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The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2022

While we'd hesitate to call 3D printing a mature technology, you might say it has reached its teenage years. Through their first decade-and-change, 3D printers have come down in price, grown easier to set up and operate, and become more reliable. And you may pay less than you expect: Many once-high-end features have migrated down to inexpensive models.

PC Labs has been reviewing 3D printers since 2013. Today, the state of 3D printing is strong, but that wasn’t always the case. For the first several years, it was often an adventure getting one of these printers up and running, let alone successfully through our testing regimen. Issues with filament-based—aka fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM)—printers were abundant.

Filament feeders had to be coaxed into delivering filament from the spool to the extruder. Print beds had to be manually aligned. The extruder or hot end had to be positioned just right to minimize the gap between the nozzle and the build plate (the flat surface on which the object is printed). Objects frequently stuck to the build plate, and required careful, sometimes unsuccessful, efforts to pry them off. These and other issues required painstaking effort to resolve, often combined with calls to tech support.

Not so much anymore. While they can still be rebellious at times, 3D printers have grown up a lot, and achieving the 3D printer basics has gotten a lot less likely to end in a shouting match over small things. And they've gotten a lot more affordable, too, for curious DIY-ers and hobbyists to try.

If you're in the market for a beginner or low-cost 3D printer, it's important to know how lower-end models differ. Read on for mini-reviews of the top budget 3D printers we've tested. After that, we go into more detail on understanding the 3D printer specs and tech relevant to beginning buyers. Ready to take the plunge? Read on.

How to Buy a Cheap 3D Printer

The biggest changes to 3D printers over the last few years have come to the cheaper models. Nowadays, many of those classic, ornery 3D-printing issues have been resolved (most of the time, anyway), even for consumer and bargain-priced 3D printers. Automatic print-bed leveling is the norm, and you can usually remove 3D-printed objects from heated and/or flexible build plates with a minimum of coaxing. And most 3D printer manufacturers have either developed and refined their own software, or have adapted an open-source printing platform such as Cura.

What separates more expensive 3D printers from cheap ones ("cheap" defined as $500 or less, for the purposes of this article) is often a select group of features. These include the build volume, the type of frame, the varieties of supported filament, the software, and the connectivity mix. Let's run through those in turn.

What's the Right Build Volume for a 3D Printer?

A 3D printer’s build volume is the maximum dimensions (HWD) of a part that it can print. (We say “a part” because a 3D-printed object can consist of multiple parts that are printed, then glued or otherwise pieced together. ) While the smallest build volume of any 3D printer we have tested is 3.9 by 3.9 by 4.9 inches, we consider any build volume smaller than 6 by 6 by 6 inches to be small, any between that and 10 by 10 by 10 inches as medium, and any printer with at least one build dimension of more than 10 inches as having a large build volume.

As a general rule, inexpensive 3D printers have small build volumes, while more expensive ones have larger build volumes. This depends in part on the type of printer. Closed-frame 3D printers—and most semi-open models, which have a rigid top, base, and sides but are open in front and, often, back—tend to have small build volumes, while open-frame printers, lacking as rigid a physical structure, often have relatively large build volumes for the price. You'll want to weigh the build volume against the kinds of objects you will print.

Should I Get an Open-Frame or Closed-Frame 3D Printer?

Which brings us to the frame "form factor" question: open-frame versus closed-frame. Closed-frame 3D printers are boxlike devices, with a rigid base, walls (with a see-through door in front), and top. Among their advantages? They muffle the operating noise, as well as reduce the odor from melted filament (which is potentially an issue with ABS plastic), and they provide some protection for people or pets who might inadvertently touch the hot extruder. A downside: They tend to have smaller build volumes than open-frame 3D printers, which have fewer (often, no) walls to constrict them.

Low-cost 3D printers include both open-frame and closed-frame models, as well as a few stereolithography printers. If a relatively large build volume is a priority, you’re likely to get more bang for the buck with an open-frame model. Open-frames do have some clear downsides by definition: They tend to be noisy, emit odors when certain plastics are melted, and provide little protection for someone who might touch the hot extruder.

Also, recognize some potential negatives of open frames, depending on the model. Some require assembly, being essentially kits, and most require more setup care than a closed-frame printer, plus more maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Still, these very traits should not deter—and may even appeal to—hobbyists and DIY folks.

What Should I Look for in 3D Printer Software and Connectivity?

