Sovol might not be as big as some other 3D printer brands, but they’ve built a solid reputation for making budget-friendly machines that actually perform well. They got their start by designing direct drive systems. Most of their printers stick to a Cartesian-style setup, though they’ve also explored CoreXY and even some resin-related products.

Their lineup has something for just about every budget. The Sovol SV01 was one of their first hits, giving people an affordable way to try direct drive printing. The Sovol SV03 took things up a notch with a bigger build volume, and the Sovol SV04 introduced independent dual extrusion (IDEX) for printing with multiple materials. More recently, they’ve jumped into high-speed printing with the Sovol SV07, and while they haven’t released a full resin printer yet, they did launch the Sovol SO1, a wash-and-cure station for resin prints.

This review is all about the Sovol SV06, one of Sovol’s more interesting releases. It brings in features you’d usually find on pricier printers—like an all-metal direct drive extruder and auto bed leveling—while keeping things affordable. We’re going to see how it stacks up in terms of print quality, ease of use, and overall value. It also made our list of the Best Hobby 3D Printers, so if you’re looking for a capable machine without spending too much, this one might be worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The Sovol SV06 has a pretty standard look, but it comes with some nice upgrades that make a difference. The metal frame gives it a solid feel, which helps keep prints steady. Instead of the usual Bowden setup you see on budget printers, this one has a direct drive extruder. That’s a big plus if you want to print flexible filaments without a hassle.

One of the best parts is the all-metal hotend. A lot of cheaper printers use PTFE-lined hotends that wear out over time, but this setup lasts longer and handles higher temperatures better. The printer also has dual Z-axis lead screws, which help keep the gantry from tilting and messing up prints.

For the print bed, Sovol went with a PEI-coated spring steel sheet, which is great for both adhesion and easy print removal. Some printers still use glass or plain metal beds, which can be a pain to work with. Having a flexible plate makes popping off prints way easier.

Key Features and Specifications

The Sovol SV06 packs in a solid mix of features that make it stand out in the budget 3D printer category. It includes upgrades you’d typically find on more expensive machines while keeping things simple for hobbyists. Here’s a breakdown:

All-Metal Planetary Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder

Sovol designed its own all-metal direct drive extruder with a planetary dual-gear setup. This gives the SV06 a 7.5x torque motor, making filament feeding smoother and extrusion more precise. The larger external knob also makes loading and unloading filament easier. Unlike Bowden setups, the direct drive system works better for flexible materials like TPU.

300°C High-Temperature All-Metal Hotend

Most budget printers top out at around 260°C, but the SV06’s hotend can reach 300°C. This means it can handle not just PLA and PETG but also tougher materials like ABS, PC, and Nylon. Since it’s an all-metal setup, there’s no PTFE tube inside, so you won’t have to deal with replacements due to heat degradation.

25-Point Automatic Bed Leveling

The SV06 comes with an inductive sensor that probes 25 points across the print bed. This helps compensate for any uneven spots, making first layers more consistent. There’s no manual leveling required—just run the auto-leveling process and start printing.

Dual Z-Axis Screws for Stability

Many budget printers use a single Z-axis lead screw, which can lead to uneven prints over time. The SV06 has dual Z-axis screws and stepper motors, keeping the X-axis level and improving vertical precision. Sovol claims a Z-axis accuracy of 0.001mm, helping with detailed prints.

Specifications

• Print Volume: 220 × 220 × 250mm
• Max Print Speed: 500mm/s (recommended 200mm/s for best quality)
• Hotend Temperature: Up to 300°C
• Build Plate: PEI-coated spring steel
• Bed Leveling: 25-point automatic leveling with inductive sensor
• Extruder Type: Direct drive with planetary dual gears (7.5X torque motor)
• Z-Axis: Dual lead screws with stepper motors
• Mainboard: 32-bit silent board with TMC2209 drivers
• Firmware: Open-source Marlin-based, modifiable
• Power Loss Recovery: Yes
• Assembly: Modular design, 5-step assembly

Comparisons

Sovol SV06 vs. Creality Ender 3 S1

The Creality Ender 3 S1 is one of the closest competitors to the Sovol SV06, as both come with direct drive extruders, auto bed leveling, and dual Z-axis screws.

