Best 3d printer for small details

Best 3D Printers for Small Parts & Fine Details

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Martin

Martin has a M.Sc. in physics and has gained many years of experience in industry as a lab manager and quality assurance manager. He has now tested dozens of 3D printers and is happy to share the collected experience with each new article.

FDM or SLA/DLP?

These are two fundamentally different technologies that not only work with different materials but also build them up in different ways. The extremely different results in terms of detail and fineness of the components can be explained by these differences.

FDM works with filament

PLA, ABS, PETG or Nylon*? These and many other polymers can be processed with 3D printers using FDM technology. FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. This printing process is also sometimes referred to as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), which means roughly the same thing.

The 3D printer is fed with a roll of filament-formed plastic, which is melted in the device. The device outputs the melted material in layers, placing layer upon layer on top of each other to build the model. The finer and thinner the layers are dispensed, the smoother the surface will be later and the more details can be worked out.

0.075 mm Layer Height0.15 mm Layer Height0.55 mm Layer HeightA layer height smaller than 0.1 mm are no longer visible to the eye.

The plastics harden when they slowly cool down. To prevent this from happening too quickly, one sometimes works with a heated printing plate or even a heated, closed printing chamber. Nevertheless, it can happen that the filament pulls threads in empty spaces between two individual parts, edges are not printed cleanly or components even collapse. Supporting structures are also necessary for filigree components and must be considered in the design.

How easily these structures can be removed later depends on the shape of the component – but this also contributes to uneven surfaces. Because wherever a structure has been removed, this leaves traces.

Some plastics are better suited for fine details than others because the plastics liquefy better, cure more cleanly, become harder overall or can be printed in extremely fine layers. Nevertheless, you can always see the individual layers in the finished model. Some filaments allow subsequent smoothing with acetone or another chemical.

SLA/DLP creates detailed resin parts

SLA technology allows for highly accurate, isotopic, and waterproof models. Stereolithography is the longest-used 3D printing process to date. Here’s how it works: A liquid resin made of photopolymer contains a workpiece that is gradually lowered. A laser moves step by step over the starting material, which hardens the desired shape via exposure. For filigree structures and extremely smooth surfaces, this is the preferred process.

3D printers for home use that work with the SLA process are equipped with a resin tank. You fill the resin, i.e. liquid synthetic resin, from the supply bottle into the tank for each printing process. After printing is complete, you can filter the remaining material and return it to the supply bottle – it is not lost.

Resin printing processes are used for the manufacture of precision-fit hearing aids and dentures as well as for functional components, prototypes and extremely delicate models. Components with high precision are also preferably produced using this process.

FDM for beginners?

There are a few reasons that speak more in favor of a 3D printer with FDM technology for home use. SLA printers, as already mentioned, work with synthetic resin. The material is highly toxic and can enter the body through contact with the skin – this should be avoided at all costs.

Anyone working with synthetic resin must wear disposable chemical-resistant gloves, chemical safety goggles and respiratory protection. The vapors of the synthetic resin must not be inhaled. So the infernal noise generated by the resin printer during work seems almost unimportant. Only when completely cured (i.e. after post-treatment under the UV lamp) is the material no longer toxic.

The second point that speaks against resin printing is the effort. These printers have to be cleaned. The material remaining in the tank must be filtered and filled back into the bottle. Material residues and cleaning agents must be disposed of properly. All of this costs time and requires professional expertise.

And a third point speaks against resin printing: Equipment and materials are cost-intensive. Whereas with FDM printing you only have to pay for electricity and filament, with resin printing you also have to pay for protective goggles, respiratory protection, gloves and cleaning agents.

Those who have not been involved with 3D printing for so long will be able to familiarize themselves with the subject more easily with the help of a filament printer. This is because FDM devices are safer to use and much less complicated. Depending on the printer used and the filament selected, the level of detail achieved by an FDM printer is usually sufficient for home use.

How detailed do you want it to be? FDM printer for model making

What at first sounds like a nice gimmick is actually a very important application for 3D printing: Both for RC model making and for model trains, cosplay and similar applications, the individual parts are taken from the 3D printer. Since the requirements in model making are not always the same, it is worth taking a closer look at the subject.

Which applications require which accuracy? And above all, which 3D printers come close to meeting the requirements? You can almost watch the market for 3D printers grow at the moment, with new manufacturers appearing seemingly every day. Many of them come from China, and often the print quality is not convincing. However, some devices have been on the market for so long that they have been extensively tested for one application or another. We rely on this experience here.

In RC model making, it has to be reasonably accurate, but the details of the printed parts are not that fine. The FDM printing process is completely sufficient for RC model making. However, you should try out which filament has the important properties for you and meets your requirements, because the plastics differ greatly.

Beginners usually work with PLA because the filament is forgiving, inexpensive and made from environmentally friendly material. ABS is considered similarly beginner-friendly.

Finer details: SLA printer

For miniatures, dioramas, architectural models and other applications, it simply has to be finer than the FDM printer can manage. Then a resin printer is the right choice. If you don’t want to mess around with the resin yourself, you can use an online printing service.

This is not only available for FDM technology, but also for other printing processes. Especially for people who do not print so often themselves, who have children or pets, this is a sensible alternative to their own resin printer.

The Best 3D Printers for Small Parts

The best tips are of no use if you don’t know what the individual printers really do. From the experience reports of other 3D fans and experienced model builders, you can find out which printers are really good with details, which ones work rather roughly, and above all, how good or bad the operation is.

The majority of people get along very well with FDM printers because for normal use the less expensive and easier to use devices are perfectly sufficient. Those who occasionally want to print finer parts can either familiarize themselves with his/her device and the different plastics (especially the material makes a lot of difference), or use a professional printing service for the few parts. On the other hand, if you really want to print fine details and the smallest parts often or all the time, you are better off with a DLP or SLA technology printer.

The ratio is somewhat unbalanced, which is why more FDM printers are presented than resin printers. By the way, one does not exclude the other: The relevant forums and communities let slip that many people will eventually purchase a DLP printer as a secondary device for the fine parts. Target group: architects: Architectural models in scales from 1:50 to 1:1000 naturally place very high demands on a 3D printer’s attention to detail.

Everyone has to decide for themselves whether having their own device in the office is a good idea. After all, printing costs not only money, but also time and nerves. If you don’t want to invest your valuable working time in working with the printer, you should outsource the creation of models for your customers to a 3D printing service. The devices that come into question in terms of quality and scope (keyword: size of the print space) for architectural models usually cost four- to five-figure sums, are very large and uninteresting for the hobby sector. Therefore, they are not considered in this article.

Creality Ender-3

Creality’s Ender-3* is great for most hobby applications and concept models, and presentation tools. The printer works with filament and comes as a kit, so you get to assemble your device yourself first. The price-performance ratio is excellent.

Ender 3*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

3DJake*

The device is extremely affordable and popular. The setup is done quickly, the printer is equipped with a 24 V print bed that heats quickly. It works with a Bowden extruder, but it can also process flexible materials.

Material change and color change are possible. The project is open source and comes from China. This means that you can modify your 3D printer with the appropriate knowledge and thus achieve an even better print quality. The device works very accurately and, above all, quietly. The details in the print are fine enough for tabletop figures – but small grooves are still visible. What also speaks for the printer: The device is so popular that you can quickly find help in case you encounter a problem.

Anycubic I3 Mega

The I3 Mega from Anycubic* already costs a bit more than the Ender 3, works very well with various plastics and comes as a kit. It is well suited for printing illustrative samples, hobby and concept models, and presentation materials. This printer is also very popular and easy to use. The 3D printer is delivered partially assembled, so you don’t have to do much yourself.

Anycubic i3 Mega*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

Pleasant is the touchscreen menu navigation, which is intuitive to use. The surface of the build plate on this device carries a special coating from which the models are very easy to detach after building – with excellent adhesion during printing. The device operates quietly and quickly, works reliably, but cannot be used well for flexible materials with Bowden extruders.

In case of problems, the large community of Anycubic I3 Mega fans on the Internet is happy to help, and customer support is also available.

Sidewinder X1

The Sidewinder X1* is also very affordable and suitable for home use, samples, models and presentation tools. The kit is delivered partially assembled, numerous tutorials and instructions for the assembly circulate on the web. The print volume is pleasant: the device allows 300 x 300 x 400 millimeters. The print quality is good, the device is solid and surprisingly well-made.

Artillery Sidewinder X1 V4*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

3DJake*

The solid construction also allows high printing speeds. The Sidewinder X1 is equipped with a direct-drive extruder, so flexible materials can also be used well. Since the print bed can deform at higher temperatures, some users retrofit their own build plate made of cast aluminum with a silicon carbide surface.

The touchscreen allows easy operation, and the calibration of the print bed is simple. In addition, the device supports all currently available slicers. The printer is very fast, but this leads to vibrations on the device. This can mean qualitative sacrifices in the printed object, but it does not have to. This printer is also quiet and works extremely detailed and especially clean in the details. It is a good choice for model makers, cosplayers and architects.

3DWOX 1

Sindoh is the name of the manufacturer of the 3DWOX 1*, another FDM printer. The device is well suited for hobby and home applications, and can print hobby models with just as much attention to detail as objects for research and education. However, the device is not as inexpensive as the previously presented printers.

Sindoh – 3D1AQ – 3DWOX 1*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

The device comes from South Korea and is praised by 3D printing fans as well as professionals for its excellent print quality. Unlike the models presented here, the 3D printer has a closed printing chamber that filters exhaust air with a HEPA filter. A live webcam sits in the print chamber and helps monitor all operations with the associated app. There is even a function for nozzle cleaning while still printing. The material selection is unlimited, open filament can be used just like the conventional cartridges.