Gone are the days when tinkerers had to cobble together several different programs to get a 3D printer to run. Manufacturers either include their own 3D printing program or modify an existing platform such as the open-source Cura.

3D printing software performs three main functions: processing an object file (resizing, moving, rotating, and in some cases duplicating it), slicing it (into virtual layers, based on your chosen resolution), and printing it. These are almost universally combined into a seamless process. Some high-end printers have software that supports a wider range of settings you can tweak, but even the basic suites work at least reasonably well.

More likely to vary among the cheaper set is the array of connection options from model to model. Nearly all have a USB Type-A port to fit a thumb drive for printing from document files. Most also have a USB Type-B port for connecting directly to a computer, and some offer Wi-Fi, too (or as an alternative), while a handful let you connect via Ethernet to share the printer across a local network.

Some printers support storing 3D files on an SD or microSD card (which may also contain the printer’s system files). Most 3D printer manufacturers (even the discount ones) have a mobile app to launch and monitor print jobs, and a few provide access to cloud services from which you can print.

While high-end 3D printers tend to have an abundance of connection choices, discount models vary widely in their choices. Some are generous and some are basic, so it pays to assess what a given model offers.

What Should I Look for in Filament Support?

Filament support tends to be a key area that separates the cheaper models from the higher-end ones. (See our guide to understanding 3D printing filaments for more particulars.) Inexpensive 3D printers tend to support a limited number of plastic filament types, some of them only PLA and/or ABS.

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable, plant-based polymer, while ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the same tough plastic that Legos are made from. Objects printed from ABS are durable and nontoxic, though the material can be tricky to work with. ABS can emit an acrid, unpleasant odor during printing, and the bottom corners of objects being printed with it have a tendency to curl upward a bit, especially if you are using a non-heated print bed. This can lead to unsightly prints, and/or prints prematurely pulling off the build plate, ruining them.

Many entry-level and low-price 3D printers stick exclusively to PLA. If you want to experiment with a larger variety of filaments—which include water-soluble filament, wood- and metal-laced composites, and both tough and flexible varieties—you may have to pay more, although a few discount models support a wide range of materials.

Should I Consider a 3D Printing Pen Instead?

Although they aren’t printers per se, inexpensive 3D pens are close kin to 3D printers—using the same filament types and a similar extrusion system—and we include them in the 3D printing category. Rather than tracing out a programmed pattern, you use the 3D pen much like a normal pen, except that you draw with molten plastic. You can trace a pattern or draw freehand, and even draw in three dimensions as the plastic quickly solidifies and hardens once extruded.

Most 3D pens cost less than $100, and some cost $50 or less. At a glance, 3D pens may appear to be toys, but some artists and craftspeople have taken to them, as it is possible to make quite complicated and beautiful objects with them. If your aim in 3D printing is something closer to freehand design and free expression than computer-centric, structured, and repeatable output, you might give one a try.

So, What Is the Best Cheap 3D Printer to Buy?

Buying a budget 3D printer needn’t mean a world of sacrifice. Plenty of capable and reliable models sell at less than $500, and while they may not be as feature-rich as their more expensive cousins, there's no sense in paying for things you don’t need.

Many casual 3D-printing experimenters will be fine with printing over a USB cable or from a thumb drive, and sticking to PLA may be the best choice for a starter 3D printer. If you focus just on the features you want, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Below, check out a spec breakdown of the best under-$500 3D printers we have reviewed, paralleling our picks above. Also, for a look at the broader market, see our guide to our favorite 3D printers overall.

Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer Review - Review 2018

Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer Review - Review 2018 - PCMag UK

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The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 is featured-packed, prints accurately, and comes loaded with powerful software, making it one of the best 3D printers we've tested.

4.5 Excellent

  • Pros
    • Very good print quality.
    • Easy to use.
    • User-friendly yet powerful software.
    • Prints via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and from a USB thumb drive.
    • Safe design.
    • Relatively quiet.
  • Cons
    • Limited filament colors compared with competitors.Touch screen is not particularly responsive.

In evaluating a 3D printer, we look at a number of factors, among them ease of setup and use, print quality and consistency, build volume, software, filament, connectivity, and price. Although no printer excels at all of them, the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer ($1,799) comes as close as we've seen. It's made primarily for product developers, engineers, and other professionals, and should also be useful in higher education. Although it's priced considerably higher than consumer 3D printers, its ease of setup and use, and its ability to output quality prints with consistency, mean that it could also be a good fit for a tech-savvy hobbyist with some cash to invest. It easily earns our Editors' Choice as a midrange 3D printer.

