3D printer less than 500

The Best 3D Printers Under $500 in 2023

Just a few years ago, finding a 3D printer under $500 would have been almost impossible. Now there are dozens to choose from. This brings 3D printing within the reach of modelers, hobbyists, and small businesses. Of course not every cheap 3D printer has the same capabilities. They produce different-sized models with varying levels of detail. Many are filament models, but several resin printers also come within this price bracket. Getting the right balance between cost and performance can be difficult, and the technology can be confusing. This article demystifies the jargon, and finds the best 3D printers under $500 for whatever kind of model making appeals to you.

— Best Overall: Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K Resin 3D Printer
— Best Budget: ELEGOO Neptune 2 FDM 3D Printer
— Best for Beginners: Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
— Best Large Volume: Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2 3D Printer

How We Picked the Best 3D Printers Under $500

We imposed a price ceiling of $500 to ensure each of our picks fell within what could be expected as a reasonable price for those buying their first 3D printer. The result is some of the best budget 3D printers currently available. However, price was far from the only consideration.

Build Volume: Many 3D modelers focus on small projects, or create complex assemblies from a number of small components. Others want to go big as soon as possible. Fortunately, buying a low cost 3D printer doesn’t necessarily limit the scale of your ambitions. We sought a range of alternatives to cover all potential users.

Set Up and Ease of Use: The best resin 3D printers within our price bracket come ready to use, but many filament models require some assembly. How easy they are to operate also varies. Our picks illustrate this variety, allowing buyers to choose a model that is appropriate to their experience level.

Value: Price doesn’t always equate to value. Despite the relatively low cost of our top picks, these are not always the cheapest 3D printers on the market. However, one we selected comes from a brand recognized for their expertise and quality. As a result they should offer long-term reliability.

Best 3D Printers Under $500: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K Resin 3D PrinterHighly Detailed 3D Prints. ANYCUBIC

Why It Made The Cut: By any standards, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K is a high quality 3D printer. To find it priced below $500 makes it terrific value.

Specs:
— Type: Resin
— Built Volume: 7.55 inches L x 4.72 inches W x 9.84 inches H
— Speed: 1.97 inches per hour

Pros:
— Highly detailed prints
— Durable, stable all-metal chassis
— Easy setup and use

Cons:
— No direct computer connection
— Gimmicky WiFi

Anycubic has long been one of the leading names in 3D printers with a wide range of innovative, high-quality machines. The Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K set new standards for speed and detail when introduced, and while larger, faster models are now available, few can challenge this model in the under $500 bracket.

With resin printers like this, screen resolution has a big impact on the detail provided. This one has an 8.9-inch 4K LCD, resulting in 3,840 x 2,400 pixels per inch. It‘s capable of printing layers at just 50 microns (0.0019 inches) thick, and at almost 2 inches per hour, it is also one of the fastest resin printers in its class.

The general structure of this 3D printer has the solidity necessary for consistent results and its built-in fans keep things at a constant temperature. The setup is somewhat time consuming, though more straightforward than most filament models. A 2.8-inch touch screen accesses many functions, but files have to be input via a USB stick. There is a WiFi app but its functions are limited and setting it up can be frustrating, so many independent testers consider it not worth the effort. The Photon Workshop software also has its critics, though popular alternatives are available from ChiTuBox and Lychee.

When introduced, the Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K was around 30 percent more expensive than it is today. It has dropped into our price range mostly because 6K and 8K versions now exist. At the moment, we think the Anycubic Photon Mono X 4K is the best 3D printer under $500 on the market.

Best Budget: ELEGOO Neptune 2 FDM 3D PrinterGreat Value for Money. ELEGOO

Why It Made The Cut: There are plenty of cheap 3D printers on the market, but none come with the clear instructions and high print quality of the Elegoo Neptune 2.

Specs:
— Type: Filament
— Built Volume: 8.66 inches L x 8.66 inches W x 9.84 inches H
— Speed: 1.97 inches per second

Pros:
— Clear assembly instructions
— Good print quality
— Low cost

Cons:
— Manual leveling
— Poor interface

The entry-level Elegoo Neptune 2 comes in at well under half our $500 price limit, making it the best budget 3D printer in purely monetary terms. That alone would make it attractive to those thinking of trying 3D printing for the first time, however, the Elegoo Neptune 2 has more to offer than just low cost.

