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Finding Your Next 3D Printer: A Buyer’s Guide
The world of 3D printing, also known as “additive manufacturing”, is one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing sectors in electronics and engineering. These days, engineers around the globe are using this process to create everything from drones and satellite parts to medical prosthetics! And the greatest part is that they can do this without any molds or injection molding — all they need is a CAD program and a 3D printer.But keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to 3D printing, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve done the hard part and researched the top models in the market to bring you a great selection to choose from. And we’ll also help with some of the denser terminology involved in this wonderful and complicated space. So without further ado, let’s dive in and get to some of the leading 3D printers for 2023.
Anycubic Photon 3D Printer
Best Overall
Comgrow Official Creality 3D Printer
Budget-Friendly
Flashforge Adventurer 3D Printe
Perfect for Beginners
R Qidi Technology 3D Printer
Elite Design
Dremel Digilab 3D Printer
Great Value
Things to Consider Before Buying a 3D Printer
Compatibility
First of all, you should choose a printer based on the materials it can print with. You don’t want a printer that only works with polylactic acid (PLA) and nothing else. A good 3D printer should allow you to fully exploit your imagination, right? So if your favorite material is wood — you need a machine that supports it.Size
Almost everyone wants to print objects in impressive sizes, and bigger 3D printers can do that better than smaller models. The printer you choose should be big enough to print clear, crisp textures and images, and it should be compact enough to fit in your available spacePrinting speed
It would be good if the printing speed was fast, but it’s not always necessary (if you don’t mind waiting a few hours). But if you want to use a 3D printer for commercial purposes, you should get a machine with higher printing speeds, this helps make sure it can efficiently print clearer and finer textured surfaces without taking too much time. You should also go for an option with a printing speed of 3.93 to 11.81 inches per second to ensure an uninterrupted printing experience.Features to Look for in 3D Printers
Cost
You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a machine that doesn’t work or won’t last for very long. It’s better to find a reasonable price for an expensive 3D printer, but only if the specifications and quality are close to the top-end models. Besides that, it’s important to choose a printer that suits your needs and style. Choosing a model with all your required features is another way of saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.Reputation
There is a lot of competition out there with 3D printers, so do your homework. A good, up-to-date company will always be ahead of its competitors. But who makes the best 3D printers? Who has the most reliable machines? Investing in a reputable brand will depend on how much you are willing to pay, but you need to make sure it’s worth it. Choosing the right brand can give you an advantage and help you get long-term satisfaction from your machine, especially if you have no previous experience with 3D printing.Design
It is also important to know your printer’s design and who made it. You should find out as much as possible about a manufacturer’s history, background, and reputation. Does the company offer a warranty? If they do, how long is it, and what can you expect from it? These are complex, involved machines, and it’s important to establish some trust with the manufacturer before you commit to a product.Anycubic Photon 3D Printer
Best Overall
This option from Anycubic is a powerful, affordable, and user-friendly stereolithography (SLA) printer. This pick features a dual extruder, one for the laser and one for the resin. If you’ve used any previous printers from this brand, you’ll notice that this one is a huge improvement over the previous kit. The LCD control panel can display more information compared to the original, single-color LED. This product also comes with a multi-language support feature too, so users can set up their 3D printer in their native language. The build volume is also larger than most resin 3D printers sold at this price point — and there’s also a well-designed controller board, which helped make this the best overall option on this list.
Pros
- Replaceable, anti-scratch film prevents leaking
- Monochrome resin prints finer textures
- Simplified panel and brighter interface
Cons
- Beginners might find it hard to operate
Comgrow Official Creality 3D Printer
Budget-Friendly
The Comgrow Official Creality 3D Printer is the latest version, and it’s faster and cheaper than previous models. The simple, easy-to-use control board helps you with the entire operation too, including setup and printing. This option also uses a structure that can withstand greater loads. This machine uses selective laser sintering (SLS) technology that allows for more detailed prints — and you can render the details by making parts thinner in layers. This product can print at a 100 to 350 micron layer resolution, and its default printing speed is around 1.96 to 7.87 inches per second. This printer also has a high-temperature resistant hot end, and it supports a variety of filaments.
Pros
- Resumes printing after power outages
- Hot end temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit
- Large build volume for faster printing speeds
Cons
- The LCD is on the smaller side
Flashforge Adventurer 3D Printe
Perfect for Beginners
This product from Flashforge is a pretty intuitive printer that doesn’t require a heated bed or any calibration before use. This option is designed to not need any additional support, unlike larger, more expensive machines. This easy to operate printer is perfect for beginners and designers who want to experiment in the world of 3D printing in a hassle-free environment. All you have to do is load the filament and press the “print” button on the panel and you’re all set!This pick also comes with a Wi-Fi connection and cloud services, so you can complete printing tasks while on the go. The built-in HD camera also allows you to monitor your prints remotely, which is a unique feature.
Pros
- Light, sturdy frame with large build volume
- Can print using different filaments and colors
- Stackable nozzle and heating bed
Cons
- Requires some experience to operate
R Qidi Technology 3D Printer
Elite Design
This pick from R Qidi Technology is an alternative to more typical resin printers because it uses a vacuum infusion process, eliminating the need for masks and more intensive surface-removal processes. The machine features a large build volume of 10.6 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches — and its nozzle can reach a temperature of around 626 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for printing materials that can withstand higher temperatures, like nylon or carbon fiber. This machine can also print larger parts to accommodate more complex models — and it can print up to 32.75 feet of filament without a break. This 3D printer is powered by a double extruder too, increasing its speed, and has an LCD panel, allowing you to preview the design or printing status.
Pros
- Quiet printing for office use
- One-button quick leveling for better results
- Touchscreen display with large interface
Cons
- Only comes with a one-year warranty
Dremel Digilab 3D Printer
Great Value
The Dremel Digilab 3D Printer comes with an affordable price tag and is extremely well designed, offering some great value. It has all the features you’d expect from a high-end machine, but its lower price makes it perfect for budgeting. This option’s build platform can accommodate parts up to 15 x 8 x 8 inches in size, and it’s made of thermoplastic composite (TPC) that can last a lifetime. The TPC also allows easy removal, enhancing efficiency and helping with saving time and materials. This printer is also built with a high-definition control panel, allowing users to monitor the printing process. Its LCD touchscreen can display various information and allows easier navigation throughout the machine.
Pros
- The LCD screen shows print status
- Heated platform for faster printing
- Compatible with a range of materials
Cons
- GUI could be improved
People Also Asked
Why should I buy a 3D printer?
3D printers are machines that can print out 3D models. You might need one because they can produce solid and detailed objects using a computer, which can help save you time and money. 3D printers can also add a whole new level to your design process, opening up a lot of possibilities in the world of digital printing.
What type of materials can my printer work with?
Your machine should be able to work with almost any material you can normally print from your computer or another 3D printer, such as plastic, rubber, acrylic, and more.
Should I get a printer with 3D printing technology?
Modern 3D printers use an additive manufacturing technique, which means they work by laying down successive layers of material to create a finished product.
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