Cheapest abs 3d printer

The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Original Prusa Mini

Best Overall Budget 3D Printer

4.5 Outstanding

Bottom Line:

It requires assembly and calibration care (plus shipping from the Czech Republic), but the Original Prusa Mini is a compact, open-frame 3D printer that consistently produces superb-quality output for a great price.

PROS

• Top-notch object quality
• Supports a variety of filament types
• Useful, professionally printed user guide
• Great support resources
• Versatile, user-friendly software

CONS

• First-layer calibration can be tricky
• Only includes starter packets of filament
• Requires monitoring if young children or pets are around

Read Our Original Prusa Mini Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

Best Budget 3D Printer for Schools, Community Centers

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is a consumer-oriented 3D printer that provides a winning combination of low price, ease of setup and use, solid print quality, and smooth, misprint-free operation.

PROS

• Very low price.
• Reasonably priced filament.
• Good print quality.
• No misprints in testing.
• Easy setup and operation.
• Quiet.
• Prints over a USB or Wi-Fi connection.

CONS

• Occasional problems in trying to launch prints.
• Removing printed objects from the print bed is sometimes tricky.

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review

Toybox 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Toybox 3D Printer works well as a model designed for children, offering reliable printing from a browser or mobile device and a few thousand toys to print, plus creative options to output drawings or photos. Just bear in mind the tiny build area.

PROS

• Reliable, misprint-free printing
• Easy setup
• One-touch operation
• Well-composed help resources
• Access to more than 2,000 printable toys and projects
• Lets you create your own printable designs

CONS

• Tiny build area
• Not ideal for importing 3D files created elsewhere

Read Our Toybox 3D Printer Review

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners, Non-Techies

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

3D printing gurus will be intrigued by the Monoprice Mini Delta V2's use of the delta rather than Cartesian coordinate system, but beginners will just enjoy its low price, ease of use, and speedy printing.

PROS

• Sub-$200 price
• Quick, nearly misprint-free printing
• Easy setup and operation
• Sturdy steel-and-aluminum frame
• Supports multiple filament types

CONS

• Tiny build area
• So-so print quality
• Mere one-year warranty

Read Our Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer Review

Anycubic i3 Mega S

Best Budget 3D Printer With an Open Design, Big Build Area

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Anycubic i3 Mega S, an inexpensive open-frame 3D printer, produced decent-quality prints in our testing. To get the most out of it, though, may require precise calibration.

PROS

• Modestly priced
• Large build area for an inexpensive printer
• Supports a variety of filament types
• Generally solid print quality
• Uses well-known Cura software

CONS

• Finicky print-platform alignment
• Supported coils of filament are small
• Poorly placed spool holder

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$229. 98	$229.98	Check Stock (Opens in a new window)
AnyCubic	$279.00	$279.00	Check Stock (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Anycubic i3 Mega S Review

Anycubic Vyper

Best Budget 3D Printer for the Biggest Build Area Possible

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Anycubic's modestly priced Vyper whips up large 3D prints on its open-frame design, and provides automatic print-bed leveling. Just know that some minor assembly is required—and printed objects may require a bit of cleanup.

PROS

• Relatively large build area
• Automatic bed leveling
• Simple assembly

CONS

• Short (one-year) warranty
• Includes only a small starter filament coil
• Using Cura software with the Vyper requires tweaking a couple of settings
• Test prints showed some "hairy" filament residue

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$339. 99	$339.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
AnyCubic	$369.00	$319.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Anycubic Vyper Review

Creality Ender-3 V2

Best Budget 3D Printer for Tinkerers and DIY Types

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Hands-on tweaking defines Creality's budget-price Ender-3 V2, an open-frame 3D printer that you build from a kit. It produces generally above-par prints, but its print bed can be tricky to keep leveled.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Slightly above-average print quality
• Good-size build area for its price
• Supports several filament types

CONS

• Manual print-bed leveling can be tricky
• Setup instructions could be deeper, more legible
• Questionable quality control on some parts

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$299. 00	$246.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Creality Ender-3 V2 Review

Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

Best 3D Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is moderately priced and offers good print quality, but it proved tricky to get up and running in our tests.

PROS

• Quiet.
• Good print quality.
• Connects via USB 2.0 cable, USB thumb drive, or Wi-Fi.
• Reasonably priced.

CONS

• Some objects pulled off the platform during testing.
• Poor documentation.
• Modest build volume.
• Limited to printing with polylactic acid filament (PLA).

Read Our Flashforge Finder 3D Printer Review

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Dabbling in Small Objects

3. 5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer is a compact, stylish 3D printer with above-par overall print quality, but, alas, a tiny build area for the money.

PROS

• Small, lightweight for a desktop 3D printer.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Supports PLA, PETG, and wood composite filaments.
• Multiple-color support.
• Wi-Fi camera monitors print jobs.
• Prints from USB drives, SD cards, or mobile devices.

CONS

• High price for its capabilities.
• Small build area.
• Too-brief warranty.

Read Our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro

Best Budget 3D Printer With Closed Design, Roomy Build Area

3. 5 Good

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro is a moderately priced closed-frame 3D printer with a large build volume and overall good performance, but a potentially balky filament-feeding system.