The majority of 3D filament printers come as self-assembly kits. Care is necessary because errors can impact performance later on. Fortunately, the Elegoo Neptune 2 comes with clear instructions, and obvious components, so setup is comparatively simple. It’s not quite all plain sailing though, as bed leveling is a key feature for accurate prints, and this needs to be done manually. Getting it right can be time consuming which may be frustrating for complete beginners. Also, while the touch screen display provides a lot of information, much of it can be unclear and confusing. Fortunately, the provided Cura software is very good, and helps enormously.

Mechanically and functionally the Elegoo Neptune 2 is a very good 3D printer for the money, though sadly the interface lets it down. There are plenty of online sources that can help resolve problems, and results will be worth it, but getting the best from the machine will require patience.

Best for Beginners: Creality Ender 3 3D PrinterAn Excellent Learning Resource.

Comgrow

Why It Made The Cut: Creality was one of the first to produce high-quality, budget-friendly 3D printers. The Ender 3 has become hugely popular and has outstanding learning resources.

Specs:
— Type: Filament
— Built Volume: 8.66 inches L x 8.66 inches W x 9.84 inches H
— Speed: 7.9 inches per second

Pros:
— Excellent component quality
— High-quality output
— Outstanding customer support

Cons:
— Manual bed leveling
— Assembly instructions could be improved

At first glance the Creality Ender 3 looks a lot like a whole bunch of other low-cost 3D printers. In fact, Creality is renowned for 3D filament printers that combine quality components with competitive pricing, and as a result, there are many copies.

The Creality Ender 3 can produce layers at 100 microns (0.0038 inches) thick, which, while not as high as resin printers, is good for a budget 3D printer and results in smooth models. Unlike many cheap rivals that only use PLA filament, the Creality Ender 3 can use ABS, PETG, and TPU. The machine is very quiet, heats up quickly, and the user interface is clear and informative.

It isn’t a particularly easy machine to assemble. Creality says it takes two hours, but we feel that’s optimistic and the instructions could certainly be improved. So if that’s the case, why do we recommend this as one of the best 3d printers for beginners?

The main reason is the incredible support network, and the potential for multiple machine upgrades. Not only is Creality’s own customer support very responsive, but the popularity of the Creality Ender 3 means there are dozens of videos and other resources available online. After mastering the basics of 3D printing, add-ons are available so that those who want to improve their knowledge don’t need to buy a whole new machine. It is an excellent introduction to 3D printing, and for the money, there is no better learning platform.

Best Large Volume: Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2 3D PrinterImpressive Build Volume.

Artillery

Why It Made The Cut: The Artillery Sidewinder offers an impressive build volume for a printer at this price, and doesn’t compromise on quality or user-friendly features.

Specs:
— Type: Filament
— Built Volume: 11.8 inches L x 11.8 inches W x 15.75 inches H
— Speed: 5.9 inches per second

Pros:
— Large build volume
— Arrives 95 percent assembled
— Auto bed-leveling

Cons:
— Filament holder could be improved
— Poor customer support

With its impressive print volume, the Artillery Sidewinder is definitely the best affordable 3D printer for creating large models. It would be no surprise if the company had cut corners elsewhere in order to offer a machine of this capability for the money, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. While there are a couple of areas that could be improved, issues are minor.

The Artillery Sidewinder is not particularly fast, but can create layers of 100 microns (0. 0038 inches) each, so quality is comparable with many smaller devices. It comes almost complete, just needing ribbon cable and the spool holder assembled. The quality of the latter isn’t the best, resulting in occasional feed errors, but the printer will restart from the same point if interrupted. The touch screen controls are also very easy to use.

Unusually for a cheap 3D printer, the Artillery Sidewinder has auto-leveling, which saves time and frustration. The glass bed heats up in around two minutes, so it’s ready to print quickly, and very quietly. It can take a while to get the Artillery Sidewinder working at its best, but that’s not unusual with budget 3D printers. In general, the machine is very reliable, though owners have been critical of customer support when problems have occurred.

Things To Consider Before Buying A 3D Printer Under $500

There are so many good machines available today that choosing a 3D printer under $500 presents few restrictions. However, there are a few key points that need some thought.

Build Volume

The size of the projects a 3D printer can create will have a big impact on most people’s choice, but this is just one aspect. It’s a good idea not to be focused on size alone, as this can result in weaknesses in other areas.

Resin or Filament

Resin 3D printers tend to be more expensive than their filament counterparts, but often create more detailed models. On the other hand, filament tends to produce a stronger model. The type of filament can make a big difference and is worth looking into further if you are unaware of how each performs. Bear in mind while the best 3D printers can use a wide variety of materials, sub-$500 models may have more limited choices.