From Tool Manufacturing to 3D Printing

Most 3D printer manufacturers are startups, founded by enthusiasts, and are solely or primarily focused on 3D printing. Dremel, the venerable (86-year-old) Illinois-based toolmaker, is a notable exception. The company primarily makes rotary power tools such as screwdrivers, drills, and sanders. Dremel has a stellar reputation as a tool manufacturer, with its products earning numerous editorial awards from Popular Mechanics and specialized tool and building publications and sites.

Although 3D printers such as the 3D45 ($1,895.81 at Amazon) are far outside Dremel's traditional product line, power tools and 3D printers have one very basic thing in common: They're both used to make things. And Dremel clearly put the same care in designing and crafting the 3D45 as it does in making its tools.

The 3D45 is a fairly large printer, measuring 15.9 by 20.2 by 16 inches (HWD)—making it best suited for a table or a workbench—and it weighs a hefty 47 pounds. It's a closed-frame printer, with a clear plastic door in front that opens outward, and a clear lid on top that swings upward to open. This permits easy access to the print bed when needed, and safety when a print job is in progress.

At 6.7 by 10 by 6 inches, the 3D45's build volume is similar to the Makerbot Replicator+ (5.9 by 9.9 by 7.8 inches) and wider than the LulzBot Mini ( at Amazon) (6 by 6 by 6.2 inches), another Editors' Choice. The printer has a 5-inch touch screen for use in loading filament, printing from a USB thumb drive—the slot for which is just to the right of the display—and other tasks. The touch screen could be more responsive; sometimes I had to press it two or three times before it would accept my command. On the right side of the printer are the on-off switch, a USB port for connecting to a computer via a cable, and an Ethernet port.

Filament and Setup

Until recently, Dremel had a very limited color range for its filament, but with the launch of the 3D45, the company introduced 11 color choices for its polylactic acid (PLA) filament (white, black, red, blue, pink, orange, gold, silver, green, purple, and translucent white). It's still far fewer than MakerBot, which has twice as many PLA color choices plus 10 colors of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) filament. In addition to PLA, Dremel sells Eco-ABS, which is a modified PLA filament with added strength, flexibility, and durability (according to Dremel), and nylon filaments. The PLA lists for $29.95 for a 0.5-kilogram (about 1.1-pound) spool, though it can be found online for less than $25. Eco-ABS and nylon filaments both list at $34. 95 per 0.5-kilogram spool.

These prices are in line with filament spools sold by major manufacturers for their own printers—MakerBot sells PLA for $48 per 0.9-kilogram spool, for instance. You can also use third-party filaments with the 3D45, with a couple caveats. First, the printer won't be able to automatically identify the filament type, as it can with Dremel's "smart" RFID-equipped spools, so you will have to enter the temperature settings—different types of plastic have different melting points and optimal temperatures—manually with the touch screen. Second, unless the spool you want to use happens to fit the 3D45's built-in spool chamber, you will have to feed the filament from outside the printer and improvise a spool holder that will both support the spool and let it spin freely. You could even 3D print one.

Loading filament is easy enough. When replacing a spool, you will want to first snip the filament close to the extruder and remove the old spool. Once you have seated the new spool in its holder and snaked the loose end of the filament through the guide tube, press the Change Filament button on the touch panel. The extruder will heat up, melting and extruding any filament left from the old spool. Then, insert the loose end of the new filament in the top of the extruder. When all the old filament has been extruded and the new filament color starts to extrude, press Done.

Keeping Connected

The 3D45 offers enough connection choices to keep most any user happy. You can print from a computer over a USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connection, as well as from a USB thumb drive. Although Dremel doesn't have a printing app per se, every Dremel printer can connect via the web to the Dremel Print Cloud, from which you can slice files (prepare the layers for printing), launch print jobs, and monitor prints in progress from the 3D45's onboard 720p camera.

Useful Software

Included with the printer is the DigiLab 3D Slicer software, which uses the open-source Cura platform that we have seen in many other 3D printers. It is easy for beginners to use, and powerful and versatile enough for advanced users. With the software installed, you can open, manipulate, and slice a file; launch a print job; or save a file in printable format—the 3D45 can print either G-code or Dremel's own .3gdrem format. Resolution ranges from 300 microns to 50 microns; the low-resolution setting is 300 microns, standard resolution is 200 microns, high resolution is 100 microns, and Ultra resolution is 50 microns. In addition to the DigiLab 3D Slicer, you can send files to Dremel's cloud-based slicer in the Dremel Print Cloud.