PROS

• Spacious build area
• Works with third-party filaments
• Self-leveling print bed

CONS

• Build plate is not heated
• Limited to PLA- and PETG-based filaments
• Guide tube is prone to detaching

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro Review

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Cheap Filament

3. 0 Average

Bottom Line:

The Monoprice Voxel is an under-$400 3D printer that's easy to set up and use. It exhibits generally good print quality, but it was unable to print two of our test objects.

PROS

• Easy to set up and use.
• Budget price for printer and filament spools.
• Supports PLA, ABS, and several composite filament types.
• Versatile software.
• Prints over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or from a USB thumb drive.

CONS

• Frequent misprints on certain test objects.
• Slightly balky touch screen.

Read Our Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer Review

Buying Guide: The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2023

How to Buy a Cheap 3D Printer

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

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

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

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

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

(Credit: Molly Flores)

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

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

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

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

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

(Credit: Molly Flores)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Should I Look for in Filament Support?

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

Recommended by Our Editors

3D Printing: What You Need to Know

3D Printer Filaments Explained

(Credit: Molly Flores)

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

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

Should I Consider a 3D Printing Pen Instead?

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

(Credit: 3Doodler)

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

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

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

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

Best Budget 3D Printer: 8 Great Printers at a Price You'll Love

It costs less than ever to get into 3D printing, with printers available for under $200. The catch is that these budget machines usually require some tweaking to get right. You'll save money, but it's a rough-and-tumble way to get started. The best budget 3D printers have a healthy balance between cost and usability so that's what we are looking at in this list.

3D printing -- or additive manufacturing to give it its scientific name -- has been around for a long time now. It's a fun way to create models that can be practical, or just for fun. You can print giant pieces of cosplay armor, or small statues to give as gifts. You can even buy a few printers, open your own Etsy store and make yourself a tidy profit.

These budget 3D printers all cost under $500 (though prices can drift a bit month to month), and some are better suited to beginners than others. Our list of picks for the best 3D printer overall covers a much wider range of choices, but these are excellent for getting started or for buying several at once!

James Bricknell/CNET

Elegoo Neptune 2

Keep it simple

The Elegoo is one of my favorite ultra-cheap printers. When testing it, I kept expecting it to fail and it just didn't. It produced amazing results for the price, and continues to do so every time I use it. It doesn't have auto bed leveling, but the Elegoo was easy to set up. And because it's based on the popular Ender 3, it has a lot of mods available to make it even better. 

$170 at Amazon

Prusa Research

Prusa Mini Plus

Small but mighty

The Mini Plus is one of the best small-footprint printers you can buy. It has everything you would expect from a Prusa machine: Auto bed leveling, crash detection and great print quality, all for under $450. Building it with my son gave us a lot of good insights into how a 3D printer works, and potentially how to fix one.

$429 at Prusa Research

Creality

Creality Ender 3

Community favorite

The Ender 3 is one of the bestselling 3D printers of all time. Its under-$200 price removes a huge barrier to entry for anyone looking to spend as little as possible for their first machine. 

Its popularity means there is a huge community of people to help you get it set up and working -- it's not exactly plug-and-play -- and you may need to spend a fair amount of time tweaking the Ender 3 to get it to print as well.

$199 at Amazon

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Anycubic

Anycubic Kobra Go

Entry level kit

The latest entry-level printer from Anycubic is surprisingly good. It comes in kit form, which gives you a chance to learn a little bit more about the machine. While that makes the setup more complicated, the printing is much easier with auto bed leveling, something I have never seen in a $200 printer. It makes everything easier, believe me.

If you are looking to get into 3D printing and want to learn what each of the parts does, this is a great way to find out.

$200 at Amazon

Flashforge

Flashforge Finder 3

Excellent out of the box

I've recently been working with the Finder 3 and I'm impressed with the quality it was able to produce straight from the box. It is easy to set up and comes with a flexible build plate that you can replace the glass bed with. It makes it far easier to remove builds. 

On my CNET torture test, the Finder 3 coped really well with overhangs, as well as the points of the towers. Ringing was minimal, though it did struggle with bridging.

Overall, the Finder 3 is a great printer for the price. It's perfect for a teacher in the classroom as the enclosure makes it stable, and the slicer can control multiple printers at once via Wi-Fi.

$370 at Amazon

$390 at Flashforge

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Dan Ackerman/CNET

Creality Ender 3 S1

Direct drive with advanced features

As Dan Ackerman said in his review of the Creality Ender 3 S1 "At $399, the S1 version of the Ender-3 is about $100 more than older versions but includes so many upgrades and quality of life features that it qualifies as a great beginner-friendly, plug-and-play printer. "

It's also a great budget-friendly Direct Drive printer, making it easier to use for materials such as TPU.

$399 at Amazon

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Resin 3D printers for beginners

Most beginner printers use a plastic filament to create models, but there are plenty of affordable resin 3D printers, too. Liquid resin is a little more difficult to use than standard 3D printing material and requires safety equipment. But it also produces amazingly detailed results.

