Who Is This For?
The Sovol Zero makes the most sense for:
- Makers with limited workspace who need a capable but compact printer
- Engineers and designers who need quick, high-quality prototypes
- Enthusiasts who want Voron-inspired performance without the DIY assembly
- Anyone looking to print high-temperature materials in a compact form factor
The Verdict
While the Sovol Zero may not set speed records with every print due to the inherent limitations of its compact build volume, it represents an impressive engineering achievement. It delivers excellent print quality at speeds that are still well beyond what many larger printers can achieve, all while maintaining a footprint small enough to fit comfortably on a desk or workbench.
For the right user, this pint-sized powerhouse could be the perfect balance of speed, quality, and convenience in a market that often emphasizes size above all else.
Is the Sovol Zero on your radar? Have you tried other compact CoreXY printers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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