How to Choose a 3D Printer: The 3D printing idea always requires the right equipment for it to be a successful project. 3D printing is rapidly growing with expectations of reaching USD 57.1 billion by the year 2028.
3D printing technology is one of many industries within this rapidly growing industry. Learn how to apply for a printer that meets your financial needs within your budget.
Understanding 3D Printing Basics
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a layer construction method that creates objects in vertical succession. Using a schematic design, a single layer of plastic, metal, or resin is imprinted at a time on the printer.
By adhering to the lower layer, the structure is built higher. Using 3D Technoworks, complex geometries can be created without carving or molding. Rapid prototyping and production of one-time items are made possible using it.
Key Benefits of 3D Printing
| Feature | Description |
| Rapid Prototyping | Enables speedy turnaround from design to prototype. |
| Complexity Unleashed | Produces intricate designs impossible with traditional subtractive methods. |
| Customization | Allows tailoring prints to meet specific needs and specifications. |
| Diverse Material Use | Supports printing with plastics, metals, ceramics, and other materials. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Reduces waste and often lowers production costs. |
Primary 3D Printing Technologies
The art of 3D printing can be used to produce amazing objects. Fused filament fabrication and SLA are two common ones. Fused filament fabrication involves fusing together plastic filaments which melt and build objects layer by layer.
It works like a precision glue gun. In addition to being useful for making durable things, it is also inexpensive and ideal for prototyping and functional parts of devices. Amateurs and industries alike use it.
SLA, or Stereolithography, is the process of converting resin into solid layers by using liquid with a UV laser. It can be used for making fine details that are smooth and can be used for jewelry and dental models.
It is very precise but needs more finishing than FFF, so overall, they both are useful, as they each can handle almost all types of models, from simple to intricate.
3D Printing Process
| Step | Description |
| 1. Designing | Create a 3D model using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. |
| 2. Slicing | Convert the model into thin layers and generate a G-code for the printer. |
| 3. Printing | Use the G-code to guide the printer in depositing material layer by layer. |
| 4. Post-processing | Clean and finish the object for its intended final use. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer
Purpose and Application
DIY vs. Business Use
The 3D printer you choose should meet your needs when you work on DIY projects. If you are a hobbyist, you will want a printer that is easy to use. It should be easy to set up and even easier to service. In any case, budget plays a major role, so look for models with high utility for a low price.
Professional printers should be able to work with metal and carbon fiber for different types of projects. Accuracy is crucial for business purposes.
Connectivity and support are, of course, excellent features. They allow the printer to be more adaptable to future business needs.
The most important considerations for hobbyists are cost and ease of use; for businesses, it will be quality and versatility. Select a printer that best suits your needs.
Types of Projects
In choosing a 3D printer, keep in mind the projects you intend to undertake. Different projects require different printer features.
- Prototyping Projects: Fast prototypes can be created with 3D printers very easily. Companies in the automotive or aerospace sectors use the technology for quick evaluations of new components. Such projects require a printer that uses ABS or PLA materials. You can, for example, prototype a new car component to evaluate its appearance.
- Artistic Creations: Artists love 3D printers because of their unusual creations compared to other practices. A project suggestion could be to create a gallery sculpture that is intricate and detailed that would be difficult to make manually. Look for a printer that is precise and makes use of resin.
- Manufacturing Applications: 3D printing is used in the making of productions for large, complex parts. It makes it possible to manufacture parts on demand, thus eliminating the need to store them in storage. As lightweight parts are very much needed in the aerospace industry, 3D printing technology makes it possible to produce such lightweight parts. Ideally, printers that work with metals or firm plastics are best for these jobs.
You can use a printer for prototyping, making art, or even manufacturing, if you know what kind of project you are handling.
Printer Specifications
Print Volume and Size
When selecting the right 3D printer size, keep an eye out for the print volume, which is the maximum volume of material the printer can print in one go. It’s best to choose a printer that has a large build area in such a case. The best printer for easy or fine projects would be a compact printer.
Make sure you consider the type of paper and printer you will use. Some materials require specific printer types. Use the printer according to your project, whether it is for personal reasons or for business. You can find a printer that will meet both your needs and your budget by taking these factors into account.