Elegoo

Elegoo Mars 3

The best starter resin printer

This small resin printer is Elegoo's latest model in its popular Mars line. Because of the 4K monochrome LCD (these printers use light from an LCD to cure liquid resin) it can print much faster than older printers. The level of detail on models is something that standard 3D printing simply can't reproduce. At this price, the Elegoo Mars 3 is the best resin printer for the money. 

$259 at Amazon

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James Bricknell/CNET

Anycubic Mono X

When you need it bigger

This is expensive for a budget printer, but well worth it if you want a large enough print area to make something special. I have been using this as my main resin printer and it can handle anything I throw at it, from a D&D miniature army to highly detailed sculptures.

$580 at Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What material should I use to print with?

Most home 3D printers use PLA or ABS plastic. Professional printers can use all sorts of materials, from metal to organic filament. Some printers use a liquid resin, which is much more difficult to handle but offers sharper details. As a beginner, use PLA. It's non-toxic, made mostly of cornstarch and sugarcane, handles easily, and is inexpensive. However, it's more sensitive to heat, so don't leave your 3D prints on the dashboard of a car on a hot day. 

What settings should I use?

Most 3D printers include or link to recommended software, which can handle converting 3D STL or other files into formats supported by the printer. Stick with the suggested presets to start, with one exception. I've started adding a raft, or bottom layer of filament, to nearly everything I print. It has cut down dramatically on prints that don't adhere to the bed properly, which is a common issue. If you continue to have problems, rub a standard glue stick on the print bed right before printing.

What are supports?

Your 3D models probably need some help to print properly, as these printers don't do well with big overhangs -- for example, an arm sticking out from a figure. Your 3D printer software can usually automatically calculate and add supports, meaning little stands that hold up all those sticking-out parts of the model. After the print is done, clip the supports off with micro cutters and file down any nubs or rough edges with hobby files. 

How we test

Testing 3D printers is an in-depth process. Printers often don't use the same materials, or even the same process to create models. I test SLA, 3D printers that use resin and light to print, and FDM, printers that melt plastic onto a plate. Each has a unique methodology. Core qualifiers I look at include:

• Hardware quality
• Ease of setup
• Bundled software 
• Appearance and accuracy of prints
• Repairability
• Company and community support

A key test print, representing the (now old) CNET logo, is used to assess how a printer bridges gaps, creates accurate shapes and deals with overhangs. It even has little towers to help measure how well the 3D printer deals with temperature ranges.  

Testing resin requires different criteria so I use the Ameralabs standard test -- printing out a small resin model that looks like a tiny town. This helps determine how accurate the printer is, how it deals with small parts and how well the UV exposure works at different points in the model. 

Many other anecdotal test prints, using different 3D models, are also run on each printer to test the longevity of the parts and how well the machine copes with various shapes.

For the other criteria, I research the company to see how well it responds to support queries from customers and how easy it is to order replacement parts and install them yourself. Kits (printers that come only semi-assembled) are judged by how long, and how difficult, the assembly process is. 

Top 20 Inexpensive 3D Printers ($199 to $1000)

3DPrintStory     Reviews     Top 20 Inexpensive 3D Printers ($199 to $1000)

Just 10 years ago, a 3D printer cost over $100,000. Today, you can easily find a cheap 3D printer for under $200. It's amazing. nine0005

Naturally, the lower the price, the more restrictions. Some of the printers on our list will not have a heated bed and the workspace will be small. Naturally, the quality of most of the models presented below cannot compete with more expensive counterparts.

But with a little patience and diligence, it is quite possible to achieve high-quality 3D printing on a printer that costs half the price of a flagship smartphone. And it's really cool!

Important note : All 3D printers in this top are supplied assembled by the manufacturer. If you have free time and want to spend less money, you can buy DIY kits and assemble the 3D printer yourself according to the instructions.

List of the best cheap 3D printers in the price range from $ 200 to $ 1000

3D Printer	Material Material	Working space (mm)	Price
459
Flashforge Finder	PLA	140 x 140 x 140	499
XYZPRINING DA vinci jr. 1.0 Pro	PLA	150 x 150 x 150	499
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. Mix 2.0	PLA	150 x 150 x 150	599
Printrbot Simple
Dremel Idea Builder	PLA	230 x 150 x 140	899
Printrbot Simple Pro	PLA	200 x 150 x 200	999
Prusa i3 MK2	PLA, ABS, exotic	250 x 210 x 20022

In the article we are considering unfinished, but high -quality 3D printers from AM etc. nine0005

If you want to buy them, even if you live in large cities such as Kyiv, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, it may turn out that these models will not be in the online stores of your city, or they may be with a decent mark-up relative to the cost that indicated in the article.

Since most of them are European / American, it is possible that they will not be in stores at all.

Therefore, before making a choice, I recommend looking directly at eBay, Amazon, Aliexpress, etc. - many sellers on these planforms deliver to the CIS countries within 1-4 weeks on average. nine0005

It is especially worth monitoring these platforms during the discount period - Black Friday or Chinese New Year (Aliexpress or Gearbest) - prices on such days can be 2 or more times lower than usual and it is worth waiting for a few weeks.