The touch display makes for easy operation, but Sindoh uses its own slicer. The device is relatively quiet in operation, excellently manufactured and, above all, stable. For detailed, fine print objects, this 3D printer is a good choice.

Anycubic Photon

With a price comparable to the Ender 3, the Anycubic Photon* is one of the most affordable models available. The resin printer is just as well suited for detailed small objects, for concept models and art objects as it is for presentation tools and hobby applications. The desktop device uses an LCD as a light source and is therefore so much cheaper than SLA printers. Nevertheless, the print results are comparable in terms of fineness and accuracy for details.

Anycubic Photon*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

3DJake*

The Photon from Anycubic is almost beginner-friendly in terms of operation, and most importantly, it comes as a ready-made device. So nothing more needs to be set up. The printer achieves resolutions of up to 0.047 millimeters in X and Y, and up to 0.025 millimeters in Z. This is much finer than any FDM printer would allow. However, the print speed is not that great, the device is very slow – normal for DLP printers.

The printing speed always depends on the layer thickness. If you print small parts in series, the printer is faster than an FDM printer, because a complete layer is always exposed at once. So you pack your model (if it fits in size) ten times next to each other, and the printer does all ten models on one layer at the same time. The printer is popular, and the user community is just as happy to help with problems as customer support.

Minus points: The build space for the Anycubic Photon is relatively small, working with resin places high demands on safety and hygiene, and the models have to be reworked. Nothing works here without gloves, safety goggles and respiratory protection. After building, the models must be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and cured under UV light.

Formlabs Form 2

Things get even more professional with the Form 2 from Formlabs*. The 3D printer is a good choice for illustrative samples, concept models, art objects, presentation aids and even templates and molds. However, it is not as cost-effective as the Photon – in fact, it costs several times as much.

Formlabs*

Check Price at:

Amazon*

The SLA printer produces the objects from the synthetic resin by means of a laser and delivers good and even very good results. The objects are extremely delicate, accurate and smooth. At the same time, the printer also has a stable design, works reliably and is easy to use. Not so pleasant is the small print volume, and the implications of resin printing along with the safety requirements are also unpleasant.

In addition, Formlabs’ Form 2 does not allow the use of third-party materials. The resin from other suppliers is certainly usable, but the print quality suffers extremely. The customer support is positively highlighted.

Create 3D Models: 3D Scanner, Software or Photogrammetry?

The 3D models for what is printed have to come from somewhere. Numerous models that other users have created are circulating on the Internet on the relevant platforms. If you don’t want to use this, you can build the model yourself digitally using a freely available program such as Tinkercad, Onshape or Fusion 360. Tinkercad is considered a solution for beginners and can be used intuitively; other CAD programs are more difficult to use.

But there is also the option of printing from “real” models. 3D scanners are available, simple devices are available in the three-digit dollar range. The sky’s the limit, and you’ll find scanners on the market for five-figure sums. Before printing, several steps are necessary. The original has to be scanned and then processed by software. This is not easy and does not always lead to the desired result. An alternative for non-reflective surfaces is photogrammetry.

It is important to know that the 3D printer can only produce clean details and very delicate, small parts if the template is correct – so a lot depends on the CAD software and the operator.

Conclusion: FDM Printers are Often Sufficient

Of course, there is no one best 3D printer for small parts and fine details. Depending on how delicate you want the print to be, how much money you want to invest and what previous knowledge you have, different devices will come into question for you.

Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC and other Affiliate Programs. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to enable websites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others. Links marked with * are affiliate links.

7 Best 3D Printers for High Detail/Resolution, Small Parts – 3D Printerly

There are plenty of different 3D printers to choose from when it comes to finally getting one for yourself, but how do you know which one to get?

I decided to write this article for people that are looking for a 3D printer especially for high detail/resolution, as well as for smaller parts. The main two types of 3D printing is resin (SLA) 3D printing and filament (FDM) 3D printing.

Generally speaking, you’ll get the best quality models by getting a resin 3D printer since they have a minimum layer height a lot better than filament printers.

There is still a reason why some people would want a filament 3D printer while trying to create smaller parts, so I’ve included a few of them in this list.

Without further delay, let’s get into this list of the 7 best 3D printers for high detail and resolution.

Resin 3D printing is gaining too much popularity in the industry but one thing was slowing it down, and that’s the resin printer’s small size. The Anycubic Photon Mono X is the latest resin 3D printer that comes with a relatively large printing area at a reasonable price.

It has become a staple in the resin 3D printing industry as one of the larger machines that not only provide fast curing, but also comes with a durable monochrome LCD which lasts for around 2,000 hours of printing, unlike RGB displays.

There were a few issues in the initial version of the Photon Mono X but after taking notes from customers’ feedback, they have improved the machine to the extent that it is now considered one of the best resin 3D printers in the market.

If you are a lover of FDM 3D printers and think that printing with liquid on new resin 3D printers is messy, all your assumptions will be proved wrong after using the Anycubic Photon Mono X. It has the ability to offer 3D printed models of high resolution with fine details.

Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono X

9″ 4K Monochrome LCD
New Upgraded LED Array
UV Cooling System
Dual Linear Z-Axis
Wi-Fi Functionality – App Remote Control
Large Build Size
High-Quality Power Supply
Sanded Aluminum Build Plate
Fast Printing Speed
8x Anti-Aliasing
5″ HD Full-Color Touch Screen
Sturdy Resin Vat

Specifications of the Anycubic Photon Mono X

Build Volume: 192 x 120 x 245mm
Layer Resolution: 0. 01-0.15mm
Operation: 3.5″ Touch Screen
Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Technology: LCD-Based SLA
Light Source: 405nm Wavelength
XY Resolution: 0.05mm, 3840 x 2400 (4K)
Z-Axis Resolution: 0.01mm
Maximum Printing Speed: 60mm/h
Rated Power: 120W
Printer Size: 270 x 290 x 475mm
Net Weight: 10.75kg

The Anycubic Photon Mono X is packed full of useful and practical features that current users are loving. One of the main features as previously mentioned is their large monochrome screen which reduces curing times to between 1.5-3 seconds per layer.

This is a massive improvement compared to the older resin 3D printers, known cure around 3 times faster. The build volume of 192 x 120 x 245 is the main selling point of this 3D printer, and it still maintains the high level of accuracy as smaller 3D printers.

The dual linear Z-axis provides you with plenty of stability during the printing process, along with a high quality power supply that can keep those longer 3D prints going strong.

The light array within the Mono X is upgraded for a more simple and uniform LED array which also translates to finer details, perfect for smaller parts.

In terms of bed adhesion, we have the lovely sanded aluminum build plate.

Many users have shown praise to the good level of bed adhesion. You’ll have to make sure the bed is nice and level, along with good bottom layers and exposure settings for the best results.

The control and operation of the Mono X is clean and smooth, since it has a colorful and large display that even shows you previews of your upcoming 3D prints.

Another lovely feature has to be the Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to monitor the current progress, adjust key settings, and even pause/resume the print as you desire.

User Experience of the Anycubic Photon Mono X

Many users that mention this is their first resin 3D printer go on to show appreciation of just how excellent the print quality and final finish is. They went from quick assembly to flawless 3D prints without issues.

One user loved how smoothly everything moves and operates, commenting on its solid stability and how the leveling remains in place for plenty of 3D prints. Since the leveling system has a 4-point arrangement, it means you barely have to re-level this machine.

Unlike some other manufacturers out there, the documentation and guide is very easy to follow from start to finish.

You’ll hear about how your 3D prints will have “unbelievable detail” and gives you the ability to print plenty of small objects that you couldn’t with an FDM 3D printer.

The size of the printer, its printing speed, precision, ease of operation, quality of the models, and high details are some of the major reasons that make the Anycubic Photon Mega X people’s favorite and highly recommended 3D printer.

One buyer said that he uses this 3D printer to print all sorts of small parts and models for various applications.

Instead of being able to 3D print 10 miniatures on a previous resin 3D printer, one person who bought the Anycubic Photon Mono X went on to be able to 3D print 40 miniatures in a single run.

Pros of the Anycubic Photon Mono X

You can get printing really quickly, all within 5 minutes since it’s mostly pre-assembled
It’s really easy to operate, with simple touchscreen settings to get through
The Wi-Fi monitoring app is great for checking on the progress and even changing settings if desired
Has a very large build volume for a resin 3D printer
Cures full layers at once, resulting in quicker printing
Professional looking and has a sleek design
Simple leveling system which stays sturdy
Amazing stability and precise movements that lead to almost invisible layer lines in 3D prints
Ergonomic vat design has a dented edge for easier pouring
Build plate adhesion works well
Produces amazing resin 3D prints consistently
Growing Facebook Community with plenty of helpful tips, advice, and troubleshooting

Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono X

Only recognizes . pwmx files so you may be limited in your slicer choice
The acrylic cover doesn’t sit in place too well and can move easily
The touchscreen is a little flimsy
Fairly pricey compared to other resin 3D printers
Anycubic doesn’t have the best customer service track record

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a 3D printer that has fabulous features and offers you a large printing area so that you can print various models at the same time, you can’t go wrong with this 3D printer.

You won’t have to compromise on the model’s quality, details, and high resolution.

Go get the Anycubic Photon Mono X 3D printer on Amazon today.

The Qidi Tech S-Box is a well-structured 3D printer that is specially designed and manufactured by a respected professional team that mainly focuses on creating machines that can create some top-quality 3D prints with maximum ease.

