Introduction
The LDO Trident Kit is a highly regarded 3D printer kit designed for enthusiasts and professionals who seek a reliable, high-performance machine. Manufactured by LDO Motors, the Trident is part of the Voron ecosystem, known for its open-source, community-driven designs. The LDO Trident Kit provides all the necessary components to build a Voron Trident 3D printer with exceptional quality and ease of assembly.
In this article, we will explore:
- What the LDO Trident Kit includes
- Key features and benefits
- Assembly and setup process
- Performance and print quality
- Comparisons with other Voron kits
- Who should consider buying it
What is the LDO Trident Kit?
The LDO Trident Kit is a complete package that allows users to build a Voron Trident—a CoreXY 3D printer known for its stability, speed, and precision. Unlike fully assembled printers, the Trident is sold as a kit, meaning users assemble it themselves. However, LDO Motors ensures that all components are high-quality, pre-configured, and well-documented, making the build process smoother than sourcing parts individually.
What’s Included in the Kit?
The LDO Trident Kit comes with almost everything needed to build a fully functional Voron Trident, including:
- Frame components (aluminum extrusions, panels, fasteners)
- Motion system (linear rails, belts, pulleys)
- Electronics (LDO motors, Raspberry Pi, control board, wiring)
- Hotend & extruder (optional configurations available)
- Power supply & heating bed
- Pre-printed ABS parts (optional, depending on the kit version)
- Detailed assembly manual
Key Features and Benefits
1. High-Quality Components
LDO Motors is known for its premium parts, including:
- LDO stepper motors (smooth, quiet, and reliable)
- Precision linear rails (for accurate motion)
- Properly sized wiring and connectors (reducing cable management issues)
2. CoreXY Design
The Voron Trident uses a CoreXY motion system, which offers:
- Faster print speeds (due to reduced moving mass)
- Better accuracy (ideal for detailed prints)
- Sturdy frame (minimizing vibrations)
3. Enclosed Design
The printer features an enclosed chamber, which is essential for printing high-temperature materials like ABS, Nylon, and PC. The enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature, reducing warping and improving layer adhesion.
4. Easy Assembly (Compared to Self-Sourced Kits)
While building a Voron printer from scratch can be daunting, the LDO Trident Kit simplifies the process with:
- Pre-cut and drilled parts (no need for modifications)
- Clear documentation (step-by-step guides)
- Community support (Voron Discord, forums)
5. Quiet Operation
Thanks to high-quality stepper motors and properly tensioned belts, the LDO Trident operates much more quietly than many other 3D printers.
6. Modular and Upgradable
The Voron ecosystem is highly modular, meaning users can:
- Upgrade the hotend (e.g., to a high-flow system)
- Add Klipper firmware features (input shaping, pressure advance)
- Customize the extruder (switching between direct drive and Bowden)
Assembly and Setup Process
1. Unboxing and Inventory Check
The first step is to verify all components against the provided checklist. LDO kits are known for their completeness, but it’s always good to confirm before starting.
2. Frame Assembly
The aluminum extrusions form the printer’s skeleton. The kit includes pre-cut and tapped parts, making alignment easier.
3. Installing Motion Components
- Linear rails are mounted to the frame.
- Belts and pulleys are installed for the CoreXY system.
- Stepper motors are attached and connected.
4. Electronics Installation
- The control board (usually an Octopus or similar) is mounted.
- Wiring is routed neatly (LDO provides cable chains for organization).
- The Raspberry Pi (for Klipper firmware) is set up.
5. Hotend and Extruder Setup
Depending on the kit version, users may install:
- A V6-style hotend or a Dragon hotend
- A direct-drive extruder (e.g., Galileo or Clockwork)
6. Enclosure and Panels
The acrylic or metal panels are installed to complete the enclosure.
7. Firmware Configuration
The printer typically runs Klipper firmware, which offers advanced features like:
- Input shaping (reducing vibrations at high speeds)
- Pressure advance (improving extrusion accuracy)
Performance and Print Quality
The LDO Trident Kit produces exceptional print quality due to:
- Stable CoreXY motion system (minimal artifacts)
- Precise linear rails (smooth movement)
- Enclosed chamber (better temperature control for ABS/ASA)
Users report:
- High-speed printing (100-200mm/s without quality loss)
- Excellent dimensional accuracy
- Reliable long-term performance
Comparison with Other Voron Kits
| Feature | LDO Trident Kit | Self-Sourced Voron | Other Branded Kits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component Quality | High (LDO motors, genuine rails) | Varies (depends on sourcing) | Often mid-tier |
| Ease of Assembly | Very easy (pre-configured) | Challenging (manual adjustments) | Moderate |
| Price | Higher (premium parts) | Cheaper (but risk of poor parts) | Mid-range |
| Support | Official + Voron community | Community only | Varies |
Why Choose LDO Over Self-Sourcing?
- Guaranteed compatibility (no mismatched parts)
- Better customer support
- Time-saving (no need to hunt for components)
Who Should Buy the LDO Trident Kit?
This kit is ideal for:
- Enthusiasts who want a high-end DIY printer
- Advanced users looking for CoreXY performance
- ABS/ASA printers needing an enclosed chamber
- Those who value reliability over lowest cost
Who Should Avoid It?
- Beginners (unless willing to learn)
- Budget-focused buyers (self-sourcing is cheaper)
- Those who prefer pre-built printers
Final Verdict
The LDO Trident Kit is one of the best ways to build a Voron Trident. It offers:
✔ Premium components
✔ Smooth assembly process
✔ Excellent print quality
✔ Strong community support
While it’s more expensive than self-sourcing, the time saved and guaranteed quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious 3D printing enthusiasts.
Where to Buy?
The LDO Trident Kit is available from:
- Official LDO Motors distributors
- Authorized 3D printing stores (e.g., Fabreeko, Printed Solid)
Price Range
Expect to pay $1,200–$1,800 depending on configuration.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a high-performance, reliable, and well-supported 3D printer kit, the LDO Trident is an outstanding choice. Its combination of quality parts, ease of assembly, and excellent print results makes it a favorite in the Voron community. Whether you’re upgrading from an entry-level printer or diving into CoreXY for the first time, the LDO Trident Kit delivers a top-tier 3D printing experience.