Monoprice MP Select Mini ($199)

Probably the best 3D printer on our list. Why? Because the Monoprice MP Select Mini is an impressive development with a thoughtful, compact design at a very low price. This model has a quick-change steel material feed wheel, a cooler for cooling the nozzle, a color LCD screen, a heated table, plus the ability to transfer models for 3D printing via microSD or USB. nine0005

The heated bed and wide temperature range of the extruder are especially pleasing, because for such a small price you get the opportunity to print in different materials: from ABS B to PLA or exotic materials like conductive PLA plastic, wood, metal-based composites and PVA.

For those who are worried about the lack of a guarantee - for such a price it is possible without it. This model is upgradeable. For example, you can install a new nozzle, change the table and add WiFi connectivity. nine0005

Small working space - 120 x 120 x 120 mm. Over time, this will definitely not be enough for you.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Monoprice MP Select Mini

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 120 x 120 x 120 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• 3D printing speed: 55 mm/s;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes; nine0346
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: SD card, USB.

Back to the list of 3D printers

M3D Micro Retail ($249)

The M3D Micro 3D printer hit the market thanks to Kickstarter. This model was presented with an incredible price of $349.

The working space of the M3D Micro is 109 x 113 x 166 mm. There are several body color options. The company has implemented "Micro Motion Technology" - a set of innovative solutions - thanks to which you get excellent quality 3D printing at a small price. nine0005

Today, this inexpensive 3D printer already costs even less than the price announced on Kickstarter. You can buy it for $249 with a 12 month warranty. By the way, it is already possible to pre-order the next "pro" version.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer M3D Micro Retail

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 116 x 109 x 113 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 50 microns; nine0346
• Maximum layer height: 350 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• XY accuracy: 15 microns;
• Open Source: no;
• 3D printing speed: 55 mm/s;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: no;
• Connection: USB.

Back to 3D printer list

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini ($289)

Da Vinci Mini is a successful attempt to make the 3D printer user-friendly. This model has only one button and 5 multi-colored indicators that reflect the current status of 3D printing. In addition, this affordable 3D printer is WiFi capable so you can control it over a network in your home, office or lab.

Unfortunately, you can only use the manufacturer's own 3D materials. On average, they cost 20% more than usual. However, the company also argues that the materials used (PLA) will be 100% non-toxic. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 150 x 150 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: no;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes; nine0346
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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Monoprice Maker Select V2($299)

The next cheap 3D printer with a good reputation is the Monoprice Maker Select V2.

This model is an analogue of the Wanhao Duplicator i3, which, in turn, borrowed the design from the Prusa i3. But this does not affect the quality, as the Monoprice Maker Select V2 is easy to use and gives excellent 3D printing results.

Monoprice Maker Select V2 design feature is that the power supply and control panel are placed outside the 3D printer. The working space of this model is 200 x 200 x 180 mm. And this is really a good indicator for the money. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Monoprice Maker Select V2

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 200 x 200 x 180 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm; nine0346
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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New Matter MOD-t ($299)

New Matter is a young startup that offers a 3D printer MOD-t - An interesting design with a minimalistic design. This cheap 3D printer is WiFi enabled so you can manage print settings and print from your computer, tablet or smartphone. The working space is 150 x 150 x 125 mm. Thanks to the case, the noise during its operation is reduced. But the most interesting and attractive thing about MOD-t is the price. Only $299. In general, this is an interesting, high-quality model.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer New Matter MOD-t

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 150 x 100 x 125 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm; nine0346
• Control panel on 3D printer: no;
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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Printrbot Play ($399)

The Printbot Play is a very popular budget 3D printer that is often used in education. This inexpensive, reliable model, which is almost entirely made of metal.

The working space is 100 x 100 x 130 mm. Printbot Play has an extruder manufactured by the company itself - Alu Extruder v2. The body is made of powder coated steel and aluminium. SD slot provided. nine0005

You can upgrade the basic design of the Printrbot Play with a heated stand or increase the Y-axis stroke.

3D printing materials: PLA;

Working space: 100 x 100 x 130 mm;

Minimum layer height: 100 microns;

Number of extruders: 1;

Open Source: design and software;

Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes; nine0346

Heated table: no;

Control panel on 3D printer: no;

Connection: USB, SD card.

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Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus ($459)

The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus is an upgraded version of the popular Wanhao Duplicator i3 (which in turn is based on the Prusa i3).

The main features of this cheap 3D printer are a large working space of 200 x 200 x 180 mm, a steel frame, electronics integrated into the design itself (previously it was taken out separately), a slot for a full-size SD card and a touchscreen display for control. nine0005

Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Cheap 3D Printer Specifications

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 200 x 200 x 180 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: design and software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm; nine0346
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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Flashforge Finder ($499)

FlashForge Finder is one of the newest 3D printers on our list. This affordable 3D printer offers an average working space of 140 x 140 x 140mm.

This Finder features a transparent sidewall design so you can view the 3D printing process from any angle. A color display is installed, it is possible to transfer data via WiFi network. The printer comes with some supplies and a USB flash drive, so you can start 3D printing almost immediately. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer FlashForge Finder

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 140 x 140 x 140 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• XY accuracy: 11 microns;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm; nine0346
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro ($499)

What's so special about the da Vinci Jr. 1.0 pro? This is a new model from XYZPrinting, which includes many advanced features, such as support for printing materials from other manufacturers and increased speed of 3D printing.