Stellar Print Quality and Performance

I printed about 10 test objects with the 3D45, three in high resolution and the rest in standard. Print quality was good to excellent throughout, with no significant difference between standard and high resolution. Even better, there were no misprints, and none of the printed objects showed any serious flaws. It did very well in printing our geometric test object, which includes raised text and various shapes on a steeply inclined surface.

Safety and Noise

As a closed-frame 3D printer, the 3D45 is inherently safer than an exposed open-frame printer. The front door and lid are generally closed during printing, so you don't have to worry about an onlooker getting burned by accidentally touching the hot extruder. And even if you do get your hands inside the frameduring printing, the metal extruder nozzle, which gets very hot during printing, extends only a short distance below the extruder assembly and would be hard to reach. With the door and lid closed, the 3D45 is very quiet; when it was printing, I often couldn't hear it at all from about 30 feet away.

A Great 3D Printer for Makers

The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer is a great choice for engineers, product designers, or educators. It's very easy to set up and use, and printed with above-average quality with no misprints in our testing. The 3D45 is more expensive than the LulzBot Mini, the Editors' Choice in its sub-$2,000 price class, but it has a larger build area, better print quality, and a closed frame, and it succeeds the Mini as our current Editors' Choice. While it doesn't have the MakerBot Replicator+'s ($2,325.99 at Dell) wide range of filament choices and some convenience features like the Smart Extruder, it costs $700 less and adds a closed frame. Dremel made its name in designing high-quality power tools, and now it does an excellent job in crafting 3D printers as well.

Best 3D Printer Picks

  • The Best 3D Printers for 2020
  • 3D Printer Filaments Explained
  • More 3D Printer Reviews
  • More from Dremel

Further Reading

  • New 3D Printing Method Takes Seconds
  • Ford Creates 3D-Printed Locking Wheel Nuts Using Driver's Voice
  • 3D Printing Helps Recreate Voice of 3,000-Year-Old Mummy
  • These Huge 3D Printers Want to Save the Earth (and Maybe Mars)
  • With 3Doodler App and Pen, Your Phone and Tablet Are the Canvas

\n\n

The 3D45 is a fairly large printer, measuring 15.9 by 20.2 by 16 inches (HWD)\u2014making it best suited for a table or a workbench\u2014and it weighs a hefty 47 pounds. It's a closed-frame printer, with a clear plastic door in front that opens outward, and a clear lid on top that swings upward to open. This permits easy access to the print bed when needed, and safety when a print job is in progress.

\n

\n

At 6.7 by 10 by 6 inches, the 3D45's build volume is similar to the Makerbot Replicator+ (5.9 by 9.9 by 7.8 inches) and wider than the LulzBot Mini ( at Amazon) (6 by 6 by 6.2 inches), another Editors' Choice. The printer has a 5-inch touch screen for use in loading filament, printing from a USB thumb drive\u2014the slot for which is just to the right of the display\u2014and other tasks. The touch screen could be more responsive; sometimes I had to press it two or three times before it would accept my command. On the right side of the printer are the on-off switch, a USB port for connecting to a computer via a cable, and an Ethernet port.

\n

Filament and Setup

\n

Until recently, Dremel had a very limited color range for its filament, but with the launch of the 3D45, the company introduced 11 color choices for its polylactic acid (PLA) filament (white, black, red, blue, pink, orange, gold, silver, green, purple, and translucent white). It's still far fewer than MakerBot, which has twice as many PLA color choices plus 10 colors of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) filament. In addition to PLA, Dremel sells Eco-ABS, which is a modified PLA filament with added strength, flexibility, and durability (according to Dremel), and nylon filaments. The PLA lists for $29.95 for a 0.5-kilogram (about 1.1-pound) spool, though it can be found online for less than $25. Eco-ABS and nylon filaments both list at $34.95 per 0.5-kilogram spool.

\n

These prices are in line with filament spools sold by major manufacturers for their own printers\u2014MakerBot sells PLA for $48 per 0.9-kilogram spool, for instance. You can also use third-party filaments with the 3D45, with a couple caveats. First, the printer won't be able to automatically identify the filament type, as it can with Dremel's \"smart\" RFID-equipped spools, so you will have to enter the temperature settings\u2014different types of plastic have different melting points and optimal temperatures\u2014manually with the touch screen. Second, unless the spool you want to use happens to fit the 3D45's built-in spool chamber, you will have to feed the filament from outside the printer and improvise a spool holder that will both support the spool and let it spin freely. You could even 3D print one.