Print Quality and Resolution
3D printing requires a thorough understanding of both layer height and nozzle diameter. Layer height refers to the thickness of individual layers. Thinner layers produce a smoother surface, but they take longer to create. For example, 100-micron printing produces a smoother finish compared to 200-micron printing, but it takes longer.
Precision and speed are affected by nozzle diameter. Small nozzles, such as 0.2 mm, detail finer aspects, but decrease flow rate. Larger nozzles, such as 0.6 mm, provide more detail, but are slower.
The settings should be selected according to the project. If there is a lot of detail work, a smaller layer thickness and a smaller nozzle should be used. For quick reference prints that are functional, select a thicker layer and a larger nozzle. A good balance between these options will result in a better outcome and lower costs.
Print Speed
Choosing the right print speed is key. Faster printing saves time but might reduce detail. Here’s how to balance speed and quality:
- Layer Height Matters: Smaller layers give more detail but take longer. Pick a layer height that fits your needs.
- Nozzle Size Choices: Bigger nozzles print faster but with less detail. Use them for simple designs.
- Adjust Speed Settings: Slow down for detailed work. Speed up for basic prints.
- Material Selection: Some materials handle fast printing well. Test different ones to see their performance.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your printer in good shape. A well-maintained printer runs smoothly at high speeds.
Experiment with these tips to find what works best for your projects.
Printing Materials Compatibility
| Material Type | Properties | Common Uses |
| PLA | Biodegradable, easy to print | Household items, prototypes |
| ABS | Durable, heat-resistant | Functional parts, automotive components |
| PETG | Strong, food-safe | Containers, functional models |
Material Compatibility
Common Filaments and Resins
Let’s explore the basics of popular 3D printing filaments: PLA, ABS, and PETG.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is produced from renewable resources such as corn and is available in a range of colors, making it easy to print with. It is also an excellent choice for beginners because it does not require much heat to print. Therefore, it is not very strong and can distort when heated. You can use PLA to create basic models and this is an excellent option for educational purposes as well.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Due to its toughness and heat resistance, ABS is ideal for a variety of applications, including manufacturing car parts. However, the material poses some challenges during the printing process, e.g. it contains fumes and therefore needs to be heated. Suitable for structural and impact-resistant parts, it is well suited.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a material that conforms and is resilient. Compared to PLA, PETG has the ease of PLA and the toughness of ABS. As PETG makes good use of a hot bed and doesn’t exhibit much warping, it is ideal for things that will be taken outside or under stress. PETG is adaptable and is a good choice for multiple projects because it is so flexible.
For all of them, you will also have to choose the best materials for the job. Use PLA when you want simplicity, ABS for strength, and PETG for flexibility.
Specialty Materials
Find out about 3D printing with unique materials like wood, metal, and flexible filament in this helpful guide:
Wood Filaments
A wood filament is an infused PLA that looks and feels like wood. The material is suitable for decor and gives a warm, natural feel. To prevent clogging during printing, use a larger nozzle size.
Metal Filaments
A metal filament is mixed with metal powder, particularly copper or bronze, to produce a metallic and weighty finish, ideal for jewelry and art. Due to the abrasive nature of these filament prints, a hardened nozzle is recommended. It is also advised to be careful as these filaments may produce brittle prints.
Flexible Filaments
These filaments are stretchy and strong, making them useful for phone cases or grips. They cushion shocks and damp vibrations. Print at a lower speed and modify the settings to reduce errors.
Practical Tips
- For wood: Use a heated bed to reduce warping.
- For metal: Polish prints for a shiny finish.
- For flexible: Use a direct-drive extruder for better handling.
3D printing can be taken to new heights and dimensions when using these specialty materials.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Assembly and Setup
It is possible to choose a model that comes fully assembled or a kit that requires you to assemble it yourself when purchasing a 3D printer. Printers that are fully assembled can be pulled out of their boxes and used immediately and are well built for those who want to begin printing right away. However, they are more expensive.
In addition to being less expensive, DIY kits are also useful for gaining skills. One learns the parts of the printer by constructing it, and understanding them assists with troubleshooting problems. Also, these kits take time and persistence, but you develop useful practical skills. You can choose this if you are a builder or problem-solver. Decide what is more important to you, construction time, or educational value and cost savings.