Speed

Most people are understandably impatient to see their 3D object finished, and print speed can vary considerably. Filament printers are usually much faster than resin. However, figures can be confusing because resin 3D printer speeds are given as the height of model created per hour, whereas filament 3D printer speeds are how fast the nozzle travels. Neither give a very accurate indication of how long a particular model will take, but they can be used for comparisons.

Also bear in mind with filament printers the maximum speed may seldom be used. For instance, our best budget 3D printer can run as fast as 7 inches per second, but for common filaments like PLA, the optimum speed is only around 2 inches per second.

FAQs

Q: Are 3D printers illegal?

3D printers are completely legal. What is illegal is the copying and sale of patented or copyrighted objects. Making popular games figures for your own use, for example, is okay, but. trying to sell them is not, and may bring a lawsuit from the rights owner.

Q: Are cheap 3D printers worth buying?

Absolutely. In the last few years prices have dropped considerably, so today’s best 3D printers under $500 are very capable, great fun, and can also be very educational.

Q: What can I create with low cost 3D printers?

What you can print with low cost 3D printers largely depends on print volume. Toys, models, figurines, and jewelry are popular. Credit card holders and phone cases are possible, as are plant pots and other containers. There are hundreds of free-to-download files available, or you can create your own.

Q: Do all cheap 3D printers use PLA?

Not all cheap 3D printers use PLA, although many do. Some can also use ABS or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Our pick for best 3D printer under $500 is a resin model, which is liquid plastic rather than PLA, which is a filament.

Q: Can 3D printers under $500 work with any software?

A great deal of software works with 3D printers under $500, but there are some restrictions. It’s important to check before purchasing, particularly if you have a particular package in mind.

Q: Do I need a good computer for a cheap 3D printer?

Whether you need a good computer depends on the 3D models you intend to produce. Most of the standard SLA files that are available online are quite small, and don’t need a lot of computing power to process. However, if you intend to create your own unique models, the software required can be memory- and processor-intensive. In that case, using a budget computer might prove limiting.

Final Thoughts on 3D Printers Under $500

The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X is an excellent 3D printer, and no other machine currently available under $500 can match the output quality. Unfortunately, resin printers produce toxic fumes so it’s very much a tool for a well-ventilated garage or workshop.

The Elegoo Neptune 2 is great value. It takes a while to set up but instructions are excellent, and many 3D printing enthusiasts feel it’s optimal to know the ins and outs of their machine. Unfortunately, the horrible interface detracts from what is otherwise a good entry-level device. Solutions are readily available, though.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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The best 3D printers under $500

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Written By Gabriel Morgan

Updated Feb 17, 2023 11:55 AM

Just a few years ago, 3D printers under $500 were simply toys. They weren’t very capable and they wasted more filament than they used correctly. That has changed in recent years, however, and now you can get a very capable machine for less than half a rack. You can even now buy great 3D printers for kids.

While there are (loosely) three main families of 3d printers out there, there are two which are widely available at the sub $500 price point. These are fused deposition modeling printers (FDM), which use thermoplastics in the form of filament, and stereolithographic printers (SLA), which use thermosetting plastics such as resin. Generally the more common FDM printers are better for larger projects, components, and prototyping, while SLA printers are better for intricate prints, figurines, and art pieces.

Maybe you’re after an FDM printer to prototype that perfect Hellboy mask to sell on your Etsy shop, or instead you might need an affordable SLA printer to craft a perfect rendering of the Drider Ranger Chief that will be causing havoc in your next D&D campaign. Either way the best 3d printers under $500 have the tools you need to get there.

Best overall: Creality Ender 3 S1
Best budget: Creality Ender-3
Best resin: ANYCUBIC Photon M3
Best for beginners: Voxelab Aries
Best for home: ELEGOO Mars 3 Pro

How we chose the best 3D printers under $500

To ensure our list of the best 3d printers under $500 was as authoritative as possible, we researched numerous printers from leading manufacturers, diving deep into their specs and feature-sets and comparing them to the competition. We made sure to include a number of 3d printers for specific applications, including both SLA and FDM printers. Along the way we looked for a few specific criterias:

Versatility is always important in gadgets — especially those meant for creation. We prioritized printers that can handle more materials, and noted those that do a better job with this. On FDM models the temperature the extruder reaches is critical to this, and resultantly we noted max heat for each FDM. SLA printers also come with specific resin limitations, we also noted these.

