Deciding on which 3D printer to buy can be overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner. Before purchasing any printer, do your research. You probably do not want to end up with one that is difficult to operate or isn't suited to your requirements. There are a variety of 3D printers for different needs and you have to determine which one matches yours. This article will provide you with the most important aspects to think about before making an informed choice about the 3D printer you should purchase.

What 3D printing needs do you have?

In the beginning, you need to understand, what you intend to use your printer for. The cost of the printer will be contingent on your needs.

If you are planning to use your 3D printer for home uses, like making decorations, fixing household objects or even for educational purposes then a model with a low cost can be used. If the printer is going to be used in a classroom, a low- to mid-priced model would work best. If you plan to make use of the printer for prototyping or production, it might be worth exploring more advanced models. The printers are able to produce more quickly and higher quality prints.

If you're reading this article, the chances are that you're a beginner, so we recommend to select a 3D printer that is more affordable and user-friendly.

Price and type

There are numerous 3D printers available on the market. They range in price between 100 USD and thousands of dollars. So, it's important to think about your requirements to ensure that you do not over or under invest.

There are more than 10 kinds of 3D printing depending on the type of material used and how it's processed. The most popular kinds of 3D printers suitable for homes are FDM, SLS and SLA.

FDM (Fuse Deposition Modeling ) is the most widely used and least expensive kind of 3D printing. It works by heating a filament before layering it to produce the model. This type of printer is generally used by hobby users.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), where the bed of powder is sintered using lasers to bond the particles, to form the print layer by layer. This kind of printer is typically employed for industrial use.

SLA (Stereolithography) is based by using the principle of photo-solidification, that is where a chemical reaction forms layers that are cured by UV light. This kind of print generally is of higher quality.

Consider your experience level

It is crucial to take this into consideration as your experience level should be in line with the sophistication of the technology. If you are a complete beginner, make sure you select the 3D printer that has a user-friendly interface, a massive community, and easy to access support. You may want to choose an advanced option if this is your first experience with a 3D printer.

Consider the total cost of your 3D printing

Although it is a one-time purchase it is necessary to purchase a filament. There are also the costs of maintenance and power. Although the cost of electricity don't amount to much, it still can add up If you print often. It is important to be ready for this expense in the near future.

If you choose high resolution 3d printer with an alternative filament than ABS or PLA, they are going to be more expensive. These materials will however give your prints more strength. Take into consideration if the object you print must be more durable.

Printer features

One of the most important characteristics is the quality of print. FDM printers are the most popular, with low quality prints. Prints often require to be smoothed out after the printing. The printers with the most advanced technology can provide extremely high-quality prints, but consequently, also the price will be much higher.

The next characteristic to consider is the user interface. you must ensure that the interface is easy for you to comprehend and use it.

You should consider the type of filament your chosen 3D printer uses and whether it matches your needs. FDM printers employ ABS and PLA materials, which are not recommended for use in food production. Some printers use for example metal filament , but this will make printing more expensive.

Support and communities

Determine if the 3D printer brand you're looking at offers any assistance and is accessible. Does the brand have a selection of instructional videos to assist you in setting up? Do they have a phone number or chat? There is a good chance that you'll require it, especially if the situation is brand-new. Additionally, existing online communities of users could aid you greatly. These communities usually Facebook forums or groups, are able to provide guidance, encouragement and other valuable details.

Safety

Take into consideration the security features of your printer before purchasing it for your child. The FDM kind of printers for instance, work through melting filaments, therefore it can cause burns. To ensure that your print is removed safely, many printers move away from the nozzle. Some printers create fumes when melting filament. It's not clear if these are bad for your health but it might be beneficial to be safe and get an enclosure for your printer.

Retailer

Not last, you must look at the selection of retailers. Manufacturers of 3D printers generally sell their products through intermediaries and directly. If you are considering purchasing through a retailer , consider whether the retailer is reliable. Beware of sites offering printers at a lower price than the typical. You should be cautious about the vendor and the pages you browse. There are many scammers who are trying to defraud you online.