User-Friendly Features
A number of technological advancements have made 3D printing more beneficial to the general public. One such advancement is auto-calibration, which facilitates the printer’s automatic configuration, so you don’t have to adjust anything manually. As a result, human input is reduced during printing, and each layer is well bonded, improving the overall print quality.
Touch/screen interfaces are indeed quite beneficial. The user can operate the printer more easily by simply tapping and/or swiping the device. This minimizes risks while protecting the printer by displaying the stream and settings on the screen.
These attributes imply that there is little or no tension regarding the learning curve for novice users. For those who are well experienced, these attributes allow for faster and more consistent printing. To put it simply, these attributes make 3D printing a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
Cost Considerations
Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Costs
You should consider both the initial cost and future costs when purchasing a 3D printer. The simplest models are around $200 while advanced models cost thousands. Amateur printers are more likely to benefit from the entry-level range of these printers, which range between $200 and 1000. An investment in a better printer may be more cost effective, especially if the task is for a business.
Aside from the purchase price, consider additional running costs as well. In general, 1kg of common materials like PLA and ABS would cost between 20 and 50 dollars, whereas more specialized materials like resin and carbon fiber may cost more than 100 dollars. However, there is also maintenance, such as spending on such things as nozzle or belt replacements. The frequency of printing will also influence the cost of energy consumption.
The operational costs for midrange to high end printers may be lower because they are more efficient. Therefore, it all depends on my needs and what I am looking for.
Budget-Friendly Options
Look at these printers that will deliver quality at a lower price if you want to buy a 3D printer.
With its print speed of 250 mm/s, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is both efficient and speedy. It costs approximately $219 to purchase. As a result of its easy set-up, this model is ideal for beginners. It comes equipped with features like automatic bed leveling.
This printer is an excellent choice for those who are just starting out in 3D printing. It offers a print speed of 500 mm/s and a build volume of 225 x 225 x 265 mm.
A 4K LCD panel enables this printer to produce high-resolution prints. These printers are small, easy to operate, and are suitable for intricate designs.
It is ideal for beginners or anyone on a budget, as these printers deliver amazing quality and performance.
Additional Features to Look For
Connectivity Options
Let’s take a moment to discuss connectivity options for 3D printers in fairly straightforward terms.
Using Wi-Fi, users can start and stop print jobs anywhere. Additionally, the printer can update your telephone to inform you of any progress.
A USB connection is dependable, fast, and direct. There are no network problems, so you can go directly from your computer to the printer.
There is no need to be near the printer if you are busy and working on the move. You can print multiple times and from different devices.
It is possible to select any one of the options based on your requirements. Each option has its own advantages.
Safety Features
It is important to note that when investing in a 3D printer, one should always appreciate the safety features integrated into the product. In today’s 3D printers, thermal protection and power loss recovery are crucial safety features. The latter is essential to safeguard a printer’s effectiveness in the event of sudden power supply interruptions. This feature is found in most modern printers, preventing the waste of materials and time during interruptions.
The thermal rotation of a printer, on the other hand, helps to prevent it from overheating and catching fire. Other types of these protections are automatic switches off systems which function if certain thresholds are exceeded, keeping the environment around your printer safe. 3D printing can be quite enjoyable and does not endanger your work or equipment if these safety features are used.
FAQ: How to Choose a 3D Printer
What types of 3D printers are there?
Plastic filament is used in FDM printers, while resin is used in SLA printers.
What materials can I use?
PLA is eco-friendly and ABS is durable, but resin for SLA is used. PLA is used for FDM, while resin for SLA.
How do I choose the right printer?
Check the printer’s size, speed, and ease of use. For simple tasks, choose FDM. For detailed work, consider SLA.
What are the maintenance costs?
It is necessary to buy more filament or resin and replace parts. Regular cleaning can reduce costs.
What should I consider for future upgrades?
Ensure the manufacturer offers updates and support for printers with upgradable parts.
Wrapping Up
Consider the ecological factor when choosing a 3D printer. Instead of regular materials, look for something more sustainable. Terrafilum is one of the companies that offers filament that is made from recycled materials. You can use all of these materials to reduce plastic waste while still performing effectively.
Choose a printer that can be upgraded to avoid obsolescence. This allows you to replace parts when their technology becomes outdated. They are able to keep their machines working by receiving updates from their creators. In addition to making a beneficial choice for you, the planet also benefits from it.