Qidi Technology has great experience in manufacturing 3D printers as have been in the market for more than 7 years. The X Series of Qidi Tech includes 3D printers that are listed among the best 3D printers in the market.

The S-Box (Amazon) is an advanced 3D printer that is manufactured after experiencing all the ups and downs of 3D printers in the 7 years of their experience.

The detailed printing effect, top stability, unique design, professional structure, and ease of use are some of the major plus points of this 3D printer.

Features of the Qidi Tech S-Box

Sturdy Design
Scientifically Designed Leveling Structure
3-Inch Touch Screen
Newly Developed Resin Vat
Dual Air Filtration 2K LCD – 2560 x 1440 Pixels
Third-Generation Matrix Parallel Light Source
ChiTu Firmware & Slicer
Free One-Year Warranty

Specifications of the Qidi Tech S-Box

Technology: MSLA
Build Volume: 215 x 130 x 200mm
Layer Height: 10 microns
XY Resolution: 0.047mm
Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0. 00125mm
Printing Speed: 20mm/h
Bed Leveling: Manual
Materials: 405 nm UV resin
Operating System: Windows/ Mac OSX
Connectivity: USB

The Qidi Tech S-Box is another large resin 3D printer that can deliver fine details, high resolution, and some top-notch smaller parts. One key aspect that you’ll love is their one-key leveling system.

It’s a unique leveling structure that allows you to simple “home” the 3D printer, tighten up the one main screw, and have a leveled machine ready to use.

Many users of this machine love the professional look, as well as the structure being made up off cast aluminum from one-time molding.

This leads to better stability and mechanical structure, especially helpful for when you are printing multiple smaller models.

Similar to the Photon Mono X, you have a double-line guide rail, and it has an industrial-grade ball screw in the middle. Another great aspect is the Z-axis accuracy which can easily reach 0. 00125mm!

For the main driving forces of the S-Box, you have the TMC2209 drive intelligent chip to keep things running smoothly.

To get the best quality and detail, this 3D printer is equipped with a 10.1″ high precision screen where the light is very uniform. If you have a batch of smaller 3D prints that you want to create, you’ll be able to do that nicely with this machine.

User Experience of the Qidi Tech S-Box

The Qidi Tech S-Box is a lesser known resin 3D printer, but definitely a competitor that people should look into. One of the consistent things that people mention is just how top-class Qidi’s customer support is.

They are known to be very fast and helpful in their responses, even though they are based overseas, but let’s talk more about the printer itself!

When it arrives, you can expect it to be packaged up professionally, ensuring that it arrives to you in one piece.

Some of the key pros that you can expect is a large build size, where you can fit 3x more 3D prints on the build plate compared to “standard” resin 3D printers.

Not only that, but the detail and resolution on the resulting 3D prints is fantastic, even requiring very minimal post-processing. Users love how easy the leveling process is, as mentioned above, as well as how quiet it runs.

The overall cleanup is fairly easy since you have space to move around and you don’t have the removable lid like on the Photon Mono X.

It’s rated very positively on Amazon and several of its current users give it a solid recommendation to have by your side.

One buyer specifically purchased this 3D printer to print miniatures and jewelry prototypes because it was related to his profession.

He said that the Qidi Tech S-Box has never disappointed him even when printing 3D models with complex design and structure. This printer has the ability to show each minor detail from top to bottom.

Pros of the Qidi Tech S-Box

The machine is easy to set up, and even beginners can use it with the instruction guide that comes with it.
Qidi Tech S-Box has a sleek and modern construction and provides it extra durability for long-lasting service.
You will get a smooth operation –no more complexity- with minimal settings.
The customer service after the purchase and during the use is fantastic and satisfactory.
As compared to other 3D resin printers, it offers excellent print precision.
The S-Box uses a matrix LED array with 96 individual points of UV light for uniform lighting and better quality.
The smart chip present in the Z-axis motor machine provides you the incredible precision that you demand.

Cons of the Qidi Tech S-Box

As the machine is quite new, the community is not that large, so the customers feel difficulty interacting.
Fairly expensive resin 3D printer compared to budget options.
It does not have any connectivity option other than USB.
The size is a bit large as it is almost two feet long and over a foot and a half high.
It weighs almost 55lbs, and that is high too – the vat and built plate are pretty heavy!
The connectivity ports and touchscreen electronics are at the machine’s side that covers the whole side of the table.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a resin 3D printer that offers a large build volume, this 3D printer is for you as it comes with a massive area of 215 x 130 x 200mm.

To get a 3D printer that can provide fine details and high resolution, go get yourself the Qidi Tech S-Box right now from Amazon.

Elegoo received a lot of appreciation for their Mars 3D printer series because of their high-quality prints at a reasonable price but they all have a build volume of standard size.

To keep their pace in the competitive market, Elegoo is including advanced features in their new 3D printers and the Elegoo Saturn (Amazon) is the latest and largest. This 3D printer is a direct competitor to the Photon Mono X and Qidi Tech S-Box.

There are plenty of amazing features that make Elegoo Saturn a considerable 3D printer while printing small parts, giving users some great print resolution and high details.

Its large build volume which is almost twice the size of a standard 3D printer and the monochrome LCD is another key feature that has brought many people to considering it for purchase.

Features of the Elegoo Saturn

9″ 4K Monochrome LCD
54 UV LED Matrix Light Source
HD Print Resolution
Dual Linear Z-Axis Rails
Large Build Volume
Color Touch Screen
Ethernet Port File Transfer
Long-Lasting Leveling
Sanded Aluminum Build Plate

Specifications of the Elegoo Saturn

Build Volume: 192 x 120 x 200mm
Operation: 3.5-Inch Touch Screen
Slicer Software: ChiTu DLP Slicer
Connectivity: USB
Technology: LCD UV Photocuring
Light source: UV Integrated LED lights (wavelength 405nm)
XY Resolution: 0. 05mm (3840 x 2400)
Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
Layer Thickness: 0.01 – 0.15mm
Printing Speed: 30-40mm/h
Printer Dimensions: 280 x 240 x 446mm
Power Requirements: 110-240V 50/60Hz 24V4A 96W
Weight: 22 Lbs (10 Kg)

The build volume of the Elegoo Saturn sits at a respectable 192 x 120 x 200mm which is slightly smaller than the Anycubic Photon Mono X, mainly in the height. You should be able to get the Saturn at a cheaper price due to this.

It has the standard dual linear Z-axis rails for this larger resin 3D printer to be able to stabilize your 3D prints while they are being created. It shares many similarities with the Mono X in this regard and with other features.

You’ll appreciate the 54 bright UV LED matrix lights within the base of the 3D printer and the 9″ monochrome LCD that provides the power and 405nm lighting system to harden the photopolymer resin.

Print quality, fine detail and high resolution is something several current users of the Saturn enjoy. If you have smaller parts that you want to 3D print, you can’t go wrong with this machine.

User Experience of the Elegoo Saturn

One of the buyers said in his feedback that this 3D printer was far better than his expectations and gave it an A+ grade in print quality. The user added that it only took less than 10 minutes to complete all the processes from unboxing to assembly.

If you want something that is simple to set up, yet can provide top quality 3D prints, it’s a great choice to go for.

Because of its advanced features such as the sanded metal build plate, and the sturdy and strong mechanisms, this 3D printer offers a tremendous 3D printing experience.

As this 3D printer has a flat build surface, if you calibrated your 3D printer in the right manner, you may never face any adhesion issues as many users have claimed. The prints sticks very well to the build plate and can be removed easily as well.

One of many buyers said that they have been using this 3D printer for many months and they are happy because the Elegoo Saturn provides them with consistent high quality and detailed prints without any hassle.

Pros of the Elegoo Saturn

Outstanding print quality
Accelerated printing speed
Large build volume and resin vat
High accuracy and precision
Rapid layer-curing time and faster overall printing times
Ideal for large prints
Overall metal build
USB, Ethernet connectivity for remote printing
User-friendly interface
Fuss-free, seamless printing experience

Cons of the Elegoo Saturn

Cooling fans can be slightly noisy
No built-in carbon filter
Possibility of layer shifts on prints
Build plate adhesion can be a little difficult
Been having stock issues, but hopefully, that gets resolved!

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a 3D printer that is easy to use, easy to assemble and provides a large build volume in this reasonable price range, this is one of the most-loved options out there.

Go straight over to Amazon and get the Elegoo Saturn for your 3D printing needs.

The Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a well-known 3D printer and it is one of Prusa Research’s flagship 3D printers. It has been designed and improved by adding a lot of updates and improvements to the previous Prusa i3 3D printers.

This goes all the way back to 2012 in which the original model was released.

As the Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer comes from the RepRap tradition of 3D printers and has been improved steadily over the years, this 3D printer is highly suitable to be used for printing high resolution, small parts.

This 3D printer is claimed to be one of the best filament 3D printers when it comes to printing 3D models where fine details matter the most. This factor makes it the best suitable choice for the hobbyist and professionals.

Several people use Prusa 3D printers for print farms where they are 3D printing specific orders or parts for individuals and businesses. It’s one of those reliable machines that you can count on in the long run.