\n

\n

Loading filament is easy enough. When replacing a spool, you will want to first snip the filament close to the extruder and remove the old spool. Once you have seated the new spool in its holder and snaked the loose end of the filament through the guide tube, press the Change Filament button on the touch panel. The extruder will heat up, melting and extruding any filament left from the old spool. Then, insert the loose end of the new filament in the top of the extruder. When all the old filament has been extruded and the new filament color starts to extrude, press Done.

\n

Keeping Connected

\n

The 3D45 offers enough connection choices to keep most any user happy. You can print from a computer over a USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connection, as well as from a USB thumb drive. Although Dremel doesn't have a printing app per se, every Dremel printer can connect via the web to the Dremel Print Cloud, from which you can slice files (prepare the layers for printing), launch print jobs, and monitor prints in progress from the 3D45's onboard 720p camera.

\n

\n

Useful Software

\n

Included with the printer is the DigiLab 3D Slicer software, which uses the open-source Cura platform that we have seen in many other 3D printers. It is easy for beginners to use, and powerful and versatile enough for advanced users. With the software installed, you can open, manipulate, and slice a file; launch a print job; or save a file in printable format\u2014the 3D45 can print either G-code or Dremel's own .3gdrem format. Resolution ranges from 300 microns to 50 microns; the low-resolution setting is 300 microns, standard resolution is 200 microns, high resolution is 100 microns, and Ultra resolution is 50 microns. In addition to the DigiLab 3D Slicer, you can send files to Dremel's cloud-based slicer in the Dremel Print Cloud.

\n

Stellar Print Quality and Performance

\n

I printed about 10 test objects with the 3D45, three in high resolution and the rest in standard. Print quality was good to excellent throughout, with no significant difference between standard and high resolution. Even better, there were no misprints, and none of the printed objects showed any serious flaws. It did very well in printing our geometric test object, which includes raised text and various shapes on a steeply inclined surface.

\n

\n

Safety and Noise

\n

As a closed-frame 3D printer, the 3D45 is inherently safer than an exposed open-frame printer. The front door and lid are generally closed during printing, so you don't have to worry about an onlooker getting burned by accidentally touching the hot extruder. And even if you do get your hands inside the frameduring printing, the metal extruder nozzle, which gets very hot during printing, extends only a short distance below the extruder assembly and would be hard to reach. With the door and lid closed, the 3D45 is very quiet; when it was printing, I often couldn't hear it at all from about 30 feet away.

\n

A Great 3D Printer for Makers

\n

The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 3D Printer is a great choice for engineers, product designers, or educators. It's very easy to set up and use, and printed with above-average quality with no misprints in our testing. The 3D45 is more expensive than the LulzBot Mini, the Editors' Choice in its sub-$2,000 price class, but it has a larger build area, better print quality, and a closed frame, and it succeeds the Mini as our current Editors' Choice. While it doesn't have the MakerBot Replicator+'s ($2,325.99 at Dell) wide range of filament choices and some convenience features like the Smart Extruder, it costs $700 less and adds a closed frame. Dremel made its name in designing high-quality power tools, and now it does an excellent job in crafting 3D printers as well.

\n\n

Best 3D Printer Picks

\n
    \n
  • The Best 3D Printers for 2020
    • \n
  • 3D Printer Filaments Explained
    • \n
  • \nMore 3D Printer Reviews\n
    • \n
  • \nMore from Dremel\n
    • \n
\n

Further Reading

\n
    \n
  • New 3D Printing Method Takes Seconds
    • \n
  • Ford Creates 3D-Printed Locking Wheel Nuts Using Driver's Voice
    • \n
  • 3D Printing Helps Recreate Voice of 3,000-Year-Old Mummy
    • \n
  • These Huge 3D Printers Want to Save the Earth (and Maybe Mars)
    • \n
  • With 3Doodler App and Pen, Your Phone and Tablet Are the Canvas
    • \n
"}}

Zinter Pro 3D Printer Raises Funds to Settle All Schools in the UK

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To help UK students enter the world of design, manufacturing and technology by providing access to the latest tools and software, UK startup, Ion Core, maker of the Zinter PRO 3D printer, has launched a STEM project that will give teachers, schools, colleges and universities in the UK the opportunity to raise funds through the local community to purchase a Zinter PRO 3D printer, along with a free full Zinter PRO 3D printer training package and additional resources needed to integrate the 3D printer into the classroom learning environment.