• Extruder Type: Both printers feature a direct drive extruder, but the SV06 uses a planetary dual-gear system, which provides higher torque for smoother filament feeding.
• Hotend Temperature: The SV06 can reach 300°C, allowing for a wider range of materials. The Ender 3 S1 maxes out at 260°C, limiting it to standard filaments like PLA, PETG, and TPU.
• Bed Leveling: The SV06 uses a 25-point inductive sensor, while the Ender 3 S1 has CR-Touch leveling. Both work well, but the inductive sensor on the SV06 may be more precise.
• Motion System: The SV06 uses I3 linear rails, which are

Verdict: The SV06 is better for users who want high-temp printing and stronger extrusion, while the Ender 3 S1 offers a more refined experience with an easier assembly process.

Sovol SV06 vs. Anycubic Kobra 2

The Anycubic Kobra 2 is a high-speed budget printer that focuses on fast printing while keeping things simple. Compared to the SV06, it has a different approach.

• Printing Speed: The Kobra 2 is faster, reaching speeds of 300mm/s, compared to the SV06’s 200mm/s recommended speed (though the SV06 can push up to 500mm/s with the right tuning).
• Extruder Type: The SV06 has a direct drive extruder, making it better for TPU and flexible filaments. The Kobra 2 has a Bowden extruder, which is lighter but not as good for flexible materials.
• Hotend Temperature: The SV06 wins with 300°C capability, while the Kobra 2 stops at 260°C.
• Bed Leveling: Both printers use auto bed leveling, but the SV06 has an inductive sensor, which may provide better accuracy than the Kobra 2’s strain gauge system

Verdict: If you need faster speeds and a simple setup, the Kobra 2 is better. If you want better filament compatibility, high-temperature printing, and a more durable motion system, go with the SV06.

Real World Applications

The Sovol SV06 is built for hobbyists, makers, and even small-scale production, thanks to its direct drive extruder, high-temperature hotend, and auto bed leveling. While it’s not the fastest printer out there, it handles a wide range of materials well, making it useful for different types of projects.

• Functional Parts and Prototyping: With a 300°C all-metal hotend, the SV06 can print with ABS, PETG, and even some higher-temp materials like Nylon or Polycarbonate (with an enclosure). That makes it a great choice for printing functional parts, replacement components, and prototypes that need to withstand heat or mechanical stress.
• Cosplay and Props: For makers who create cosplay armor, helmets, or detailed props, the SV06’s direct drive extruder makes it easier to print with flexible materials like TPU for straps and padding. The PEI-coated build plate also helps with adhesion, making it easier to print large costume pieces without warping.
• Miniatures and Detailed Models: While not a resin printer, the SV06 can produce high-detail prints when tuned properly. Its all-metal direct drive extruder and stable motion system help reduce stringing and improve surface finish, making it a good option for miniatures, figurines, and model kits.

Final Thoughts

The Sovol SV06 is a great balance of price and features, making it a solid pick for hobbyists who want a well-equipped 3D printer without spending extra on upgrades. It comes with a direct drive extruder, an all-metal hotend, and automatic bed leveling, which aren’t always found on printers in this price range. The dual Z-axis screws and linear rails help keep prints stable and smooth, making it a step up from other budget options that use wheels and a single Z-axis.

When it comes to materials, the SV06 can handle more than just PLA and PETG. With a 300°C hotend, it’s capable of printing ABS, Nylon, and even Polycarbonate, though adding an enclosure would help with those. The PEI-coated flexible build plate makes print removal easier, and the resume printing function means you won’t lose a long print if the power goes out.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly printer that works well without a ton of modifications, the Sovol SV06 is worth considering. It’s got the right mix of performance, material flexibility, and ease of use, making it a great option for hobbyists who want a dependable printer without overcomplicating things.