Features of the Prusa i3 MK3S+

Fully Automated Bed Leveling – SuperPINDA Probe
MISUMI Bearings
BondTech Drive Gears
IR Filament Sensor
Removable Textured Print Sheets
E3D V6 Hotend
Power Loss Recovery
Trinamic 2130 Drivers & Silent Fans
Open Source Hardware & Firmware
Extruder Adjustments to Print More Reliably

Specifications of the Prusa i3 MK3S+

Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 210mm
Layer Height: 0. 05 – 0.35mm
Nozzle: 0.4mm default, supports many other diameters
Max Nozzle Temperature: 300 °C / 572 °F
Max Heatbed Temperature: 120 °C / 248 °F
Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
Supported Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC (Polycarbonate), PVA, HIPS, PP (Polypropylene), TPU, Nylon, Carbon filled, Woodfill, etc.
Max Travel Speed: 200+mm/s
Extruder: Direct Drive, BondTech gears, E3D V6 hotend
Print Surface: Removable magnetic steel sheets with different surface finishes, heatbed with cold corners compensation
LCD Screen: Monochromatic LCD

You’ll find plenty of top class features on the Prusa i3 MK3S+ that set it up to be one of the best 3D printers on the market.

It has gone through plenty of iterations such as the newly rebuilt extruder, plenty of practical sensors, and the modern magnetic heatbed which has a PEI spring steel build surface that can be replaced easily.

This multi award-winning 3D printer can create some amazing models with high resolution and fine details without breaking a sweat. Prusa decided to add in a fresh SuperPINDA probe which translates into much better first layer calibrations.

They also have some high quality Misumi bearings for improved stability, as well as other positive adjustments that give users a brilliant 3D printer.

You can get the MK3S+ as a fully-assembled 3D printer which can be plugged in straight away or as a kit which you can assemble yourself. Plenty of current users of this 3D printer have given it much praise for its reliability and consistency.

User Experience of the Prusa i3 MK3S+

Setting up a 3D printer is a complex job for many users. With this 3D printer, once you have assembled it, setting the printer up is extremely easy.

One buyer said in his feedback that this 3D printer comes with an auto-bed leveling and a simple filament loading system which makes it easy for the users to use and operate.

Once you start your printing process, you will begin to notice the printing quality, efficiency, and capabilities of this 3D printer. The Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer rapidly and consistently produces 3D models of high quality with fine details and high resolution.

This 3D printer emits almost no sound while operating. One user said that the motherboard of the i3 MK3S is so quiet that you can 3D print your models and read books in the same room without any disturbance.

This is mainly due to the Trinamic 2130 drivers along with the very silent fan. There is a specific setting called “stealth printing mode” which you can implement to make the MK3S+ even quieter.

Another key thing that users love about this machine is just how fast is can 3D print, with a maximum speed of 200m/s! One user mentioned how another one of their respectable 3D printers could only manage about half the speed at best.

Pros of the Prusa i3 MK3S

Easy to assemble with basic instructions to follow
Top-level customer support
One of the largest 3D printing communities (forum & Facebook groups)
Great compatibility and upgradability
Quality guarantee with every purchase
60-day hassle-free returns
Produces reliable 3D prints consistently
Ideal for either beginners and experts
Has won many awards for the best 3D printer in several categories.

Cons of the Prusa i3 MK3S

No touchscreen
Doesn’t have Wi-Fi inbuilt but it’s upgradable
Fairly pricey – great value as stated by its many users

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a 3D printer that can be considered as one of the best on the list when it comes to quality, high resolution, details, price, and value, this 3D printer cannot be ignored.

It’s the choice I’d make if you want to go for a filament 3D printer rather than resin.

You can visit their official website and place an order for the Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer.

The tag line of the Creality LD-006 is “Unleash Your Creativity, Open Up New Possibilities”.

It is not only a tagline but a promising phrase that will help you to improve your printing experience if you are a beginner and get prints of much better quality if you are a professional.

There is always competition between various 3D printer brands and Creality never fails to compete with the other well-known brands. Using this 3D printer will give you proof of its advanced features and powerful specifications.

Features of the Creality LD-006

9″ 4K Monochrome Screen
Rapid Printing
Larger Print Size
Directional UV Matrix Light Source
Stable Dual Linear Guide Rails
3″ Color Touchscreen
Built-In Air Purification System
New Convenient Vat Design
Custom Punched Release Film
Hassle-Free Leveling
Sanded Aluminum Build Platform

Specifications of the Creality LD-006

Build Volume: 192 x 115 x 250mm
Layer Resolution: 0.01 – 0.1mm (10-100 microns)
Printing Speed: 60mm/h
Exposure Times: 1-4s per layer
Display: 4.3″ Touch Screen
Material: 405nm UV Resin
Platform Material: Aluminum Alloy
Machine Weight: 14.3Kg
XY Axis Precision: 0.05mm
LCD Resolution: 3840 * 2400
Machine Size: 325 x 290 x 500mm
Resin Vat: Metal

The LD-006 sports a high quality 8. 9″ 4K monochrome display along with a large build volume 192 x 120 x 250mm, allowing you to 3D print plenty of smaller, high detailed models on your build plate at once.

You have much more freedom for taking on those larger projects, and you can always split big models into separate pieces and stick them together after for some real size.

Single layer curing times are significantly reduced with the monochrome screen, giving single-layer exposure times of 1-4 seconds. Compared to the older 2K screens, this is a large improvement, in quality and time reductions for printing.

With such a large 3D printer, you want good stability for the best quality, so Creality made sure to install some high quality dual linear guide rails with a T-rod for serious precision.

It is said to provide 35%+ more stability than a single Z-axis rail. Some larger resin 3D printers who stuck with those single rails have been known to deliver less quality, so this is a great upgrade for your print output.

The touchscreen is one of the best looking screens I’ve seen in larger resin 3D printers, giving a futuristic and clean design to it. You’re getting high resolution and a better user experience with this feature.

The CNC-processed aluminum body and sanded stainless steel curing platform leaves you with you much better first layer adhesion. Since resin is a liquid, getting the best adhesion can be difficult in some cases.

User Experience of the Creality LD-006

One of the users said in his feedback that he 3D printed a resin ring with this 3D printer and the results are more than awesome.

The surface is smooth and the dimensions are completely accurate. A user said that he has the best experience while using this 3D printer when it comes to printing jewelry or a prototype of jewelry.

Another buyer shared his experience by saying that he is a doctor and loves to do 3D printing. The user printed a detailed replica of a spine and dental impressions so that they can be placed in the clinic.

After the completion of the model, the print was showing details to the extent that they can be used to study bones in colleges and universities.

People are happy with its state-of-the-art build plate and stable z-axis, but the factor of manual bed leveling is the part that is not much appreciated but because of the printer’s final results, this minor issue isn’t too significant in the long-run.

Pros of the Creality LD-006

Large build volume
Quick layer curing times
Stable printing experience due to dual linear axis
Great precision and detail in 3D prints
A durable and reliable machine that should produce consistent quality
The monochrome screen means you can print without replacing the LCD for 2,000+ hours
Easy operation with the responsive touchscreen
Great air filtration to help reduce those strong resin odors

Cons of the Creality LD-006

No built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity
Fairly pricey but good value overall

Final Thoughts

Creality is a well respected manufacturer of 3D printers, and they definitely made sure to put some real effort in the design and function of this 3D priner.

You can check out the Creality LD-006 from 3D Jake.

Elegoo is a great name in the 3D printing industry and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is one of their initially released 3D printers. When it comes to resin or SLA 3D printing, it shouldn’t be a surprise to find this 3D printer in the list of best 3D printers for high details and resolution.

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a 3D printer that has the capabilities to provide high-quality 3D prints and can bring you the best results, all at a budget price.

Relative to other budget resin 3D printers, the build volume of this 3D printer is very respectable, allowing users to print models from regular miniatures to industrial-grade parts that mainly require fine details and high resolution.

Features of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

8″ 2K Monochrome LCD
CNC-Machined Aluminum Body
Sanded Aluminum Build Plate
Light & Compact Resin Vat
Built-In Active Carbon
COB UV LED Light Source
ChiTuBox Slicer
Multi-Language Interface

Specifications of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

System: EL3D-3. 0.2
Slicer Software: ChiTuBox
Technology: UV Photo Curing
Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
Printing Speed: 30-50mm/h
Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
XY Resolution: 0.05mm (1620 x 2560)
Build Volume: (129 x 80 x 160mm)
Light Source: UV Integrated Light (wavelength 405nm)
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 13.67lbs (6.2kg)
Operation: 3.5-Inch Touch Screen
Power Requirements: 100-240V 50/60Hz
Printer Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 410mm

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro is a resin 3D printer has some nice features that help you operate things smoothly, from unboxing to getting your final 3D print.

The 8″ 2K monochrome LCD is two times faster than your standard RGB LCD screens and provides more stable performance.

Unlike other plastic printers you may find on the market, the Mars 2 Pro is made of CNC machined aluminum from build platform to resin vat. It has a very solid build quality and high durability like a reliable workhorse that always gets its work done.

You also have some linear guide rails to provide a consistent and steady motion throughout the printing process.

The build plate has been sanded to create a stronger adhesion between the cured resin and the surface. When you compare this to some older models of resin 3D printers, you’ll be sure to get a much higher success rate for printing your models.

The Elegoo Mars 2 Pro comes with built-in active carbon. Built-in activated carbon could absorb the fume of resin.

Working together with the turbo cooling fan and silicone rubber seal, it should filter any strong odors, giving you an improved printing experience.

User Experience of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

There’s no shortage of positive reviews for the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro all over the web, with many claims of it creating some of the most detailed and high resolution 3D prints.

One user who previously used FDM filament 3D printers for their D&D miniatures took their quality to the next level with the Mars 2 Pro. When you compare the quality from an Ender 3 to this machine, the differences are very clear.

Setup and operation has really been simplified by the manufacturer, knowing that users love a seamless process. Leveling the build plate is a breeze and your first 3D print is likely to be a success as long as you follow the instructions.

It comes with all the tools you need to create some awesome small or even larger resin 3D prints. If you are a beginner to 3D printing and want to get some excellent quality, you can join tons of other users who are achieving this today.