Core Ion Zinter PRO 3D Printer

All registered UK educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) can register to access the Core Ion fundraiser. The Core Ion team will work closely with each school and college to create their own fundraising page so they can start accepting donations.

Each school will receive £100 from core partner Core Ion, the UK-based 3D Advertiser magazine dedicated to the additive manufacturing industry.

When the donation to an educational institution reaches the set amount, Ion Core will supply a new Zinter PRO 3D printer, as well as a free Zinter education package, to the educational institution that raised the necessary funds.

An example of a school fundraising page on a Zinter PRO 3D printer from Core Ion

Each school that successfully raises enough funds will also be automatically entered into the Ion Core fundraising competition.

At the end of the project, three schools will be randomly selected to be visited by Ion Core executives as well as E4 Made in Chelsea star Richard Dinan. Richard will teach students about 3D printing, and teachers will be able to talk to the directors of Ion Core.

Other features of the stylish Zinter PRO 3D printer include a closed housing, a heated print platform and two extruders. The printer is priced at £2350 (£2.850 incl. VAT), while the Zinter PRO has a working volume of 200mm x 200mm x 200mm and can print ABS, PLA, Nylon, PVA, PC materials.

Article prepared for 3DToday.ru

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Top 3D printers for schools and universities

Contents

    • Why does the school need a 3D printer?
    • Features of choosing a 3D printer
    • Top 10 3D printers for schools and universities
      • 10th place - Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini
      • 9th place - Creality3D Ender 3 MAX
      • 8th place - FlashForge Finder 908083 Photon Mono
      • 6th place - Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus
      • 5th place - Flashforge Dreamer
      • 4th place - Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

        • Why does the school need a 3D printer?

        Although the school is a place for receiving primary and secondary education, in it a person decides which way of life to go on. At the moment, the division of the parallel classes depending on the area of ​​interest of schoolchildren is successfully applied. They include an in-depth study of certain subjects, but in addition to this, you can teach children the basics of an engineer's work: mechanics, drawing and working on machine tools. But as discussed above, 3D printing is penetrating many areas. Therefore, the ability to work with a 3D printer can be a great help when choosing a further development path. In addition, there are many competitions in which students compete in 3D modeling and 3D printing skills. For victories in some of these competitions, the school is given kits that allow them to equip a full-fledged 3D printing laboratory. For example, the annual “All-Russian Olympiad in 3D Technologies” allows not only to gain experience in developing a real project in a short time, but also to win a trip to children's camps. There is also a competition of engineering projects “3DBUM”, in which schoolchildren go through all stages of development: from sketches to the finished product. In addition, there are many different 3D printers and 3D scanners that can be won in 3DBOOM.

        But the result of participation in these competitions depends not only on the skills of the students, but also on the 3D printer. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the most suitable printer for the tasks of the competition.

        Features of choosing a 3D printer

        Unfortunately, there are no 3D printers that combine all the positive qualities. But you can choose the most suitable option, which will either cover the necessary tasks, or combine the necessary qualities. When choosing a printer, you should pay attention to the speed and quality of printing. Ease of use is also important, because the success of training depends on it. And of course, security, the availability of protection mechanisms and their advancement. When choosing a printer, it is also worth considering what material it will print. The most popular choice would be an FDM 3D printer using filament (plastic wire). The only danger would be a heated nozzle. On the other hand, there is SLA technology: Resin curing in ultraviolet rays. In this case, the danger is the resin itself, its fumes and ultraviolet rays. Next, we will look at which printers are suitable for certain tasks, as well as their pros and cons.

        Top 10 3D printers for schools and universities

        10th place - Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini

        Proven to be a great printer for beginner printers, the Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini is perfect for schools and clubs. There are no dangerous elements in it, and even a junior high school student can set it up. Due to the simple design and low cost, this model can equip a whole circle, where each student will work with a separate printer. It is also worth noting the small size of the Duplicator I3 mini, which allows you to conveniently transport them to participate in competitions and olympiads. But for its small size and simplicity of design, you have to pay with low printing speed and relatively low quality, while, due to the lack of a heated table, the range of filaments available for printing is greatly reduced.