Leveling is highly important, as a level print substrate makes for precise prints. We factored the leveling controls in all the printers we looked at. Where they included solid auto-leveling we highlighted it.

Print size defines the edges of your creative space. We noted the max print size of all the printers we featured, both in X and Y parameters as well as in Z.

Precision translates into fewer flaws and mistakes in your print. We looked for printers that are capable of high levels of precision, for smooth forms without lines or ridges.

Assembly can make or break a printer experience — especially for those who are new to the game. We looked at how difficult all of the printers we featured are to assemble, as well as how much maintenance is required to keep them printing.

The best 3D printers under $500: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Creality Ender 3 S1

Why It Made The Cut: Versatile, easy to set up, and upgradeable, this super precise FDM is capable of printing with a decent amount of materials, and offers an all-around solid print cycle.

Specs:

Print technology: FDM
Size: 19.2 x 17.8 x 24.5
Build size: 8.6 x 8.6 x 10.2 inches
Supported materials: PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS

Pros

Solid precision
16 point automatic leveling
Supports multiple slicing softwares including Cura
Easy assembly
Easily modded for laser engraving with presets

Cons

Loud prints
Some of the instructions are confusing

Where FDM printers are concerned, the Creality Ender 3 series has to have some of the best name recognition around, and the Creality Ender 3 S1 exemplifies the qualities that made the brand so famous. At the sub $500 price point it really doesn’t get much better than this.

The S1 harnesses a few flawlessly designed features, and unifies them into a super-precise whole. The powerful extruder hits temps up to 500 degrees fahrenheit, and delivers a significant punch of pressure, even while it lightly moves across axes. It uses a geared Z-axis lift, with two motors. The system also offers an auto leveling bed. Altogether this means that the system is precise and versatile. It supports PLA, TPU, PETG, and ABS.

With a decent sized build space, a versatile list of materials supported, good precision, and an auto-leveling bed, the Ender 3 S1 is about as good as it gets at the sub $500 price point. It’s worth real consideration for anyone looking for a good fused deposition.

Best budget: Creality Ender-3

Why It Made The Cut: Probably the most famous starter 3d printer out there, this open sourced classic delivers lots of great basics, with a sensible design that’s easy to mod and expand on.

Specs:

Print technology: FDM
Size: 17.3 x 16.1 x 18.3 inches
Build size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
Supported materials: PLA, TPU, ABS

Pros

Easy to use
Moddable
Great community support
Very affordable

Cons

Requires manual leveling
Noisy
Assembly is involved and best use will require extra work

Released back in 2018, the Creality Ender-3 is to 3d printing what the Squier is to electric guitarists — ubiquitous, cheap, and trustworthy. The younger cousin to our best overall pick, the Ender-3 is a basic 3d printer that has everything most people need to get started, even if it’s missing some of the premium features and perfectly leveled components.

With a manual leveling tray that heats to 230 Fahrenheit, and a basic extruder that heats to 491 Fahrenheit, the Ender-3 might not be capable of dealing with the most advanced thermoplastics, but it’s certainly capable of handling the classics: PLA, TPU, and ABS, and even exceeds temps available in some higher-priced printers. It also sports a resume print function that will get it back online after interruptions, power outages, or filament shortages.

The main downside of this printer is its involved assembly. While it can be assembled in about two hours, the process isn’t easy, and print quality will be improved when extra time and care is spent on correcting for imperfections. That said, the printers vast community support in online forums and potential for moddability is one of its selling points, and the printer’s open-sourced DIY ethos is also one of its strongest assets. At the end of the day if you treat your Ender-3 as a 3d printer building kit, rather than just a 3d printer, it can give you everything you need, including some of the quiet, and comfort you’ll find in premium contemporary machines that are priced far higher.

Best resin: ANYCUBIC Photon M3

Why It Made The Cut: This simple to use plug-in SLA printer delivers consistent detailed prints with zero system print-errors, and its deep community support makes for easy adoption and troubleshooting.

Specs:

Print technology: SLA
Size: 16.7 x 10.6 x 10.1 inches
Build size: 7.1 x 6.4 x 4.0 inches
Supported materials: Resin

Pros

Extremely precise 4k LCD print
LCD control screen
Wide user base for support
Decent build size for price

Cons

Requires manual leveling

4k prints — they offer better resolution, smoother texture, and greater detail, and if you’re after a 4k 3d LCD printer for your home or workshop, you can’t do much better than the ANYCUBIC Photon M3. The Photon offers slightly larger print sizes than the ELEGOO Mars 3 Pro. It’s a budget printer from a line of 3d printers that includes some true premium tech.