The inclusion of an angled plate holder allows you to let excess resin drip off the model and back into the resin vat rather than wasting it.

Pros of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Outstanding printing quality
Fast layer curing time
Inclusion of an angled plate holder
Rapid printing process
Large build volume
Less to no maintenance
High accuracy and precision
Robust build and sturdy mechanism
Supports multiple languages
Long lifespan and high reliability
Stable performance during long-term printing
Comes with extra FEP sheets

Cons of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

LCD screen lacks a protective glass
Loud, noisy cooling fans
Z-axis does not have a limiter switch
A slight decrease in pixel-density
No top-down removable vat

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a 3D printer that can not only bring your fine details and high-resolution 3D print but is actually known for these qualities, this 3D printer may be for you.

You should check out the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro 3D printer on Amazon right now.

The Dremel Digilab 3D45 comes in as the 3rd generation series of Dremel’s 3D printers which is considered as the best generation by the manufacturer.

It was specially designed in a way that anyone from a beginner to an experienced user can print their designed 3D model without any hassle.

In collaboration with Dremel’s Lifetime Support, this 3D printer is extremely reliable and can be used efficiently where you need to print a lot of 3D models.

Because of its collaboration with the Dremel’s Lifetime Support, Digilab 3D45 is well known in the market as an extremely reliable and efficient 3D printer when it comes to getting 3D models with high detail and resolution.

The Dremel Digilab 3D45 (Amazon) comes as a ready-to-use product because you can start your 3D printing princess right out of the box.

Features of the Dremel Digilab 3D45

Automated 9-Point Levelling System
Includes Heated Print Bed
Built-In HD 720p Camera
Cloud-Based Slicer
Connectivity Through USB and Wi-Fi Remotely
Fully Enclosed With Plastic Door
5″ Full-Color Touch Screen
Award-Winning 3D Printer
World-Class Lifetime Dremel Customer Support
Heated Build Plate
Direct Drive All-Metal Extruder
Filament Run-Out Detection

Specifications of the Dremel Digilab 3D45

Print Technology: FDM
Extruder Type: Single
Build Volume: 255 x 155 x 170mm
Layer Resolution: 0. 05 – 0.3mm
Compatible Materials: PLA, Nylon, ABS, TPU
Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
Bed Levelling: Semi-Automatic
Max. Extruder Temperature: 280°C
Max. Print Bed Temperature: 100°C
Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Weight: 21.5 kg (47.5 lbs)
Internal Storage: 8GB

Automating parts of your 3D printing process makes things that little bit easier. The DigiLab 3D45 has an automated leveling system which accounts for and detects the smallest discrepancies, allowing you to get more successful, high quality prints.

It is an automated 9-point leveling system with a built-in automatic leveling sensor, with the aim to bring you serious precision and reliable printing over several years of your journey.

We need a good heated print bed to print certain types of materials, or to help that bed adhesion. This 3D printer comes with a heated build plate which heats up to 100°C.

Along with the built-in camera, you have access to Dremel Print Cloud, the cloud-based slicer specially made for Dremel 3D printers.

It is a fully enclosed 3D printer along with a see through plastic door so you can keep an eye on your prints. This helps with improving print quality and delivering a quieter printing operation.

The large, full-color touch screen makes it easy and intuitive to navigate and operate the printer functions and settings. This built-in touchscreen is very responsive to touch and also helps in loading filament.

User Experience of the Dremel Digilab 3D45

One user who currently has two Dremel 3D45’s praises just how great they are. The main thing this user likes about this 3D printer is how easy it is to use and get some amazing print quality.

Dremel is a very trusted name, and they made sure they put some serious thought and design into this machine. They’ve improved over the previous 3D printers to ensure that you can 3D print with many types of materials.

This does have somewhat of an upper hand over some of the resin 3D printers in this list because you can print with some really strong materials like Carbon Fiber or Polycarbonate filament. It’s capable of reaching high temperatures of 280°C

It is recommended to switch to a hardened nozzle to print those “exotic” or abrasive filaments.

Users find the operation very smooth and simple to navigate. The noise levels are pretty low since it is fully enclosed, so you don’t have to worry about loud noises throughout your work area.

One buyer said in his detailed feedback that this 3D printer can offer 3D prints of a high level of quality, details with the bonus of reliability.

The printer has a direct drive, all-metal extruder which is clog-resistant and allows you to print 3D models consistently.

Its built-in automatic bed leveling system brings an enhanced level of precision that allows printing models with fine details and high resolution without any hassle.

One thing that is liked the most is that the filament run-out detection sensor resumes the printing process right from the point where it was paused without any errors.

Pros of the Dremel Digilab 3D45

The print quality is very good and it’s easy to use as well
It has powerful software along with being user-friendly
It prints through a USB thumb drive via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB
It has a safely secured design and body
Compared to other printers, it is relatively quiet and less noisy
It is easier to set up and use as well
It provides a 3D comprehensive ecosystem for education
The removable glass plate allows you to remove prints easily

Cons of the Dremel Digilab 3D45

Limited filament colors compared with competitors
The touch screen is not particularly responsive
There is no nozzle cleaning mechanism

Final Thoughts

With its high-quality prints, fine details, precision, high resolution, versatility, and high-performing functions, the Dremel Digilab 3D45 is not only good for small parts that need details but from large prints as well.

You should check out the Dremel Digilab 3D45 on Amazon today.

Best 3D Printers of 2022 | Rating of TOP models of 3D printers for printing

Contents [Show]

The modern market of additive equipment offers many options for 3D printing equipment designed to solve various problems. Devices are in demand in engineering and design, architecture, medicine, industry, education, entertainment, engineering and many other fields.

Let's talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing a 3D printer, and also consider the rating of the best equipment models for amateurs and professionals in 2022.

How to choose the right 3D printer

There are a number of basic parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a printer for bulk printing. Let's briefly consider each of them.

Printer type

According to the ISO / ASTM 52900: 2021 standard, approved by the International Organization for Standardization, 3D printers are divided into several categories depending on the characteristics of the printing process (for convenience, we will duplicate the trade names for each category):

DED (SLS, MJF) - deposition and melting of material using a directed electron or laser beam.
BJT (CJP, NPJT) - selective jet application of a binder composition to the powder for its sintering.
MJT (MJP) - layer-by-layer inkjet application of photopolymer resin.
MEX (FDM, FFF, PJP) - layer-by-layer application of the consumable through a heated nozzle (extrusion).
VPP (SLA, DLP, LCD, CDLP) - photopolymerization, selective curing of a liquid photopolymer in a bath under the influence of a light source.
SHL (LOM, Composite Lamination) - gluing (lamination) of sheets of material.
PBF (SLM, DMLS, EBM) - fusion of certain areas of the powder layer under the influence of thermal energy.

Approval

This parameter largely depends on the printing technology and is standardly described in the vertical and horizontal planes (Z and XY, respectively).

The Z resolution is the height/thickness of the layer. The thinner the layer, the more accurate and detailed the model will be. XY resolution is the smallest possible movement of the print head, which cannot be less than the diameter of the nozzle or laser beam.

The highest resolution is provided by photopolymer 3D printers.

Compatible materials

The choice of consumable depends on the 3D printing technology used. FDM printers use special thermoplastics in the form of filaments (PLA, HIPS, ABS, PET, PETG, Wood, Flex, etc.), while photopolymer printers use various light-sensitive liquid resins. Sintering technology devices are designed to use engineering thermoplastics or metals in powder form.

Many professional printers work with special purpose materials - composites (glass-filled materials, carbon fiber, etc.), metals, wood, concrete, ceramics, dental photopolymers, wax, etc.

Print platform (desktop, build platform)

This is the plate on which objects are printed. A high-quality platform ensures reliable adhesion of models to the surface (adhesion) during printing and at the same time makes it easy to separate them at the end of the process.

Typically, the print bed is made of glass, but other materials can also be used. To improve the contact of the material with the platform, special sprays and adhesives increase adhesion (Adhesion). Professional models of 3D printers usually have features that increase the resistance of printing to failures:

flexible, removable or magnetic platform;
automatic print area alignment system;
heated platform for handling high temperature materials.

Security

3D printing can be associated with some risks even when all safety regulations are followed. For example, high-temperature printing increases the risk of burns, and some powder materials or photopolymer resins are harmful to the skin.

To reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances, some printers recommend the use of protective chambers, air filtration and ventilation systems, protective gloves, and goggles. There are also models of 3D printers designed to be serviced exclusively by trained personnel.

Noise level and motor drivers

Drivers and stepper motors directly affect the noise level during equipment operation. More advanced and expensive drivers, coupled with high-quality stepper motors, contribute to a significant reduction in the noise level during the printing process.

Self assembly

Most manufacturers offer additive devices that are ready to go. But some models of 3D printers are presented as self-assembly kits (DIY kits). When buying, you need to consider that assembling such a device can cause certain difficulties, especially for the first time.

Product size

The choice of the area of the working area of the equipment depends on the dimensions of the parts that are planned to be printed on a 3D printer. For a home, it is enough to purchase a device with parameters up to 200x250x200 (WxHxD). This is enough to solve most problems. For more serious tasks, we recommend considering models with a working area of at least 306x306x610 (WxHxD), such a print volume will allow you to print large objects without subsequent gluing with the same print quality and resolution.

Technology

Let's take a closer look at the main technologies used in the field of 3D printing:

FDM is a method of layer-by-layer deposition of plastic filament threads. Ideal for creating functional prototypes and parts from high-strength industrial plastics.
DLP - layer-by-layer curing of photopolymer resins using LED projectors. Allows you to produce ultra-precise, highly detailed objects with a high-quality surface.
SLA - curing layers of liquid photopolymer using a laser beam. Suitable for printing very precise products with complex geometry and fine details.