Also features an auto-calibration mechanism, a closed chamber with a unique cooling system, and a 0.3mm nozzle option for high-quality printing of fine model details. All in all, this is a great 3D printer with a lot of useful features and at a low price. nine0005

Specifications for cheap 3D printer da Vinci Jr. 1.0 Pro

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 150 x 150 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes; nine0346
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. Mix 2.0 ($599)

XYZprinting provides a wide range of low cost 3D printers. And paying attention to each model is quite difficult, although many of them are very interesting.

XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. Mix 2.0 stands out because it can print with two different materials and mix them to create multi-colored models. This dual-color 3D printing technology is rare in this price range ($500 to $1,000), so if you're interested in experimenting with multicolor printing, XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. Mix 2.0 is a great choice. nine0005

However, there is a drawback. This 3D printer is not compatible with materials from other manufacturers, so you will have to buy special materials from XYZprinting (as we mentioned above, they cost 20% more, but are not toxic).

Specifications of cheap 3D printer XYZprinting da Vinci Jr.

Mix 2.0

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 150 x 150 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 200 microns; nine0346
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: no;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card, WiFi.

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Printrbot Simple ($599)

Printrbot Simple is the flagship of the Printbot empire. This model has a great open design with a solid aluminum frame and a working space of 150 x 150 x 150mm. This inexpensive 3D printer comes fully assembled at a very good price. As you need and want to experiment, you can add a heated table and expand the workspace in the horizontal plane. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Printrbot Simple

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 150 x 150 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• 3D printing speed: 80 mm/s;
• Open Source: design and software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: optional; nine0346
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: no;
• Connection: USB.

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UP mini 2 ($599)

The UP mini 2 is a low cost 3D printer that packs in impressive design and functionality. For starters, it has a touch screen panel and the ability to connect via WiFi.

But the most interesting is further. Implemented power failure protection system. 3D printing will continue after the emergency stop. Built-in HEPA air filtration system. Automatic detection of the height of the extruder nozzle. A separate, closed container for the material, thanks to which it does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture from the environment. nine0005

Great 3D printer for a small price. The only thing that upsets me a little is the small working space - 120 x 120 x 120 mm.

Specifications of cheap UP mini 2 3D printer

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA, ABS;
• Working space: 120 x 120 x 120 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 150 microns;
• Maximum layer height: 350 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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Monoprice Maker Select Ultimate ($699)

The Monoprice Maker Select Ultimate is an extraordinary beast that combines elements from two leaders in the world of 3D printing - Zortax and Ultimaker. The Monoprice Maker has an aluminum perforated printing table, which was offered in the Zortax M200 (thanks to this table, the grip of the base of the model with the table is much better), and the software part is almost identical to Ultimaker 2 (very user-friendly interface and functionality). nine0005

This model uses a "Bowden extruder", i.e. the feed units and nozzle are separated, unlike the direct feed. This improves reliability and reduces the likelihood of 3D printing errors (although, most likely, it was necessary to sacrifice printing speed, as the weight of the printing unit increases). Given the cost, this is a good model, the analogues of which are much more expensive.

Specifications of cheap UP mini 2 3D printer

• Printer type: FDM; nine0346
• 3D printing materials: PLA, ABS, exotic;
• Working space: 200 x 200 x 175 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 20 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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Robo C2 ($799)

The Robo C2 is a small 3D printer with tons of connectivity options. Using a specialized application, you can monitor the status of 3D printing from your smartphone or tablet. It can be connected to a Chromebook. Thanks to the built-in slicing program, you do not need to install additional printing software.

Probably the most impressive is the integration with Amazon Alexa. Users can stop, cancel and check the status of 3D printing in real time using voice commands. nine0005

What does this inexpensive 3D printer offer? Working space 127 x 127 x 150 mm. The 3D printing speed is 300 mm/s and the resolution is 20 microns. There is a built-in 3.5'' color touch screen, a system for monitoring the amount of remaining material for printing, automatic calibration and a removable self-aligning print platform. The only drawback is that the table is not heated, so you have to use PLA plastic.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Robo C2

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 127 x 127 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 20 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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Wanhao Duplicator 4S ($829)

The Duplicator 4S has 2 extruders. It's essentially a copy of the MakerBot Replicator. Behind the steel body is the MK10 material feed mechanism, which is currently the easiest to use and most sought after in the market for 3D printer components.

One of the features of this model is a high-precision material feed wheel, which ensures the same filament feed speed. The Duplicator 4S is equipped with a 0.4mm precision nozzle. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Duplicator 4S

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 225 x 145 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Maximum layer height: 500 microns;
• Number of extruders: 2;
• XY accuracy: 11 microns;
• 3D printing speed: 40 mm/s;
• Open Source: software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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Polar 3D Printer ($899)

Polar 3D belongs to a separate category of 3D printers in this top, since this model implements the polar coordinate system. This causes the table to rotate and the print head to move up, down, right, and left. nine0005

Thanks to the polar coordinate system, this 3D printer is powered by two stepper motors, so it consumes less power. In addition, it turned out to realize a larger size of the working area: 203 (table diameter) x 152 (Z coordinate) mm.