The Photon M3 features a textured checkerboard build plate for better adhesion, and pairs this feature with a high contrast 4k screen. One of its standout features is a LCD control screen on the front, that allows for greater control of the device. Speaking of control, the printer allows for adjustable UV power that makes it compatible with a (somewhat) wider range of resins, but check the UV rating on your resin choice before you buy anyway to make sure it’s supported. Finally, it also features a UV-blocking cover that filters out harmful light from the LCD exposure process.

The Phonton M3 is a great choice for its deep user support network, excellent clarity, UV-blocking shield, and its controls with LCD panel. Whether it wins out over the ELEGOO is up to you, but its print quality is indisputably excellent for its moderate price.

Best for beginners: Voxelab Aries

Why It Made The Cut: Built for beginners, the Voxelab is a great place to start (and graduate), with a supremely easy setup, relatively-easy manual-leveling, wifi, and simple controls.

Specs:

Print technology: FDM
Size: 16. 69 x 15.98 x 18.46 inches
Build size: 7.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches
Supported materials: PLA, ABS, PETG

Pros

Easy auto-leveling
Simple to control with Wifi
Voxelmaker software allows control of multiple printers simultaneously
Arrives assembled

Cons

Leveling requires manual inputs
Loud and annoying sounds

For those who might be experiencing a little trepidation about getting into the 3d printing game, the Voxelab Aries is an easy front runner to help you get settled and explore. The printer’s namesake Aries might be the Greek god of war, but the Voxelab capitalizes on simple harmony. With an open box appearance, this printer ships pre-assembled, and pre-loaded with PLA filament, offering near plug-and-play performance.

While the Aries doesn’t feature true auto-leveling, it does make it easy on you, with simple knob adjustment and a 3 point leveling system — this is why the company advertises the device as “semi-auto leveling. ” With a max extruder temp of 482 Fahrenheit the printer is capable of printing PLA, ABS, and PETG. Its textured glass bed heats to 212 Fahrenheit for decent adhesion.

The real joy of this device is its simplicity and connectivity. The Aries uses Voxelmaker software that slices, and is capable of controlling multiple Voxelab printers. Setting adjustments are also easily configured via your computer. With its pre-assembled design, Wifi connectivity, and even 8 GB of internal memory, the Voxelab Aries is a great learners rig.

Best for home: ELEGOO Mars 3 Pro

Why It Made The Cut: With exceptional resolution and detail, this SLA printer does wonders at detailed art prints.

Specs:

Print technology: SLA
Size: 8.93 x 8.93 x 17.28 inches
Build size: 3.5 x 5.6 x 6.9 inches
Supported materials: Resin

Pros

High detail prints
Consistent print quality
4k monochrome light
Free Chitubox sample subscription

Cons

Setup instructions aren’t the clearest

Resin prints offer resolution and detail that’s sure to wow anyone, whether it’s your Instagram followers cheering on your custom Warhammer figurines, or your mom when you print her that intricate new corn-cob skewer-set for the potluck. Whatever you’re printing, if it’s details that count, then you can’t do much better than the ELEGOO Mars 3 Pro.

This 4k monochrome printer offers an ultra-high-resolution, taking advantage of super dense chip-on-board integrated LCDs, this translates to greater detail with fewer mistakes. It features heat dissipation software that will improve its longevity, and also boasts an improved release film that elevates it above preceding models. With a one year subscription to Chitubox shipped with the device you’ll have access to powerful SLA print software that delivers all the basics, plus options that will take even experienced 3d printmakers into the weeds. If Chitubox isn’t your thing, the Mars 3 Pro also works with Lychee Slicer.

It’s when your Mars 3 Pro pairs with an ELEGOO Mini Air Purifier that it becomes a truly great kit for home use. Not many resin printer companies do as good of a job with air purifier accessories as ELEGOO, and it’s these types of health add-ons that can make your printer safe for use at home.

Related: Best 3D printers under $1000

3D printers are inherently technical, and there’s a lot that goes into which one is right for you. These devices would have seemed like tech from “the future” in the 1950s or 60s. While 3D printers have gotten much more accessible in recent years, they’re still fairly complicated and involve a learning curve. Modern 3d printers link with your computer to slice 3d CAD models, process them, and then extrude the slices of the model into plastic (or another material), generating the model as a plastic form using one of a number of methods.