Multicolour printing

There are modifications of printers that support the function of printing in two or more colors. Most of these FDM devices are equipped with two presses filled with threads of different colors. A separate file is used to print each color, and sections of different colors are combined with each other like a three-dimensional puzzle. There are also color powder printing technologies, such as CJP or MJM, but the range of their application is limited to simple layout or prototyping.

Print surface

The surface quality of finished models depends on both the technology used and the print resolution. If necessary, the products are easily amenable to post-processing.

Housing type

Volumetric printers are available in an open or closed case. Open type devices are cheaper, but may have print quality issues and shrinkage of ABS products due to temperature differences. Enclosed printers have a more rigid, stable design and deliver high quality builds because their print surface is protected from dust and other unwanted particles. In addition, they have a low noise level and are safer to operate.

Connection

The majority of modern 3D printers have built-in memory, a port for USB flash drives or are equipped with SD memory cards, which allows you to continue the 3D printing process without a permanent connection to a PC. Some devices may also support wireless technology (Wi-Fi or P2P) or connect via Ethernet. Recently, more and more manufacturers include in their devices the possibility of forming 3D printing farms from a cluster of devices connected by one local network.

Software

Additive technology comes with special software or is compatible with open-source programs that can be downloaded, for example, from the manufacturer's website. As a rule, the software runs on Windows, Linux or MacOS. The software package may include modules for optimizing 3D models, building automatic supports (supports), controlling the movement of the printing block and desktop, and advanced preparation of layers for printing.

3D printer models

Consider the different models of amateur and professional 3D printers recognized as the best in 2022.

Assembly kits

Self-assembly kits (DIY) are the most budgetary and popular variant of FDM/FFF/PJP 3D printers in Russia. The use of such kits allows you to independently assemble, configure, reconfigure and upgrade printing devices to suit your needs.

The most popular DIY kits in 2022:

Creality Ender 3

Thoughtfully designed home 3D printer with open chamber, large build area (WxHxD: 220x250x220mm) and high print quality at speeds up to 180mm/s. Works great with PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Wood and other plastics. Equipped with a single extruder, a heated worktable, a compact display that shows the main parameters, and an active cooling system. Suitable for printing small functional items, prototypes or decorative figurines. Connects via USB or microSD.

Flying Bear Ghost 5

Equipment for semi-professional use, equipped with an open chamber with dimensions of 255x210x210 mm. Due to the uniform supply of the filament, it allows you to produce high-resolution parts at a speed of up to 150 mm / s and an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm. The model is equipped with one extruder, a heated table, options for adjusting speed and temperature, an active cooling system and a convenient TFT color display. Compatible with HIPS, ABS, Wood, PLA, etc. Reliable, quiet operation. Connects via Usb, SD, Wi-Fi.

Creality Ender 5 Plus

A printer with a large working area (350x350x400 mm), one extruder and a filament sensor that prevents printing errors due to tangles or broken threads. It has a magnetic platform with heating up to 100 degrees in 10 minutes, a rigid, reinforced cubic frame and a reliable power supply with overheat protection. Provides fast, high-precision, stable printing with an adjustable layer thickness of 0.1-0.4mm.

Creality Ender 6

Equipment with a closed plastic case, one extruder with a heating temperature of up to 260 degrees, a color touch screen and a build area of 250x250x400 mm. Ideal for small batch production and prototyping. The printer is equipped with a heated bed, connects via SD and is compatible with most of the available filaments. The layer height is 0.1-0.4 mm.

Budget 3D printers

This category includes inexpensive, ready-to-use FDM/FFF 3D printers designed for beginners - ordinary users, students in robotics circles, schools, etc. The devices are endowed with additional options that allow you to achieve excellent results with simple, understandable operation.

The best budget models of 2022:

Anycubic Mega S

Functional equipment with a working space of 210x210x205 mm and the possibility of resuming the work process after a power outage. The device has a color touchscreen, a heated platform with Ultrabase coating, connects via data cable or SD and prints at speeds up to 100 mm/sec. Layer height - 0.05-0.3 mm.

FlashForge Adventurer 4

A good option for children or teenagers who are fond of 3D modeling. The printer has a working area of 200x200x250 mm, a heated platform, a color touch screen and is connected via USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Construction speed - up to 150 mm / sec. Layer thickness - 0.1-0.4 mm. The model is also equipped with a built-in webcam, a filament end sensor, an auto-calibration function and the possibility of remote control through the application.

Voxelab Aries STEM

A printer with a full range of modern functions, designed to create objects of standard sizes (200x200x200 mm). Prints at speeds up to 80 mm/sec. and a layer thickness of 0.1-0.4 mm. Connection - Usb, SD, Wi-Fi.

QIDI i-Mate S

A device with a working space of 260x200x200 mm, connected via Usb, LAN or Wi-Fi. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.2 mm, construction speed - up to 80 mm/sec. Great for prototyping simple objects.

Budget Large Format 3D Printers

Devices designed to create a large number of small products in one go or to print large objects. These printers are equipped with a capacious platform and have increased reliability and stability.

The most popular low-cost large-format FDM 3D printers in 2022:

Wanhao D12/500

A model with an improved component base and mechanics, updated electronics, a redesigned feed mechanism, a heated platform and two extruders. Construction area - 500x500x500 mm. Layer thickness - 0.1-0.4 mm, build speed - up to 150 mm/sec. Connection - Wi-Fi, MicroSD.

Creality Ender 5 Plus

Apparatus with dimensions of the working area 350x350x400 mm. It has a robust construction with a reinforced structural profile frame and a heated platform. Provides the most accurate, stable printing and smooth, stable movement along the axes. Connected via SD. The layer height is 0.1-0.4 mm.

Creality CR-10S Pro V2

A 3D printer that delivers high performance and exceptional print stability. Ideal for creating print trusses that produce large runs of the same type of parts. Construction volume - 300x300x400 mm. Print speed - up to 180 mm / sec. (recommended speed is up to 60 mm/s). Layer height - 0.1-0.4 mm. Connection - SD.

Professional 3D printers

Professional-grade printers are designed to produce complex objects using high-temperature engineering plastics and other consumables. Such equipment has a closed chamber to maintain a certain temperature and ensure stable printing.

Best Professional FDM 3D Printers of 2022:

FlashForge Creator Pro 2

Technique with two independent extruders for simultaneous printing of two identical products. The second extruder can be used to create soluble supports for the production of complex models with a quality surface. Construction area - 200x148x150 mm. Layer height - 0.1-0.4 mm, build speed - up to 100 mm/sec. Connection - Usb, SD.

Picaso Designer Classic

A printer designed to solve a wide range of tasks. It has built-in profiles for different types of plastic, which makes it easy to start printing. Chamber size - 200x200x210 mm. Work speed - up to 100 cm3 / h, layer thickness - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet.

Anycubic 4Max Pro 2.0

Advantages of the model: dual drive extruder for working with soft, flexible plastics, filament end sensor, silent drivers, color display. The device provides the most accurate, stable printing at speeds up to 150 mm/sec. Camera dimensions - 270x210x190 mm. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.3 mm. Types of connection - Usb, SD.

QIDI Tech X-Plus

A printer with a capacious working chamber (270x200x200 mm), one extruder with a heating temperature of up to 300 degrees and a build speed of up to 150 mm/sec. Equipped with a heated platform, connects via Wi-Fi, Usb or LAN, the layer height is 0.05-0.2mm.

Professional single extruder 3D printers

Additive equipment of this kind is designed to solve various problems, from relatively simple to complex.

The most popular models of professional FDM/FFF 3D printers with one print head:

Picaso Designer X S2 (Series 2)

The main difference of this modification is the heating of the extruder up to 430 degrees, which allows working with a wide range of plastics, including engineering ones (ABS, PETG, PLA, PEEK, Nylon, Flex, etc. ). Dimensions of the working chamber - 201x201x210 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet. Speed - up to 150 mm / s. Layer thickness - from 10-250 microns. The printer is equipped with a heated bed.

QIDI X-Max

A 3D printer with a large printable area (300x250x300 mm) and a wide range of useful features. It has a robust design with a strong double Z-rail, a heated platform with a double-sided coating for working with different types of plastic and a 5-inch touch screen. The extruder heats up to 300 degrees. Compatible filaments - PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, Carbon, Nylon, Flex, etc. Connection type - USB storage, LAN, Wi-Fi. Working speed – up to 150 mm/sec. Layer height - 0.05-0.2 mm.

Picaso Designer XL S2

The model is designed for printing with engineering and refractory materials, as the print head heats up to 430 degrees. Robust aluminum body with steel frame guarantees reliability and no vibration during operation. Chamber size - 360x360x610 mm. Speed - up to 130 cm3 / h. Layer thickness - 10-250 microns. Connection type - USB-drive, Ethernet.

TierTime UP300

It is equipped with three separate extruders for working with different materials (low-temperature, high-temperature, standard), as well as various interchangeable platforms (smooth, perforated, glass). Supports print queue for different users. Dimensions of the working area - 205x255x225 mm, layer height - 0.05-0.4 mm. Connection - Usb, LAN, Wi-Fi.

Bizon 3

An updated version of the Bizon 2 model. Layer thickness - 0.02 - 0.65 mm. Print area size: 300x300x400mm. Print speed: up to 160 mm/s. Layer height: from 0.02 to 0.65 mm. Connection type: USB, SD card.

