Winbo’s Super Helper and Multifunctional Super Helper 3-in-1 3D Printers Now on the Market for Just $149-$249

We’ve been paying a lot of attention to Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Winbo Smart Tech Co., Ltd. lately. The company has an expansive line of 3D printers, some which appear to be truly unique – their six- and nine-unit printer setups, for instance, are certainly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Recently, Winbo announced the upcoming release of their 15th printer, the Super Helper, and we’ve been looking forward to seeing it. This week, the printer officially went on the market, and it looks good, to say the least.

At just $149, the Super Helper is highly affordable, and it’s full of features that make it one of the more convenient 3D printers out there. It’s extremely lightweight at 3.6 kg (about 9 pounds), and it features a patented filament spool holder that doubles as a handle, making it easy to transport while saving space. It also includes a patented filament feeding system that features a lightweight, non-bulky extruder and ensures highly stable, fast and accurate printing, plus independent double cooling spaces that prevent material clogging. According to Winbo, it’s also highly energy-efficient.

While the Super Helper is optimized for Winbo’s Winware software, it’s also compatible with several third-party software programs, including Cura, Repetier-Host, Simplify3D, Slic3r and more. The Super Helper prints with 1.75 PLA and includes an easy-to-remove build plate and an LCD screen. Specifications include:

• Printer size:  258 × 326 × 375 mm
• Build size: 105 x 105 x 155 mm
• Layer thickness: 0.04 x 0.25 mm
• Nozzle moving speed: 50 – 100 mm/s
• Nozzle temperature: up to 240℃

That’s the basic model – also now on the market is the Super Helper 3-in-1, which also includes a laser engraver and laser cutter. The laser engraver/laser cutter doesn’t add any significant bulk to the printer, and is capable of engraving a variety of materials including wood, leather, coated metal, plastic, paper, coated glass, rubber and, according to Winbo, food. It can cut several thin, non-metallic materials such as paper, cloth, carpeting, and lightweight wood.

The 3-in-1 model is available in two sizes – the $199 model has a build size of 105 x 105 x 155 mm, while the slightly more expensive $249 version features a build size of 155 x 155 x 205 mm. Each printer is shipped with a helpful stock of accessories, including 50g of filament, glue sticks, an SD card and card reader, an Allen wrench and other assorted tools. The 3-in-1 also includes protective eyewear and a board to begin engraving on.

The Super Helper includes a unique filament feed system

Described as being suitable for a wide variety of applications including education, design, manufacturing, and general home and business use, the Super Helper looks to be wonderfully easy to use, and its portability is a big plus. It’s what I would call a “travel printer,” one that can easily be taken to different locations and quickly set up. Anyone who’s dealt with heavy, bulky 3D printers can greatly appreciate a machine that can be moved at all – I know a few 3D printer owners who set up their machines and declare that they’re now in the “printer spot” and are never going to be moved anywhere ever again.

Although Winbo’s many 3D printers differ from each other in numerous ways, one thing that they all seem to have in common is versatility. Each is described as being suitable for home, office, or school, design or manufacturing, etc. The Super Helper is no exception, and although it’s impossible to assess a printer’s quality without actually trying it oneself, this one looks promising as either a starter printer or a hassle-free tool for a more experienced maker.

Shipments begin on November 5, but pre-orders are being taken now. All printers come with a one-year warranty and CE certification, and Winbo assures that all machines have been thoroughly tested before shipping. The Super Helper is by far Winbo’s least expensive printer yet, with the next-cheapest, the Mini, retailing for $599. If you’ve been interested in trying Winbo’s 3D printers, or have balked at the price of 3D printers in general, the Super Helper may be the perfect place to start. Discuss in the Super Helper forum at 3DPB.com.