Bill Masters filed the first US patent for a 3d printer process, and his inspiration for the tech is actually a pretty useful metaphor for understanding its process. Laying on the banks of the Chattanooga river one night, he imagined a star as a seed point, then that adding more and more stars, you could make whatever shape you’d like. He has also likened 3d printing to shooting “spit wads” through a straw: “When you shoot a lot of wads, they begin to take shape. If you can control the direction of the wads and the motion of the device shooting them, you can produce any desired shape.”

Printer type

There are several popular 3D printing technologies out there, that range in capabilities from light prototype creation with simple thermoplastics like ABS, to high end SLS machines (and beyond) that can print in advanced materials such as nylons, medical grade polymers, metals, and more. Some hyper advanced systems are now even able to bioprint cells.

Constrained by a $500 dollar price point, this article will only focus on simple FDM and SLA printers. Entry level SLS printers generally cost thousands of dollars more. When you’re shopping, consider your print goals when you decide between an FDM and SLA model.

FDM Printers

FDM printers make up the lion’s share of the printers found on the market. They deposit melted filament at precise coordinates on a flat tray. FDM stands for fused deposition modeling, though these systems are also sometimes known by another term, fused filament fabrication (FFF). Much like a glue gun, thermoplastic filament is superheated through a nozzle and deposited onto X,Y, and Z coordinates on a leveled bed. Generally FDM printers are visually recognizable as printing “down,” in that a nozzle deposits plastic downward onto a bed. FDM printers do a good job with simple prototyping, proof-of-concepts, and less complicated economical prints.

SLA Printers

SLA, or stereolithography printers are capable of far more intricate detail, and use LED lights or lasers to cure liquid resin and extrude it from a liquid bath. SLA process is known as photopolymerization. Unlike FDM printers SLAs recognizably print “up,” as the model is extruded upwards (visually pulled) from the uncured liquid-state plastic bath. SLA printers do a great job with detail, high-resolution prints, and functional prototypes.

Thermoplastics

FDM printers use thermoplastics. These common plastics are able to melt, take shape, and melt again, much as water can be frozen into a shape, thawed, and frozen again, making them recyclable and reusable. Unlike water, a thermoplastic’s properties will change slightly as they are repeatedly melted. Some of the common thermoplastics used in FDM printers include ABS, PLA, PETG, and Nylon. Though not every printer will be able to service a wide range (especially at the under $500 range). These plastics often have useful properties, PLA is biodegradable, while PETG can be food safe, and nylon is safe for long term skin contact.

Thermoset Plastics

SLA printers use thermosetting plastics, or thermosets. These plastics cure to a solid form, and cannot be remelted and reused, rather they decompose with heat. These resins offer greater precision than most thermoplastics. Resins come in many forms, including clear resins, high-rigidity resins, and flexible resins.

Process

Your 3d printer will connect with your computer. To print, use a CAD modeling software to create a design, then slice it with the help of your printer software. Generally the software will then bounce the files out to your printer over your line connection or wireless connection. The printer can then begin work.

Post-processing

Some materials require post-processing. Often SLA prints will require an isopropyl alcohol wash to remove uncured resin before sanding and finishing. Other post-print processes help to strengthen or otherwise improve the properties of the materials your printer uses. There are specific post-processing machines that work well with specific materials.

FAQs

Q: What is a good 3D printer to start off with?

If you’re looking for a great 3D printer to start off with, you can’t do much better than the Voxelab Aries. Arriving pre-assembled and preloaded with filament (in select markets), the Voxelab also connects to your computer with Wifi and offers a simple slicing program, it’s a great budget starter for anyone looking to get into 3D printing.

Q: What is the most cost effective 3D printer?

The Creality Ender-3 is the most cost effective 3D printer. While many of its components are more basic than the competition, the Ender-3 has all the features you’ll need for solid 3D printing.

Q: Do all cheap 3D printers use PLA?

Not all cheap 3D printers use PLA, but the vast majority of filament based 3D printers do. There are two basic types of budget 3D printers, FDM and SLA. FDM printers use filaments, of which PLA is a common type. FDM printers use resin instead of filament, and won’t support PLA.

Q: Can 3D printers under $500 work with any software?

3D printers under $500 work with lots of software, but not all printers work with all software. Check the spec sheet on the printer you’re interested in to find out if it’s compatible with your preferred software.