Mid-range large format 3D printers

This category includes models for universities, specialized colleges and offices of medium-sized companies.

The best mid-range large format FDM 3D printers in 2022:

Raise3D Pro3 Plus

Equipment with a transparent body and two extruders equipped with a lifting mechanism, well-thought-out kinematics, interchangeable nozzles of different diameters and a convenient 7-inch color touch screen. Other options: Low Filament Sensor, Print Resume System, RaiseCloud Firmware, Webcam, IdeaMaker Slicer, RaiseCloud Cloud Service. Printed volume: 300x300x605 mm (for one extruder), 255x300x605 mm (for two extruders). Connection - Wi-Fi, Usb, LAN. Speed – up to 150 mm/sec. Layer thickness - from 0.01 mm.

Flash Forge Creator 4

High-performance, accurate 3D printer with a system of two independent extruders and an advanced thermal management system inside the chamber (to protect against cracking and deformation of engineering plastics). Robust steel body prevents vibration. Print area - 400x350x500 mm. Speed – up to 200 mm/sec. Layer height - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Wi-Fi, LAN.

Picaso Designer XL Pro S2

Large-format model with a working area of 360x360x610 mm, a heated platform and two extruders with a heating temperature of up to 430 degrees. The device has a simple automatic calibration, a built-in material spool drying mode and a plastic feed control system. Layer thickness - 0.01 mm, speed - up to 130 cm3/h. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet.

CreatBot D600 Pro

The printer with the largest print area is 600x600x600 mm. Equipped with two extruders with heating up to 260 and 420 degrees respectively (for working with standard or engineering plastics). Other features: heated chamber, platform and compartments, speed - up to 120 mm/s, layer thickness - from 0.05 mm. Connection type - Usb.

Professional Dual Extruder 3D Printers

Professional FDM printers with two extruders are designed to solve the most complex tasks. This technique is equipped with a fully functional slicer and a reliable nozzle lift mechanism or independent extruders.

The most popular professional grade dual extruder 3D printers:

Raise3D Pro2 Plus

The flagship model of the manufacturer, endowed with a full range of useful features. The equipment, enclosed in a transparent case, is connected via Usb, Wi-Fi or LAN and is distinguished by quiet operation. Equipped with an extruder lifting mechanism, a 7-inch color touch screen, a filament end sensor, and a print resume system. Includes RaiseCloud software, webcam, replacement nozzles. Print volume - 305x305x605 mm (for 1 extruder), 280x305x605 mm (for 2 extruders). Speed – up to 150 mm/sec. Layer height - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Wi-Fi, LAN.

Picaso Designer X Pro S2

A compact device with dimensions of the construction area of 201x201x210 mm, providing excellent print quality. It has a high temperature mode with heating up to 430 degrees for printing with complex filaments. Speed - up to 130 cm3 / h, layer thickness - from 0.01 mm. Connection - Usb, Ethernet.

Raise3D E2

High-performance 3D printer with two independent print heads (IDEX system), heated platform and print speed up to 150 mm/sec. A built-in step-by-step video instruction for site calibration is provided. Layer thickness - 0.02-0.25 mm. Connection - Usb port, Wi-Fi, LAN. Print volume - 330x240x240 mm (1 printhead), 295x240x240 mm (2 extruders).

FlashForge Creator 3 Pro

Model with a large chamber (300x250x200 mm), HEPA filter, built-in webcam, color screen and the ability to install hardened nozzles with a material melting point of up to 320 degrees. The heating speed of the working platform is up to 120 degrees in 3 minutes. Print speed - up to 150 mm / sec. Layer thickness - 0.05-0.4 mm. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

CreatBot F430 PEEK

3D printer ideal for PEEK and other filaments. Equipped with a closed chamber with temperature support and two printheads with heating up to 260 and 420 degrees, respectively. Construction area - 400x300x300 mm. Layer height - from 0.02 mm. Speed – up to 180 mm/sec. Connection - Usb.

Ultimaker S5

An easy-to-use device that prints with threads of non-standard diameter - 2.85 mm. The size of the working area is 330x240x300 mm. Layer thickness - from 0.02 mm. Speed - 24 mm3 / sec. Connection type - Usb, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.

Photopolymer desktop 3D printers

Modern models of 3D printing devices using photopolymers are equipped with monochrome displays with a resolution of up to 8K, which provide high speed and quality of building objects of any geometry.

Best photopolymer 3D printers of 2022:

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

A compact budget LCD printer with over 2000 hours of uninterrupted operation. Equipped with 8K 7.1” Mono LCD display. Print volume - 165x72x180 mm. Layer height - 0.01-0.3 mm. Resolution along the XY axis - 22 microns.

Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022

Equipment for permanent loads, ideal for dental laboratories and dental clinics. It has a heated chamber 134x75x200 mm with an odor filter and a Mono 4K 6.1” LCD display. Layer thickness - 0.01-0.3 mm.

Formlabs Form 3+

LFS printer with an intuitive interface and many special settings. The light source is a 250 mW laser. The size of the working area is 145x145x185 mm. Layer thickness - 0.025-0.3 mm.

Anycubic Mono X 6K

3D printer with a working chamber 197x122x245 mm and a high-quality Mono 6K 9.25” LCD screen. Layer height - 0.01-0.15 mm.

XYZ Part Pro 150

Equipped with a 5 inch LCD touch screen. Illumination source: 405 nm UV laser. Print area size: 150x150x200 mm. Layer thickness: 25 to 200 microns (0.025 - 0.2 mm).

Best Large Format Desktop Resin 3D Printers

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K

The best 3D printer in its segment, capable of solving tasks that usually only an entire farm can handle. Suitable for both mass production of small detailed products, and for printing huge objects and dioramas. It is equipped with a 15-inch Mono 8K LCD display and has a working area of 330x185x400 mm. Resolution - less than 50 microns, layer height - 0.01-0.3 mm.

Formlabs Form 3L

LFS-technique with a construction area of 335x200x300 mm, creating high-precision details using a 2x250 mW laser with a spot diameter of 85 microns. It is possible to install two cartridges at the same time for uninterrupted printing of large models. Layer thickness - from 0.025 mm.

Totals

All 3D printers reviewed have been rigorously tested in practice and tested by experienced engineers. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, when choosing a model, it is necessary to focus, first of all, on the expected result, equipment functionality and budget.

If you find it difficult to make a choice, please contact 3DTool. Our experts will help you choose the right 3D equipment and consumables for you.

How to choose a home 3D printer?

Until recently, 3D printing machines were rare and cost fabulous money - not everyone could afford a modern miracle device. Now a desktop 3D printer can be easily ordered both in our country and in foreign online stores: both ready-made options and prefabricated constructors are sold. A large selection of models, as usual, brings certain difficulties: how to choose a device for your own purposes, not overpay for unnecessary functions and buy a really reliable device. To get competent advice, we turned to experts - our partners who are engaged in the production or sale of 3D equipment. They were asked to speculate on the topic: "What to look for when choosing a home 3D printer?". And here's what came out of it.

Alexander Kornveits, General Director of Tsvetnoy Mir

1. To choose a 3D printer that is right for you, you first need to decide what you will print. This will determine which model of 3D printer is best for you for these purposes.

It is important to understand that a desktop 3D printer is not a mass production machine. It is a tool for creating models, prototyping, designing or printing small batches of small parts. A 3D printer is a great hobby that can even make you an income.

2. If you already know what you will be printing, you need to determine which plastic is best suited for printing the models you need.

Today, all plastics can be conditionally divided into 2 groups: ABS and PLA.

For ABS printing, a fully enclosed build chamber and a heated bed are essential, such as in the FlashForge Dreamer or UP BOX+ 3D printer. In these printers, you have the opportunity not only to set the temperature of the platform, but also to maintain a high temperature in the entire working chamber, up to 90℃ . Under such conditions, the risk of delamination of the model during the printing process is reduced and the quality of the finished model will be higher.

A heated pad is optional for PLA printing. But at the same time, good airflow of the model during printing is very important. Printing with PLA is in many cases much easier for a beginner. An example of such printers is the MakerBot Replicator + or the budget Chinese Wanhao Duplicator i3 models.

Also, when choosing plastic for your tasks, you need to pay attention to the post-processing of models. Different materials have different properties not only during printing, but also in finished products, for example, ABS plastic can be easily sanded or polished in an acetone bath, and PLA is well suited for priming and subsequent painting. If you want to print with different types of materials, then you need a versatile 3D printer that can handle any task. Such models also exist, such as Raise3D N1 Dual or FlashForge Creator Pro. These printers come with a completely closed chamber, which is very important for printing with ABS plastic, but with a few easy movements you can transform it into a completely open state, great for PLA plastic.

3. Selection of construction area.

The larger the working chamber, the higher the price, so it's worth deciding whether you need a large chamber or a medium or small chamber for your needs. You also need to understand that printing large models will take a very long time, in some cases up to two days. It may be better to print the model in parts and glue it together from the medium-sized printed parts.

4. To print multiple colors or print solvent supports, you will need a printer with two extruders. Having a second extruder can help with printing some models, but it's important to understand that printing with two extruders is a more complex process and you can run into a lot of difficulties in the process. When choosing a printer, try to focus on the tasks that are right in front of you. If experiments are your path, do not hesitate to choose a printer model with two extruders. This gives many additional possibilities for creating complex models.

Renat Gainutdinov, General Director of Irwin (Magnum)

I would suggest paying attention to the following things:

1. First of all, reliability in general, high-quality metal construction.

2. Easily accessible and easily disassembled extruder, as often have to be serviced.

3. The availability of high-quality technical support for users, because beginners often have questions about printing and equipment operation.

