I've worked with many HP plotters and this machine really is very accurate, there is a learning curve with the control software, but after you understand the basic functions, creativity will begin overtake you before you know it. As for the laser engraver the only issue I can think of is the ventalation system that is needed, I'm building my own custom "hood" with an inline fan. but there are many online "hoods" you can buy for under $50 bucks. There are up grade wattage laser heads. While the initial laser head I have is not a fancy type like XTOOL, with programmable focus, but you can still make anythig you want without having to spend a lot !
I was positively surprised at how quickly the machine was shipped and arrived here in The Netherlands. I have been playing around with it and it performs great, I'm having a ton of fun with it!
I have been using the pen plotter for a few months now. I have been so impressed by the speed of the pen plotter. If you are looking for an efficient plotter, this is the one to get.
The iDraw H A3 is an impressive plotter. The dual rails of the "H" design add a remarkable amount of rigidity compared to other "T" designs I've worked with. (and that alone had been reason enough for me to try it) Repeatability is excellent, easy to run a plot multiple times, e.g. to increase ink deposition, or to micro-offset a fine pen to thicken stroke along axis of offset, perhaps to mimic a calligraphic effect with a round tip, etc. The value (quality and performance to cost ratio) is definitely here!
It arrived well-packaged, with foam padding where necessary. Assembly is quick - thumb-nuts to install the x-axis, only a few well-labelled connectors to plug in, and only a single screw to attach the pen holder (the only step that requires a tool, provided).
The software install was equally simple, though I personally had a brief learning curve to overcome, as most of my experience is with Illustrator rather than Inkscape. I did at least already have Inkscape installed, and the extension installed itself without any fuss. I'd guess it took no more than about 30 minutes from box-open to getting first plot going.
This is meant as a positive review, because I really do like this plotter, but in fairness here are a couble quibbles: (that may or may not affect others, depending on how used, but are why I'm leaving 4 rather than 5 stars for myself)
Out-of-the-box mine did have some initial trouble with the y-axis "losing track" of its position over the course of a drawing, so the output appeared "scrambled" in unexpected ways (and would vary depending on the optimization method chosen: a different order of travel meant that the "losing track" would accumulate in different portions of the drawing). But a couple emails exchanged with support found that I needed a firmware update, and it was quickly provided - nice job by support. Once that was applied, all was working properly.
I had to improvise some cable support between the y1 and z motors, otherwise it was possible for the cable to sag enough to drag across wet ink or catch on magnets holding paper down. (NB: the newer "SE" version addresses this with less cabling overall due to fixed y-motors, and a ribbon support to x/z-motors)
I wish the screws in the base were countersunk. This would enable the use of US 11"x17" or 12"x18" papers, which otherwise won't lay flat due to the screw heads. Granted, using longer/larger paper would force a margin beyond the printable A3 area, but that's common in my work anyway - so I'd just like the option to be available, centering the printable area, so I intend to DIY countersink. (NB: the newer "SE" version suffers this even more, because more structure and thus screws in the base plate, none of which are countersunk)
I do like having an integrated base, but be aware that it may not be perfectly flat. (e.g. lay a known straight edge atop the base, position a light behind it, look for leaks shining through underneath it) Mine has a downward bow across the y-axis by about the thickness of a lightweight sheet of paper, and causes variations in pen contact pressure across the plot. I can't be sure if this flaw is systemic, or if just mine was an isolated case, but I'm hoping some "subtle persuasion" (ie, brute force :D) might counter-flex it a bit closer to flat. (otherwise it really isn't suitable for me as-is)
Given that potential for unevenness, I'm not sure I could recommend the base option for all uses. For work that doesn't demand consistent contact (e.g. laser, brush-pens, etc) it should be good enough, but for precise technical drawing instruments it might not be. In hindsight, given both my desire to eliminate the screw heads, and a nitpickiness for flatness, I personally would have probably been better off without the base. (and will likely do a DIY conversion to baseless if my DIY attempts to "fix" the screws/flatness don't succeed, and just place it on a marble slab that I know to be flat enough for my purpose)
Finally, a tip: Try adding a plastic/rubber/vinyl end cap (aka sleeve tip, thread protector, etc) to the pen holder screw, to increase grip and reduce grinding into pen's body. YMMV, so experiment.
Since working with an Idraw H A3, I have nothing but praise to give to Uuna Tek for their work. It works all the time, every day, always precise, silent and so fast! Super easy to learn, even for beginners, and excellent support. I had already installed the software part and once unboxed, I made my first drawing in a few minutes. THANKS
Depuis que je travaille avec une Idraw H A3, j'ai seulement des éloges à faire à Uuna Tek pour leur travail. ça fonctionne tout le temps, tous les jours, toujours précis, silencieuse et tellement rapide! Super facile à prendre en main, même pour les débutants, et excellent support. J'avais déjà installé la partie logiciel et une fois déballée, j'ai fait mon premier dessin en quelques minutes. Merci