Nominal price $899, but there are special discounts for educational institutions. The discounted price is only $599.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Polar 3D

• Printer type: FDM;
• Materials for 3D printing: PLA;
• Working space: 203 (table diameter) x 152 (Z-coordinate) mm;
• Minimum layer height: 50 microns;
• Maximum layer height: 400 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• 3D printing speed: 40 mm/s;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: no; nine0346
• Connection: USB, WiFi, SD card.

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FlashForge Creator Pro ($899)

You've probably heard of this 3D printer. FlashForge Creator Pro is very similar to Makerbot Replicator 2X. This inexpensive 3D printer has 2 extruders, it has a steel closed body.

Other features include a table sizing system, and a guide screw that makes the guide system more stable and durable. The design is nothing special, but this model has earned positive reviews from the 3D community due to its reliability, versatility and ease of use. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer FlashForge Creator Pro

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 225 x 145 x 150 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Maximum layer height: 500 microns;
• Number of extruders: 2;
• XY accuracy: 11 microns;
• 3D printing speed: 40-100 mm/s;
• Open Source: design and software; nine0346
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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Dremel Idea Builder ($899)

The Idea Builder is plug and play. This 3D printer is designed by Dremel. It has a color touch screen display. Sufficiently large working space - 230 x 150 x 140 mm. Unfortunately, the table is not heated. On the other hand, since only PLA plastics can be used, this model is great for classrooms and teaching labs. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Dremel Idea Builder

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 230 x 150 x 140 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: no;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: no;
• Heated table: no;
• Nozzle diameter: 1.75 mm;
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes; nine0346
• Connection: USB, SD card.

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Printrbot Simple Pro ($999)

Printrbot Simple Pro is a significant upgrade from the original Simple. Same open design, no body. Like its predecessor, the Printrbot Simple Pro is compact and portable. All-metal construction for excellent vibration damping and shock resistance.

The main difference is the built-in color touch screen, the ability to connect via WiFi and free cloud service (optional), which greatly improves the 3D printing process. Simple Pro has a 32-bit processor, which ensures smooth and fast movements. And at the same time, this model is included in our top 20 cheap 3D printers, since its cost is $999.

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Printrbot Simple Pro

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: PLA;
• Working space: 200 x 150 x 200 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 50 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• Open Source: design and software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: optional;
• Nozzle diameter: 1. 75 mm; nine0346
• Control panel on 3D printer: yes;
• Connection: USB, WiFi.

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Prusa i3 Mk2 ($999)

This is one of the best 3D printers you can buy in this price range. All nodes are open-source licensed and part of the Rep-Rap project, so there are many copies around ... but all replicas are worse than the original.

The Prusa i3 Mk2 is equipped with a heated table that has technology to compensate for temperature differences in the center and corners. There is an automatic calibration system. And of course, amazing documentation. This is an extremely versatile 3D printer that you will 100% appreciate when you start printing with unusual materials such as PLA, PET, HIPS, Flex PP or Ninjaflex, etc. nine0005

The Prusa i3 Mk2 is a 3D printer that is constantly being developed and supported by the manufacturer. Its developer Josef Prusa regularly adds new features, software and design improvements (for example, the ability to color 3D print). If you look for quality competitors in the 3D printing market, then the cost of their equipment will be in the region of $2000 - $3000.

The only drawback is that if you decide to buy a Prusa i3 Mk2, you will have to wait about 2 months, as the company cannot keep up with the high demand. nine0005

Specifications of cheap 3D printer Prusa i3 Mk2

• Printer type: FDM;
• 3D printing materials: ABS, PLA, exotic;
• Working space: 250 x 210 x 200 mm;
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns;
• Number of extruders: 1;
• 3D printing speed: 50 mm/s;
• Open Source: design and software;
• Compatible with materials from other manufacturers: yes;
• Heated table: yes; nine0005

  The choice of plastic for a 3D printer is very important, especially when the goal is to print a functional model with certain properties. It will be a shame if the printed gear breaks almost immediately, or the decorative model quickly loses its beauty.

  It is important to understand whether the printer will be able to work with the selected plastic. Some materials (most often engineering) require certain conditions for successful printing.

  First, decide which model you want to print. What properties should it have? Does the model need to be durable? Or is it a master model for further replication, in which the quality of the surface is important? nine0005

  90% of 3D printers use 1.75 diameter filament. 3mm diameter is rare, but it is better to check in advance which size is used in your printer.

  PLA

  PLA (Polylactide) is the most popular and affordable 3D printer plastic. PLA is made from sugar cane, corn, or other natural raw materials. Therefore, it is considered a non-toxic, biodegradable material.

  Extruder temperature - 190-220 degrees. Table heating is not needed, but if the printer's table has a "heater" for better adhesion, you can heat it up to 50-60 degrees. PLA is very easy to work with. The only requirement is to blow the model. There is practically no shrinkage in this material. When printed, it is practically odorless, and if it smells, it smells like burnt caramel.

  Pros:

  • Does not shrink. This makes it easy to build prefabricated or huge models without changing dimensions. nine0005

  • There are no specific requirements for a 3D printer. Any working 3D printer will do. PLA doesn't need a heated table or a closed case.