Q: Are 3D printers under $500 good?

There are many 3D printers under $500 that are very good. The Creality Ender 3 S1 is the best overall.

Q: Which type of 3D printing is cheapest?

If you’re looking for the cheapest type of 3D printing, usually FDM printers are the most cost effective. While SLA resin printers can often be bought for around the same price as FDM filament printers, filament is generally somewhat cheaper over the long term.

Final thoughts on the best 3D printers under $500

When you invest in a 3d printer under $500, you invest in bringing your vision into physical form. These incredible devices extrude 3d prints from plastics with a few clicks of your mouse. Connect your SLA printer for detailed, high-resolution art prints, and strong prototypes with good rigidity. Plug in your FDM thermoplastic printer for large, affordable proof-of-concepts, or affordable accessories printed for your wardrobe. If you’re new to the game, the Voxelab Aries is the best option for beginners, coming pre-assembled and preloaded with filament, and offering easy Wifi connectivity with good controls. If you’re after exceptional detail for prints of figurines, or rigid prototypes, the ELEGOO Mars 3 Pro is an exceptional resin printer with excellent accuracy. If you want the most bang for your buck under $500, the Creality Ender 3 S1 is an amazing FDM printer that comes with some premium components such as an auto-leveler, and can be upgraded and modded into something that’s even more capable with a little work. Whatever you choose, expect great prints.

3D printers for schools. For children. For education. For home.

Despite the fact that 3D technologies are by no means something new and even unusual, their use in education is only gaining popularity. The transformation of a 3D model into a full-fledged physical object is a process that is fascinating and of great importance from the point of view of teaching children the basics of engineering, which makes it possible to visualize in the most accessible way what teachers had to explain literally “on the fingers” just a few years ago.

A large selection of "children's", educational and safe models of 3D printers, presented in the assortment of our 3DMall online store, prompted us to prepare for you a brief excursion into the field of education using 3D equipment, especially since in recent years educational programs for the so-called "engineering" classes. By the way, we will not only talk about the advantages of learning 3D prototyping, but also recommend the best models of 3D equipment for equipping schools - you can buy 3D printers from us inexpensively with delivery anywhere in Russia, and in our own demo room in Moscow in practice, make sure of their functionality and usefulness in training.

3D technologies in education

FDM modeling is the simplest and most accessible technology today, which is already being actively implemented in school programs around the world. Its advantages include low cost and simplicity, and the use of devices for 3D printing automatically leads to faster and more efficient assimilation of knowledge in areas such as mathematics, natural science, programming, and even prototyping.

3D printing is officially recognized as a powerful educational tool due to the fact that the teacher can create visual aids right in the classroom, and children can easily embody and develop their design and construction skills.

While equipping schools with 3D printers is currently mostly only at the planning stage, many technical universities are already successfully practicing training courses for children who are interested in IT, 3D technologies, engineering, robotics and design. Thus, the Astrakhan Civil Engineering Institute opened the Regional School Technopark, the School of the Gifted operates on the basis of the Tyumen State University, hackerspaces and so-called creative spaces operate in almost every large city in Russia, where experienced specialists in the field of 3D modeling and prototyping actively train the younger generations of engineers and designers.

What it gives the child:

new opportunities for creative and professional development;
a significant advantage when entering technical universities;
the opportunity to participate in the Olympiad in the field of 3D technologies and a good start for higher education abroad;
high quality engineering education.

Areas of application of 3D printers in schools

In fact, the presence of a 3D printer in any profile school office is a significant plus for the educational process. Naturally, we are not yet considering linguistic and literary classrooms, however, even a history or geography lesson can become much more interesting if children can try to recreate some process or reconstruct some event with their own hands.

Recall that the state is actively involved in the process of popularization of 3D equipment in educational processes. For example, by the end of 2017, it is planned to complete the development of the Technology curriculum, which will soon create an engineering direction for training future specialists not only in specialized classes, but also starting from secondary school.

The first classrooms in which it is planned to introduce 3D equipment:

labor education - here children will be able to get their first experience in 3D prototyping, modeling and manufacturing fasteners for various equipment, creating and implementing their own projects;
computer science - along with the basics of programming, it is planned to introduce into the program the practice of creating models and processing them with various slicers;
chemistry class - this science is rightfully considered one of the most difficult in the field of natural science, as it requires a good development of spatial thinking, and 3D printers easily visualize the processes of creating molecules and their interaction with each other;
physical class - with the help of 3D modeling, it is possible to visualize processes that are difficult to perceive and increase the interest of students in this rather complex subject;
classes of fine arts, drawing and geometry - of course, here it is more justified to use 3D pens, which contribute to the rapid development of spatial perception in all planes, moreover, 3D pens, unlike 3D printers, it is quite possible to supply the whole class.

