Direct Extrusion

Sovol 3D has been using direct extrusion since its first iteration, and though the print head has been rearranged somewhat to accommodate a second extruder, the tech is about the same as its last version.

The SV04 uses two metal (not “all-metal”) Titan-style direct extruders. Though direct extrusion adds some weight to the x-axis, it also makes printing flexibles a little easier and retraction more accurate — so many makers think it’s worth the tradeoff.

Build Volume

With a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm, the SV04 seems to be finding a sweet spot. The SV03 boasted a slightly larger 350 mm X- and Y-axis, while the SV02 and SV01 were both much smaller systems. These new dimensions seem in line with many popular large-volume 3D printers on the market today, so maybe Sovol found that to be all its community really needs.

Though the SV04’s build volume is a little smaller than Sovol’s last version, it is still plenty generous and should serve most purposes with ample excess. Good thing, too, since you can make good use of its independent dual extruders with the space.

Independent Dual Extruders

One previous iteration of Sovol’s printers was also capable of dual-extrusion – the SV02 — but did so with single-nozzle dual extrusion. The SV04 is taking things up a notch with independent dual extruders. IDEX beats out single-nozzle dual extruders in a few ways, such as being less prone to clogs, not requiring a purge tower, and enabling simultaneous printing for speedy batch production. Slinging two direct extruder-toting print heads can mean more vibrations during printing, though.

The SV04 has its direct extruders riding along what appears to be a 40 mm V-slot extrusion. Troublingly, considering the 400 mm build height, there doesn’t seem to be a brace or any additional support for the frame. We’ve seen some pretty severe shaking from frames of this height running just a single direct extruder. Here’s hoping Sovol has a stable build for the SV04. Still, 3D printing a brace is an easy upgrade.

Touch Probe Bed-Levelling Sensors

Something becoming increasingly common in the lower ends of the budget 3D printer space, the Sovol SV04 comes pre-equipped with auto bed leveling (ABL). Sovol offered the good ol’ BLTouch as an addon component for the SV01 and SV02 before it transitioned to stock in the previous SV03 as standard ABL started gaining popularity in its target price range. It looks like the SV04 uses a clone rather than an actual BLTouch this time.

ABL isn’t strictly necessary like many other upgrades that are becoming increasingly common, but it does have the potential to eliminate a lot of work by correcting for small misalignments if your bed isn’t perfectly tram (meaning you don’t need to level as often) or is somewhat warped.

32-bit Creality V5.2.1 Mainboard

Also catching up with the market, the SV04 is now on a 32-bit Creality mainboard. Since we’re hitting a point where 8-bit boards can struggle to keep up with commands, this is a must-have if you have any hope of those two print heads reliably executing commands in unison. Interestingly the SV04 carries a Creality board we haven’t seen before. This 5.2.1-designated slab has TMC2208 stepper motor drivers for silent movement of the various axes and, seemingly, more ports than the more common Creality boards; options to control all the extra appendages that come with an IDEX system it would appear.

Further Features

Dual Z Lead Screws

The X-axis gantry benefits from extra support to remain correctly under the added weight of the second extruder. It’s nothing new for Sovol, but the SV04’s dual Z lead screws should help to keep things stable.

Filament Detection & Print Recovery

As with previous versions, the SV04 comes with filament detection and print recovery, so you can be sure any large jobs or batch prints won’t be ruined by a nuisance problem like broken filament or brownouts.

Flexible Magnetic Build Plate

Previous Sovol 3D printers opted for a tempered glass print bed, but the SV04 has gone flexible with an easily removable magnetic sheet. This should make print removal a breeze, but these sheets can sometimes be hit or miss.

Purge Buckets

The SV04 comes with two purge buckets to collect oozing filament from idling print heads and to wipe nozzles before printing again. A handy addon that will save users installing a brush of their own.