  • Non-toxic. Due to this, during printing it does not smell or has a barely perceptible aroma of burnt caramel.

  • Diverse color palette.

  nine1141 Cons:

  • PLA is poorly sanded and machined.

  • It begins to deform already with a slight heating (about 50 degrees).

  • Fragility. Compared to other materials, PLA is very brittle and breaks easily.

  • Decomposes under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Of course, it will not fall apart into dust, but it can become more brittle and fade. nine0005

  PLA is perfect for making dimensional or composite models. For example, decorative interior items, prototyping, electronics cases, etc.

  Recently, PLA+ has appeared on the market. It may differ from conventional PLA in improved performance. For example, more durable, with improved layer adhesion.

  Dummy turbine
  

  Decorative coasters
  

  ABS

  ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the second most popular plastic for 3D printing due to its properties, availability and low price.

  Extruder temperature - 220-240 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. For printing, a heated table is required at the printer. It is desirable to have a closed chamber, because ABS "does not like" drafts. Due to a sharp temperature drop, it can “unstick” from the table or crack in layers. ABS can smell bad when printing, so it is recommended to use the printer with a closed chamber and filters, or print in a well-ventilated area. nine0005

  Pros:

  • Good strength characteristics allow the production of functional prototypes from ABS.

  • Simple mechanical and chemical processing. ABS is easy to sand and drill, and with an acetone bath you can achieve a perfectly smooth surface.

  • It is currently the most inexpensive type of plastic for 3D printing. nine0005

  • Large selection of colors and shades.

  Cons:

  • High shrinkage. Because of this, it can be problematic to manufacture overall products.

  • Printing requires a heated bed and a closed chamber. Without this, the ABS may peel off the table or crack in layers.

    nine0346

  • During the printing process, ABS can smell bad. Therefore, it is recommended that you print in a ventilated area or use the printer with a sealed chamber and filter.

  ABS is an engineering plastic. It is suitable for the manufacture of simple functional products.

  ABS after chemical treatment in an acetone bath
  nine0005

  RU model made of ABS
  

  ABS+ differs from conventional ABS in improved strength characteristics (elasticity, rigidity, hardness), less shrinkage and sometimes resistance to certain oils and solvents (eg gasoline).

  
  

  HIPS

  HIPS (high impact polystyrene) - originally conceived as a soluble support plastic for materials with high printing temperatures. For example for ABS or Nylon. nine0005

  The extruder temperature is 230-260 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. It is desirable to have a closed camera for a 3D printer.

  Pros:

  • Less shrinkage than ABS.

  • Ease of machining.

  • The matte surface looks very advantageous on decorative products. nine0005

  • Food contact allowed (but be sure to check with a specific manufacturer for certificates)

  Cons:

  • For printing, you need a printer with a heated table and a closed chamber.

  • More flexible and less durable than ABS. Because of this, it will not be possible to produce functional products. nine0005

  • Small palette of colors.

  Most often, HIPS is used for its intended purpose for printing on 2x extruder printers as a support for ABS. It dissolves perfectly (though not very quickly) in limonel.

  Sometimes HIPS is used as an independent material. Products from it are not very durable, but this plastic is loved for easy post-processing. HIPS can be used for models that will subsequently come into contact with food (not hot). nine0005

  Using HIPS as a Soluble Support

  Decorative vase made of HIPS

  
  

  PVA

  PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a material that was developed as a water-soluble support for PLA.

  Extruder temperature - 190-210. Table heating is not required. PVA is a slightly "capricious" material, it is not recommended to overheat it and print at high speeds. nine0005

  PVA is very hygroscopic and dissolves in ordinary water. Therefore, it is only used as a support for PLA or other plastics with print temperatures close to PVA.

  Soluble PVA Support
  

  
  

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  nine0033

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  Tiger3D

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  Tiger3D

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  Esun

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  Esun

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  PETG

  PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) combines the best properties of PLA and ABS. It is easy to work with, it has a low percentage of shrinkage and excellent sintering of the layers.

  Extruder temperature - 220-240 degrees. Table temperature - 80-100 degrees. During the printing process, the model must be well blown.

  Pros: nine0005

  • Excellent sinterability of layers.

  • PETG is very strong and wear resistant. Good impact resistance.

  • Virtually no smell when printing.

  • Non-toxic.

  • Little shrinkage.

  nine0367

  Cons:

  PETG is perfect for printing functional models. Due to its low shrinkage, it is often used to make large or composite models. Due to its low toxicity, PETG is often used for products that will come into contact with food.

  Cookie cutters and patterned rolling pin
  

  SBS

  It is a highly transparent material. At the same time, it is durable and resilient. SBS is a low toxicity plastic. It can be used to print food contact models. nine0005

  Extruder temperature - 230 -260 degrees. Table temperature - 60-100 degrees. You can print without the closed case on the printer.

  Pros:

  • slight shrinkage

  • Transparency. After treatment with solvent, limonel or dichloromethane, beautiful transparent products with an almost smooth surface can be obtained.

  nine0345

  Easily processed mechanically or chemically.

  • Allowed contact with food.