Everything I wrote above fits very well with Magnum 3D products. Also, our printer can be purchased and connected to attachments for laser engraving and an attachment for printing with plastic materials (dough, chocolate paste, potatoes, etc.), which is important and simply interesting for home use.

Yulia Efimova, marketer at Fabbers

Of course, there are several criteria by which you can choose a 3D printer for your home:

1. First of all, you should decide for what purpose you decided to buy this equipment at home, because the printing technology and, accordingly, the type of material you will use (as well as the building volume, print resolution, the number of extruders and etc.). As a rule, FDM machines are used for the home, as they are most suitable for "home" work, such as: making missing (broken) decor elements, parts, hobbies, design, etc.

2. Then you need to decide on the type of printer: open or closed.

Open is the easiest. And for simple tasks, it may well be enough, but a number of other nuances should be taken into account: in particular, you need to provide a well-ventilated, but draft-free room or use a material that does not emit harmful substances when melted, such as PLA.
If you are going to use ABS or other more professional materials all the time, then you should consider a model with a closed chamber and an exhaust air filtration system. Plus, the output quality is better in a closed chamber, as a uniform temperature is maintained all the time. Do not forget about safety: the closed chamber of the 3D printer will limit access to the heating elements, which is important if there are children in the house.

3. Pay attention to the convenience of using a 3D printer, the presence of auto-calibration of the printing platform, the screen, intuitive software, the ability to work without a PC (from flash memory or via wi-fi), etc. Although having all these "bells and whistles" increases the cost of the machine, they can make the user's job much easier.

4. An important point is the choice of the manufacturer (trademark). A good manufacturer is almost always the guarantor of the best value for money. For our customers at home, we recommend machines of such brands as Felix printers, Lulzbot, Makerbot, Cybermicro, Cubicon. Unlike inexpensive models, they use high-quality parts in their machines, so by purchasing such a printer, you will save your money, time and nerves.

Maxim Kondratov, CEO of MyShop3D

In order to make a choice, you should ask yourself a few questions. This will help you avoid disappointment and get the most out of your decision to purchase 3D equipment.

1. The first question you should ask yourself before buying is “What will I 3D print?”. If the answer to this question is “something for the house” or “various life hacks”, then in principle any working unit for your money will do.

If you need a device for work, hobby or study, and you have high hopes for it, then first you need to find out what shapes and dimensions the printed models will have. This will help you weed out some of the printers on the market with a print area that is not suitable for your needs. Agree, it will be a shame if a 3D printer purchased to create flower vases has an insufficient height of the print area for these vases. The result is money thrown to the wind, a dusty 3D printer and disappointment in additive technologies.

2. The next important question you should ask yourself is “What types of consumables should my 3D printer support?”

Any FDM printer prints with PLA plastic, but not everyone is able to work with ABS, and even fewer printers support printing, for example, FLEX or rubber-like materials. Of course, if you are a level 80 design engineer, then with a special desire this will not be a problem for you and you can make even a printer box print with flexible plastic! But if you do not have such skills, and PLA and ABS do not fully satisfy your needs, then you will have to pay attention to printers whose design does not contradict the ability to use the material you need for your tasks. If you are unable to determine this yourself, please consult your dealer or the manufacturer directly.

3. The next question to ask yourself is “Do you have small children or even a place for a printer that a child will never get to?”

If there is a child, but there is no such place, then you will have to think about the safety of your child and give priority to 3D printers with a closed and protected case. Because the principle of operation of FDM printers is based on the melting of plastic under the influence of high temperatures, your child may harm his health when in contact with some elements of the device. And a child, especially when his safety and health is at stake, should be a fundamental factor when choosing a home 3D printer. By the way, safety is not the only advantage of a closed case. Paired with a heated table, it will reward you with the ability to print with ABS plastic, minimizing the chance of marriage.

4. After you've answered the above questions, it's time to decide on the 3D printer manufacturer and budget.

Conventionally, all 3D printers can be divided into three groups:

- Russia

The advantage of Russian manufacturers is that you live on the same territory and speak the same language. Those. you will not have language barriers when contacting technical support, service repairs or maintenance will be less troublesome. And forget about the biased attitude towards domestic products - Russian 3D printer manufacturers have good potential and experience in this area. The leaders of the Russian market, in our opinion, are such manufacturers as Picaso, 3DQuality, IMPRINTA and Magnum.

- China

The main advantages of Chinese 3D technology are simplicity, availability, price and versatility. Parts from one Chinese 3D printer almost always fit another Chinese 3D printer. This technique is easily modified, spare parts for them can be ordered not only in China, but also in any store with accessories for 3D printing. These 3D printers are disassembled and assembled using a set of hexagons and screwdrivers without special instrumentation skills, and the price is the lowest on the 3D market. The main disadvantage is the quality of assembly and raw materials for components, which is inferior in all respects to global competitors. Therefore, if you have already decided to opt for a Chinese manufacturer, then choose from the world leaders in this industry, such as WANHAO LLC or Up (Tiertime). Otherwise, you run the risk of getting only a device that looks like a 3D printer, which will not be able to fully cope with even the simplest task. As the saying goes, a miser pays twice.

- West

Most Western 3D printers boast excellent build quality and components. The latter are usually made from high quality materials. Due to this, this group of manufacturers has a high class of reliability and shelf life. But these advantages are the cause of such disadvantages as the high cost and inaccessibility of spare parts. And due to the low level of service and the lack of specialists, a small breakdown can easily turn into a big problem that will not only hit your wallet, but also take a lot of time and nerves. The generally recognized leaders are Ultimaker, 3DSystems, Makerboot and Raise3D.

Irina Solomnikova, Commercial Director of IMPRINTA

knowledge to assemble and configure equipment? Do you have enough free time to complete the build, or is it just a box of parts?

2. Print quality. Even if the printer is taken for the home, poor print quality can completely discourage you and your family from working on the printer. The printing process is certainly exciting, but the result is also very important in order to put the resulting product in the most visible place, and not send it to the trash can like an unnecessary piece of plastic.

3. Equipment quality and certificates. When purchasing equipment for home, you need to remember about safety. It is worth paying attention to the quality of the wires, moving parts, heating elements. It is also necessary to keep in mind the availability of certificates or declarations for equipment - this confirms the reliability of both the equipment and the manufacturer.

4. The use of a 3D printer is not limited to the manufacture of toys, and even when choosing a 3D printer for home, you need to consider its capabilities, such as printing with various materials, the ability to change the nozzle (this affects both print speed and quality, and printing materials with various additives - wood, metal, etc.).

Representative of 3D-Store

1. Software quality. Now almost all home FDM printers come with software based on a few free products (Cura, RepetierHost, etc.), so you should be very careful about how much attention the hardware manufacturer has paid to optimizing standard software products for their hardware. ". In the worst case, the tasks of such optimization can fall on the shoulders of the consumer, who will have to manually set and select all the parameters of the printer. Good manufacturers supply software that is ideally configured to work with a specific printer immediately after its installation, it is enough to load models, select material and press just one button to start.

2. Advanced hardware. If from the point of view of the reliability of drives, mechanisms and electronics it is now difficult to single out someone in the middle and upper price segment of home 3D printers (the quality of the components here is sufficient for everyone not to worry about the performance of your printer for many years), then in terms of the wealth of technologies, making life easier for the user, there is a clear separation. The functions of automatic checking of the starting gap and tilt of the table in 2017 became, as they say, a “must have”. Some of the more advanced low-cost models have begun to be released with an automatic build platform leveling feature. In addition, as an additional useful option - control of the supply of material through the extruder. It can save a lot of plastic and nerves, especially if you plan to leave the printer to work on its own without human supervision during long printing.

But the last two functions have not yet received mass distribution, and in those models where they have already appeared, this has had a rather negative impact on the cost of the printer. For now, it would be reasonable to limit ourselves to really important functionality at a moderate price (as an example, Zortrax M200, which has everything you need for comfortable work, and you don’t have to overpay for “luxury” innovations).

3. Building platform. The success of each print depends very much on how your material "makes friends" with the build platform. Different platform materials have their own characteristics of working with them: glass provides a smooth bottom surface, but often requires the use of glue or a special film, while a perforated metal platform, although it allows printing models on a plastic substrate, requires some preparation of the platform before printing plastics with low shrinkage (like PLA) disappear completely. And when such a platform is covered with a solution of ABS plastic and due to uniform heating, it becomes almost inseparable at the time of printing, even with the most unfriendly filament grades.

Andrey Zakharov, manager of Top 3D Shop

1. Decide on the technology. FDM is more affordable, but less accurate, SLA produces excellent print quality, but both the printers themselves and the material are more expensive. Although, now there is Wanhao D7 - this is a stereolithographic printer for a very reasonable price.

2. Take into account when choosing the print area, available materials. All this is reflected in the price.

3. Important warranty and availability of service, spare parts. The choice of the country of origin also depends on their availability and conditions. Although, when contacting an authorized dealer, this problem is largely removed.

4. Purpose of buying a 3D printer: For some, it is important to buy the cheapest printer, sort it out yourself as a hobby. Others want it to print out of the box. These are different approaches, different models and prices. For some, the ability of the printer to print with two materials at the same time is important, models with two extruders are suitable here.

5. When buying a printer for home, many people are also interested in the external dimensions of the printer, ease of assembly and installation, and for some, the appearance. These qualities also differ in different models.

Evgenia Kurochkina, Development Director of ZENIT 3D

First of all, ask yourself the question: “Why do you need a 3D printer?”, And if you clearly know the answer to it, determine the psychological threshold of the price and feel free to start choosing devices.