        9th place - Creality3D Ender 3 MAX

        The previous model of the Ender 3 printer line has already become a classic choice for a 3D printer for the home, and the Ender 3 MAX not only retains the main advantages of its predecessor, but also adds a lot of new things: an improved model cooling system, an all-metal extruder, updated firmware and more. Due to the preserved design, all the improvements created for the Ender 3 are also suitable for the Ender 3 MAX. However, this printer is shipped as an assembly kit, and the lack of an outer cover may cause problems when transporting the printer.


        8th place - FlashForge Finder

        Due to the plastic case, it may seem that this printer is not a serious device. But this will be a delusion, because it has high accuracy and printing speed, which will definitely help when participating in competitions with a limited time. Due to the closed design and lightweight body made of high-strength plastic, it can be easily transported without assembly and disassembly for the duration of the move. Unfortunately, the main disadvantage of this model follows from the above pluses: a small print area.


        7th place - Anycubic Photon Mono

        Unlike previous printers, Anycubic Photon Mono prints using SLA technology. This achieves excellent print accuracy while maintaining an average print speed. It is also worth noting the compactness, which allows you to put it even on the windowsill. But due to the resin used, Photon mono would not be the best choice for teaching young children: the resin emits dangerous fumes during curing, and after printing, the model must be cleaned of resin residue. Due to the limitations of the printable area and the difficulty in post-processing the model, this printer will be a great addition to any of the FDM printers in this top.


        6th place - Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus

        This 3D printer can be called a workhorse: reliable, strong and big. By the name, you can easily understand that this printer is an improved version of the Duplicator 6. The main differences include the addition of functionality in the firmware, for example, resuming printing after a power outage and auto-calibrating the table. Despite the formidable appearance, this printer is quite easy to learn, configure and repair. Thanks to the steel sheet body, stability during printing is achieved. But the main disadvantage follows from this: a lot of weight. Combined with the large external dimensions, transporting this printer may cause some difficulties. Duplicator 6 Plus is suitable as a primary printer for schools and a spare for Universities.


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        Manufacturer Creality

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        Manufacturer Anycubic

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        Manufacturer Wanhao

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        Manufacturer Wanhao

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        Manufacturer Flash Forge

        5th place - Flashforge Dreamer

        Starting with this 3D printer, we are entering the territory of professional equipment. As a result, more opportunities open up both in printing models and in choosing the materials from which the model will be made. For example, this printer has 2 nozzles at once, and this opens up the possibility of printing two-color models and the use of soluble supports, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of printing overhanging elements. Also worth noting is the closed print area, which protects the model from drafts during printing. Thanks to its closed case form factor, FlashForge Dreamer can be moved relatively easily. A distinctive feature is the ability to print via Wi-Fi: if there are several printers with support for printing via Wi-Fi, it will be possible to manage all printers at once through one computer in real time.

        4th place - Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

        Another representative of SLA 3D printers. Unlike the previously mentioned Anycubic Photon, this printer has even greater accuracy down to 35 microns. This is achieved with a 4K screen. At the same time, the printing speed can reach 80 mm / h. Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is already used in many industries: engineering, design, art and even dentistry! Therefore, this printer will be an excellent choice for Higher Education Institutions if there is a need for high quality printing.


        3rd place - PICASO 3D Designer Classic

        PICASO has long been at the forefront of professional 3D printing, and many of their older printers are still in use in the workshop. Thanks to the official possibility of improving the printer, you can choose the necessary components that will expand the functionality in the necessary direction. For example, there is an improved extruder that allows the nozzle to be heated up to 410°C, a requirement for printing with engineering plastics such as PC and PEEK. Designer Classic is suitable both for schools, due to its ease of use, and for Universities, due to its wide range of features and high quality.


        2nd place - PICASO 3D Designer X Pro

        The most advanced 3D printer from PICASO 3D combines the positive qualities of all their previous developments, while adding many new features: dual-filament printing, high precision, auto-calibration, printing with high-temperature plastics and much more. Almost any idea can be realized with Designer X Pro: if something cannot be printed on this printer, it cannot be printed on any other FDM printer. But for all the advantages you need to pay for large sizes and weight. Therefore, this printer is best used as a fully stationary.


