3D printing is a new technology that has been around for a while now. Technology has been transforming manufacturing and the way we use it. It is used in aerospace, automotive, medical, schools, and homes. Due to wide range of uses, it become really hard to pick the best 3D printer but blogs like Printer Deets have made it easier to select the right kind of 3D printer within your desired budget range.
It is a popular technique that allows you to create your physical objects from digital designs. It is a great way to prototype your ideas and test them out without worrying about manufacturing costs.
This article provides tips for selecting the right 3D printer for your project. It also includes information on the right software and materials needed for your project.
Factors to Consider While Selecting 3D Printer
There are many different factors to consider when buying a 3D printer. Some of the most important ones include the size and model of the Printer, the type of filament, and whether or not you need a heated bed.
Budget
The cost of 3D printers can vary depending on what type of Printer you get and what features it includes. It would help to consider which features are most relevant for your needs before buying one.
3D printers are becoming more affordable as the technology matures. Some models cost less than $200 and have advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, dual extrusion, and multi-material capabilities.
What do you prefer, filament or resin?
Filament printers are ideal for 3D printing massive parts or finishing prints. We recommend a resin, SLA/DLP printer if you require high-quality production or if you wish to print small models with great detail.
Now we are going to dive into the detail of these two types:
- FDM (Filament Deposition Modelling)
FDM printers use a filament that is heated to the melting point, extruded through a nozzle, and solidifies as it’s deposited on the build platform
FDM filaments are more common than SLA filaments because they’re cheaper and easier to print with.
Low resolution is a major disadvantage of FDM printing. Because the nozzle opening determines the thickness of each layer in an FDM print, to achieve the perfect smoothness of your FDM print, you’ll need to do some post-processing.
- SLA (Stereolithography)
SLA printers use a liquid material deposited layer-by-layer onto a build platform.
SLA printers allow companies to print objects with great detail and accuracy. It is especially helpful for small-scale manufacturing, prototyping, and design work.
Due to its high cost, SLA printing is generally used only for commercial or industrial purposes.
SLA printers’ quality more than makes up for their complexity and exclusivity. Since layers are built through a super-fine beam of focused light in SLA printers, they retain finer detail and allow for thinner layers.
Size
Once you have selected filament printing or resin printing, you need to think about what size prints you’ll need. In a 3D printer, the build volume represents the largest object it can accommodate on its build plate. An FDM printer has a build plate and print head height that determine the maximum build plate dimensions. SLA printers require a large resin vat filled with resin before printing.
Simple to use
The best 3D printer should be easy to use and give you the freedom to print your designs without hassle. It should also be compatible with the different materials available on the market today.
If you are a beginner, then this is a very important consideration. You need to select 3D printers that provide easy-to-use user interfaces, automatic bed levels, and interoperable software platforms that make learning how to do this easier.
Otherwise, it takes a considerable amount of learning to use a 3D printer effectively. Obtaining the ideal print usually involves a lot of troubleshooting and identifying the reasons for errors.
Warranty
3D printers have a warranty period, which is when manufacturers need to fix any defects in the machine during this period. The warranty also covers labor costs for fixing any issues with 3D printing machines.
3D printing is still in its infancy, so warranties have not been widely adopted yet. However, buying a 3D printer with an extended warranty may be worth it because it can be quite expensive to replace if something goes wrong with them during use.
It would be best to buy those 3D printers that come with a usually valid warranty for the first year. The warranty of 3D printers varies depending on the brand and product type. Some brands offer warranties valid for two years, while others offer lifetime warranties.
Glass print bed
A glass print bed can make the printing process much less frustrating for you if you’re buying an FDM printer. It is easier to apply adhesives such as hairspray or glue sticks on a glass print bed if you need to print on a heated bed as glass heats up evenly. You should be able to get a piece of glass cut to fit your Printer’s build plate for less than $10 at your local hardware store.
A camera onboard
While there are many benefits of a camera onboard, it is unnecessary for every 3D Printer. For example, if you’re making a model that’s meant to be only one character, such as a costume for a cosplay event.
In addition, the camera onboard can be very expensive and cumbersome to set up. It’s not worth the investment if you don’t have time or money for it.
Knowing your project is going well can be hard, especially when the project is one that you can’t physically see. With onboard cameras, you get to monitor the progress of your 3D printing project remotely.
Conclusion
It was initially a hobby with limited scope. But now, 3D printing has become an important part of technology. 3D printers are a must-have for people who want to replace their old products or teach someone how to make something new. After reading this article, you definelty get to know how to Select a 3D Printer for Your Projects that fits your budget and use.