The best models for training and education

The main requirements for school 3D printers are ease of use, safety and reliability (durability and loyalty to repairs - children, after all, are not as accurate users as adults). We have selected for you 5 models of 3D equipment in an affordable price segment with excellent characteristics that any modern school can afford.

Russian-made CYBERMICRO 3D printer is one of the most affordable 3D printers. The device is lightweight and compact in size, it works quietly, it is equipped with an intuitive RepetierHost software, which is rightfully considered one of the simplest with sufficiently verified functionality. What is important, the inexpensive and absolutely safe bioplastic PLA is used as a filament, which you can also buy with delivery from us at 3DMall.

The American compact model 3D Systems Cube 3 is the best budget offer in the segment of 3D printers with two extruders. The main advantage is the convenient replacement of fimlament placed in sealed cartridges and automatic adjustment of its supply. The software also includes a brush function, which opens up even more creative possibilities. Naturally, the device prints with safe and environmentally friendly bioplastics.

A fully enclosed new Chinese-made Wanhao Duplicator 7 is an inexpensive modern device in a stylish design, ideal for mastering 3D modeling and prototyping in high school. This is a DLP printer designed for the production of functional models from liquid photopolymer, providing the highest precision in printing. An excellent device to be used in equipping engineering classrooms.

The XYZprinting Da Vinci Junior 3D printer does not boast a large build chamber, but in this model it is completely closed, which makes it absolutely safe for children. For the convenience of young users, automatic calibration and easy replacement of filament cartridges are provided without direct contact with plastic. Another plus is the bright original design of the device itself.

Hercules from the Russian manufacturer Imprinta is another practical and inexpensive 3D printer that has been successfully used in the field of education. The case of this model is very durable - high-quality plastic is not only aesthetic, but also reliable. This model prints a large number of consumables - in addition to the classic PLA, you can also use ABS, PVA, FLEX, HIPS, Nylon, T-Glass and Laywood.

[CASE] 3D printing in light industry using FullPower as an example / Sudo Null IT News0001

This is another story about the use of 3D printing technology by our customers.
The company Full Power is engaged in the development and production of plastic products of its own production, the main direction is the production of accessories used in backpacks and clothing for hunting and tourism.

Belt clip for scabbard or holster.

Buckles and snaps for backpack.

Jacket accessories.

They also make custom-made products that are not related to the main profile.

What kind of printer

Formlabs Form 2

Technology: SLA
Working chamber: 145 x 145 x 175 mm
Layer thickness, from: 25 µm
Dimensions, mm: 350 x 330 x 520
Weight, kg: 13
Specialization: Design; Architecture; Package; Advertising; Prototyping; Medicine; souvenir industry; Jewelry business; Education; Dentistry; Production
Materials supported: photopolymer
Interfaces: Wifi, Ethernet, USB
Price: 336 500 rubles.

The most famous and one of the best stereolithographic 3D printers.
To date, it is the standard of desktop stereolithography, with which all analogues are compared.

How to use

Used for prototyping 3D models created in Fusion 360 before they are directly released into plastic on an injection molding machine.

A significant advantage of using 3D printing technologies in the production of fittings is the ability to quickly obtain a finished product according to the developed model.

Roughly speaking, in the morning or in the afternoon I drew in the program, sent it to print in the evening, and the next day there is already a ready-made sample for further work, on which all the shortcomings of the developed model are visible, it is possible to correct them immediately.

3D printing allows you to check the functioning of the created models and their compliance with the intended characteristics, dimensions and appearance.

How they chose

The printer was chosen on the basis of reliability - a well-known, proven device.

How it used to be

Before 3D printing, prototypes were made by hand and then sent to the factory for mold making and replication.

Later, when the first 3D printers appeared in the public domain, prototypes began to be printed using FDM technology. Stereolithography is the next step.

Pros

High Precision
Convenient friendly interface
Automatic resin addition and mixing system for native resins
General reliability

Cons

The disadvantages include expensive consumables. Cartridges run out quickly with constant use. It is also worth remembering that the bath is also a consumable item, it will need to be replaced after some time of intensive work.