        1st place - Raise3D E2

        It would seem that the previous 3D printer is the peak point of the development of FDM 3D printers. But Raise3D knows how to surprise! E2 has all the available functionality that is rarely found on printers separately, not to mention the combination of several functions: table auto-adjustment with height map display, a camera that can be monitored from the printer screen, and real-time video transfer to a computer , a dual carriage system that allows you to print two models at once and more. At the same time, it retains excellent printing accuracy and relatively high speed. Due to its compactness, it can even be put on a shelf in a closet, but additional space is still needed for full access to all structural elements. This printer can replace any printer from this top, in some cases even two printers due to the above two-carriage system.

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        Manufacturer Phrozen

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        Manufacturer PICASO 3D

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        Manufacturer Raise3D

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        Manufacturer PICASO 3D

        Accessories

        Despite the self-sufficiency of many 3D printers, solving some problems when working with them can take a lot of time. But at the same time, many of these actions are simple enough to be performed by a separate device. Next, we will talk about gadgets that make it easier to use a 3D printer, as well as scanners that open up a new range of possibilities for recreating the real world.

        Scanners

        Some tasks of recreating the real world or repairing parts are extremely difficult to perform using manual model creation: repairing curved parts, creating a human model, reproducing architectural elements, and other non-standard tasks. Similar problems when digitizing real things will help you solve a 3D scanner. Basically, scanners are divided into stationary, scanning small objects, and portable, allowing you to scan objects such as cars, people, and even buildings. Some models can be attributed to both groups at once, but the main purpose of the scanner will prevail. Therefore, it is very important to determine the range of tasks that need to be completed. RangeVision Spectrum can be used as a stationary scanner. This scanner allows you to scan objects from 1 cm to 3 m. Such a variety of sizes of the scanned object allows you to cover most tasks.


        RangeVision Spectrum on tripod

        If there is a need to scan more objects, then you can use the Calibry portable scanner. Thanks to its convenient design, it can easily scan large objects up to 10m, and the built-in screen allows you to see the preliminary result of the work in real time.


        Postprocessing

        Despite the compactness and simplicity of working with SLA printers, after the completion of the printing process, it is necessary to clean the model of resin and additional UV illumination in order for the model to gain maximum strength. This time-consuming task can be performed manually, but to reduce time costs it is reasonable to use special devices that do these repetitive actions automatically. A representative of this class of devices is the Anycubic Wash&Cure. With it, you can easily clean the model and light it up. The user only needs to place the model on the turntable and Wash&Cure does the rest.


        It is also worth considering that automation of the process reduces the risks associated with working with resin: contact with the skin and inhalation of fumes. Therefore, with frequent work with SLA printers, this gadget will not only reduce time spent, but also increase the level of security.

        Filament drying

        If there is a large amount of filament for FDM printers, the question of its storage sharply arises. Most people just put it on the shelves in their rooms without worrying about its properties. But some materials are highly hygroscopic - the ability to absorb moisture from the air. And if the wet filament does not break the printer, then at least it will give out a low-quality model as a result of printing. Therefore, it is very important to dry the filament before printing, especially if it has been stored outdoors. Some craftsmen do this in ovens, but for obvious reasons, this option is not suitable for educational institutions. To accomplish this task, there are devices for feeding and drying the filament. The best choice would be Polymaker PolyBox. The distinctive feature of this filament dryer is that it is possible to dry and feed 2 spools weighing up to 1 kg each or 1 spool weighing up to 3 kg at once. This will allow the use of only one device for printers with two extruders.


        Polymaker PolyBox with two plastic spools

        Summing up

        After viewing this top, you may not fully decide on the choice of a 3D printer. Therefore, further we will separate all printers depending on the conditions for their use. For schools and continuing education clubs, the Wanhao Duplicator I3 mini, FlashForge Finder and Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus are the best choices because of their ease of use, safety and reliability. For universities and colleges, PICASO 3D Designer X Pro, Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K and Raise3D E2 are suitable. They are distinguished by a huge functionality and breadth of 3D printing possibilities. Also, do not forget about additional devices: a scanner for digitizing objects from the real world, a drying and filament feed chamber for using demanding plastics, and post-processing cameras that make it easier for the final stage of working with a model printed on an SLA printer. As the world of 3D printing is evolving rapidly, you should not lose sight of the newer models of 3D printers, which you can read reviews on our blog.


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        Manufacturer Thor3D

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        Manufacturer Range Vision

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        Manufacturer Polymaker

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        Manufacturer Anycubic

        Expert in the field of additive and subtractive technologies, 3D equipment and CNC machines with over 10 years of experience.

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