3D printers open up many possibilities for businesses and hobbyists, among other users. You can print a lot, and regardless of your budget and requirements, you can find an option matching your situation. Nonetheless, this is only possible if you know what and where to buy. Available in many sizes, shapes, capabilities, and designs, you’ll find 3D printers under $300 and others thousands of dollars. 3D printers also come in various technologies, the most popular including:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Multi-jet Fusion (MJF)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), to mention a few
With such considerations, you need to be prepared as you hit the market to ensure you select and buy the best 3D printer. Check this out; co.nz/prusa-3d-printer-i3-mk3s-kit/, does it mark all the boxes on your checklist? Here are a few shopping tips to ensure you buy a 3D printer you’ll treasure as you browse the market.
Table of Contents
Define your needs
What do you intend to print? Printing industrial-scale production parts, for example, is more demanding than figurines and other items for your desk. You need a versatile and robust 3D printer for demanding tasks, while a cheaper and less sophisticated option can suffice for your hobbies and small-scale works. Resolution is the typical first check for most shoppers. Consider the print detail you want to achieve. For example, with the XY axis at 10 microns and 50 microns on the Z-axis, a 3D printer captures the finest details.
How often you intend to print also matters, ensuring that you invest in a 3D printer that keeps up with the required output. Consider the printer’s speed, ensuring it doesn’t affect your schedule. Technology also matters. For instance, FDM 3D printers extrude thermoplastic filaments to create the object. Others like SLS use powder, while SLA utilizes liquid resin. With such variance, establishing your needs and picking the suitable capacity and technology is critical.
Safety
Safety features can make or break your printing experience. Some 3D printers feature innovative designs such as cooling the nozzle and heat bed after task completion. Others direct the nozzle away from the printed object after completion or when on pause. Such a simple aspect can protect the print work as it won’t be subjected to excessive heat. Following your expertise, print volume, and requirements, you can make a list of must-have safety features. This will ensure that you pick the best 3D printer as it’ll facilitate a great and productive experience.
Usability
The innovative industry provides a range of features that makes it easier to operate a 3D printer. The interface, for example, can significantly impact your task. With a touch screen interface, you’ll feel like you are using your Smartphone, enhancing the experience. Other features, including build volume and print surface, also count, ensuring it doesn’t subject you to significant friction as you print.
Support
Will you get prompt and practical assistance whenever you hit a hiccup? While this relies significantly on where you buy, ensuring that the brand offers the needed support is not to be overlooked. With the required customer support, you won’t waste valuable time trying to assemble or troubleshoot a problem, translating to a smooth 3D printing experience.
Your budget might be the biggest check as you shop. Nonetheless, considering other elements ensures that you find a solution within your financial capacity that can handle your 3D printing requirements. Follow the above pointers, and you’ll comfortably navigate the market and buy the best 3D printer.