  Cons:

  SBS is excellent for translucent vases, children's toys and food containers. Or functional things that require transparency, such as custom turn signals for a motorcycle or car, lamps or bottle prototypes. nine0005

  Vases are perfectly printed with a thick nozzle (0.7-0.8) in one pass (printing in 1 wall or spiral printing in a slicer).

  Models of bottles after chemical treatment

  
  

  Nylon

  Nylon (polyamide) is considered the most durable material available for home 3D printing. In addition to good abrasion resistance and strength, it has a high slip coefficient. nine0005

  Extruder temperature - 240-260 degrees. The temperature of the table is 80-100 degrees. Nylon is a very capricious and hygroscopic material - it is recommended to dry the coil with plastic before use. For printing, you need a printer with a heated table and a closed chamber, without this it will be difficult to print something larger than a small gear.

  Pros:

  • High strength and wear resistance.

    nine0346

  • High slip factor.

  • Heat resistance compared to other 3D printing plastics.

  • High resistance to many solvents.

  • Good for mechanical processing. Perfectly polished and drilled.

  nine1141 Cons:

  Nylon is perfect for making wear-resistant parts - gears, functional models, etc. Sometimes nylon is used to print bushings.

  Nylon gear

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  Tiger3D

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  Bestfilament

  Soft plastics

  FLEX (TPU, TPE, TPC) is a material similar to silicone or rubber. It is flexible and elastic, but at the same time tear-resistant. For example, TPE is a rubbery plastic, while TPU is more rigid.

  FLEX are printed at a temperature of 200-240 (depending on the material). A heated table is not required. On printers with direct material feed (feed mechanism on the print head), there are usually no problems with printing. On a bowden feeder (the feed mechanism is located on the body), printing with very soft plastics can be difficult. Usually it is necessary to additionally adjust the clamping of the bar. The main nuance is the very low print speeds - 20-40mm. nine0005

  Pros:

  Cons:

  Depending on the type of FLEXa, the models can be flexible or rubber-like. This material, depending on its softness, can be used to print gaskets, insoles, belts, tracks or other models that require flexibility or softness.

  FLEX belt
  

  nine1192 Trainers with flexible soles
  

  Wheel for RC model

  Decorative plastics

  Decorative plastics are PLA plastics with various fillers (wood or metal shavings). Or with dyes selected to imitate different materials. Since the base of the plastic is PLA, it is very easy to print.

  Extruder temperature - 200-220 degrees (depending on the manufacturer). A heated table is not required. nine0005

  Pros:

  Cons:

  • Some fillers (eg clay) are abrasive. For such plastics, the standard brass nozzle cannot be used. Will have to buy a harder steel nozzle.

  • Some decorative plastics can clog the small nozzle (0.4 or less). For them, you need to use a “thicker” nozzle. nine0005

  Depending on the filler, different material properties are obtained. Plastics that use only dye do not require additional processing. Materials with "fillers" may sometimes require additional post-processing.

  Plastics with metal fillers after printing must be processed with a metal brush. Then the Metal content will show through and the model will resemble a metal casting. nine0329

  Plastics with metallic powder
  

  These plastics are often used for printing key chains, decorative models and interior details.

  If the plastic has a high content of wood dust, then it is recommended to use a larger nozzle diameter (0.5 or more), a smaller nozzle can quickly become clogged during printing.

  Wood-filled plastic ground

  Plastic key rings with copper dust

  Engineering plastics

  These are nylon-based plastics with fillers that improve strength, heat-resistant and other characteristics, help to achieve less shrinkage of the material. For example - carbon fiber, carbon fiber or fiberglass.

  Extruder temperature - 240-300 degrees (depending on the manufacturer). Table temperature - 90-110 degrees. Since plastics are based on nylon, the requirements for printing are similar. This is a heated table and a closed printer case.

  Pros:

  • Hardness and strength.

  • Low flammability or non-combustibility.

  • High precision due to low shrinkage.

  nine0367

  Cons:

  
  

  3D printers use brass nozzles, some plastics can quickly “waste” it during printing. For such materials it is recommended to use steel nozzles.

  These are highly specialized plastics used for a specific task, depending on the filler. For example, functional parts that do not lose their shape when heated, are resistant to many solvents, etc. nine0005

  Functional Carbon Fiber Composite Prototype
  

  Composite frame
  

  Polycarbonate ashtray
  

  Totals

  This is of course not the whole list of materials for 3D printing. There are many highly specialized engineering and decorative plastics for specific tasks. nine0005

  Manufacturers are constantly trying to replenish the range of materials for 3D printing. Already familiar materials are improved for more comfortable printing. There are many interesting decorative plastics imitating different materials - ceramics, clay, wood, metals.

  And of course, the assortment of engineering plastics is constantly updated. Now there are many interesting materials for highly specialized tasks - for example, burnable plastic with a low ash content for subsequent casting in metal. nine0005

  Burnout plastic

  Before buying a coil, read the information on the website of the manufacturer or seller. There you can find some nuances of printing for a particular plastic. The manufacturer indicates the recommended temperature range on the box. Sometimes, for quality printing, it is recommended to print several tests to adjust the temperature settings, retract, etc.

  Try to store the started coil in silica gel bags.

  ---

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