The New LulzBot TAZ SideKick Is Affordable and Capable

The name LulzBot may sound like a joke, but the company is one of the oldest and most respected names in the consumer 3D printing industry. LulzBot's 3D printers are reliable machines that offer a high level of performance. The company is also dedicated to the open source hardware movement and they make their designs public. But LulzBot's TAZ 3D printers have always been a bit on the pricey side. That's why it is so exciting to the see the new LulzBot TAZ SideKick 3D printer, which has a more competitive price tag.

The TAZ Workhorse is the most popular 3D printer in the LulzBot lineup and it costs $2,950. The new LulzBot TAZ SideKick comes in two different sizes and starts at just $1,085. That's even cheaper than the LulzBot Mini 2 and more consistent with the rest of the consumer 3D printer market. The LulzBot TAZ SideKick upholds LulzBot's reputation for quality and reliability, but at a friendlier price point.

The LulzBot TAZ SideKick is available in two model sizes, dubbed the 289 and the 747. The only difference between the two is build volume. The 289's build volume is 162mm x 162mm x 181mm (6.38in x 6.38in x 7.13in). The larger 747 has a build volume of 231mm x 231mm x 248mm (9.09in x 9.09in x 9.76in). For comparison, the 289 has almost exactly the same build volume as the LulzBot Mini 2. Both the 289 and the 747 are available in two different color schemes.

Both models feature interchangeable tool heads and two build surface choices: either PEI-coated borosilicate glass or the LulzBot OctoGrab magnetic flex bed. Other configuration options include a gLCD controller for computer-free printing and a filament runout sensor. Included in every configuration is a genuine ANTCLABS BLTouch sensor for automatic mesh bed levelling.

The LulzBot TAZ SideKick is well-built and reliable, but its construction is conventional. The one major exception is the Z axis. Most 3D printers use leadscrews to lift either the build platform or the extruder gantry. The TAZ SideKick, on the other hand, has a belt-driven Z axis, just like the X and Y axes. LulzBot claims that this reduces Z banding and Z wobble issues. We can't verify that yet, but belts do eliminate most of the backlash associated with leadscrews.

If you want a LulzBot TAZ SideKick 289 or TAZ SideKick 747, you can configure and purchase either on the LulzBot website right now. And don't miss the interview that our own Alex Glow conducted with LulzBot president John Olhoft, which you can watch below.