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The Best 3D Printers for Kids in 2022 (Including Best for Budget and Beginners)
Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best 3D printer for kids 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
3D printing is exploding, providing breakthroughs in sectors like medicine, architecture, aerospace, and education. With millions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) job vacancies unfilled and on the rise, teachers are using 3D printing to easily introduce kids to STEM concepts, reshaping how they learn about these fields. From creating an avatar or designing a space rover, to making math more interesting and understandable, 3D printing is changing the world of education.
3D printers are a great way to introduce children to STEM conceptsImage credit: Shutterstock/Alex_Traksel
It may sound complex, but 3D printing nowadays can be as simple as owning a printer that connects to your computer allowing you to create a three-dimensional model of pretty much anything that can fit within the design plate. 3D printing has a learning curve, but once understood, the fun and possibilities are endless.
With the large variety of 3D printers available, including large-scale, or sand-printing 3D printers, how do you choose the right one for your kids? Since these machines can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, knowing what to look for is important, and we list a few points for consideration below.
How to Choose a 3D Printer for Kids
Understanding a few simple options is essential for deciding on the right 3D printer for your family.
- Print bed: Safety is a foremost factor where children are involved, so choosing a 3D printer with a cold print bed, as opposed to a heated one, is a better option if the bed is exposed. Some print beds are magnetic making removing completed models simpler. Other bed choices are aluminum which heats up quickly and won’t break if dropped, and glass beds which provide the smoothest printing surface.
- Assembly: Depending on how time and much and effort you're willing to dedicate to assembling the product, you can choose from 3D printer options that arrive fully assembled or part assembled; the latter requiring some DIY construction meaning it’ll take longer till you're able to start printing.
- Covering: Covered 3D print areas allow consistent temperatures, are safer for little fingers, and also offer quieter operation. They also protect against any unsafe fumes released during printing. Uncovered print areas, however, provide more flexibility to adjust the model, and often have a larger print area.
- Frames: Materials for 3D printer frames can be either plastic or metal, with metal frames being more durable but, in many cases, plastic versions being more economical.
- Size: 3D printer sizes are measured in inches or millimeters and vary widely. For printing bigger objects, you'll need a large-format 3D printer.
Filament sizes usually come in 1.75mm or 2.85mm (sometimes labeled as 3mm) versions, and generally cannot be interchanged without the proper hardware. - Leveling: This is another important aspect, with leveling options ranging from an inherent bed leveler, assisted bed leveling that automatically scans the print bed and instructs you on how to manually adjust for a level surface, or fully manual adjustments.
- Other features to look out for include filament sensors that pause printing while refilling; power loss recovery that restarts printing in case of a power outage, Wi-Fi capability, and a built-in camera allowing you to both control or watch the progress of your print from almost anywhere.
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best 3D Printers for Kids
Introduce your kids to the world of 3D printing with our age-appropriate top picks below:
Best 3D Printer for Kids Overall: Flashforge Finder 3D Printer | Buy Now Best 3D Printer for Kids Ages 8-10: Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer | Buy Now Best 3D Printer for Kids Ages 10-12: Kingroon 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Quiet 3D Printer for Kids: Artillery Sidewinder X1 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Budget 3D Printer for Kids: NantFun Mini 3D Printer for Kids | Buy Now Best Compact 3D Printer for Kids: FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite | Buy Now Best Beginners 3D Printer for Kids: Comgrow Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Professional 3D Printer for Kids: ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Printer | Buy Now Best Quality 3D Printer for Kids: FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro | Buy NowContinue reading to learn more about the best 3D printers for children, from beginner options for younger kids, to more advanced levels for those who already have a little bit of 3D printing know-how.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on Amazon.com (USA) and other retailers as of April 2022.
1. Best 3D Printer for Kids Overall—FlashForge 3D Printer
Safety, as well as top printing quality, is what you’ll get from this FlashForge 3D printer that has a cold printing plate to ensure little hands don’t get burned. Its small size and user-friendly controls make this a great choice for younger users. This model can be used with a USB, WiFi, or flash drive, and includes 3D cloud utilities, letting you store, revise and track your production status, as well as access new design models.
A convenient 3.5-inch color touchscreen allows for easy control and design set-up, and one satisfied customer confirmed that they were up and running in around 20-30 minutes. “It is capable of printing very detailed and intricate objects,” they wrote, adding that “the Flashprint software is easy to use and intuitive.”
BUY NOW:
US$339 (Was US$399), FlashForge2.
Best 3D Printer for Kids Ages 8-10—Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer This durable 3D printer from Voxelab features a large printing bed that heats up quickly, and a convenient and money-, and time-saving resume-printing capability—in case you lose power, it will just pick up where it left off before the outage. Other features include low-noise printing, a color, intuitive touch screen, and a glass plate that increases grip, reducing distortion of your printed model. It’s also pretty easy to set up.
One satisfied buyer wrote, “I have never touched a 3D printer before and found the setup self-explanatory with all information needed to assemble it correctly in the instructions given.”
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US$199, Amazon3. Best 3D Printer for Kids Ages 10-12—Kingroon 3D Printer
Arriving almost fully assembled right out of the box, the Kingroon 3D printer includes a direct drive and an easily accessible screen. Its double rails, and two fans that uniformly dispense heat help to increase printing precision, and the external feeder makes loading filament easier.
The magnetic print bed has a square print space of 180mm, and one happy parent raved, “Bought this for my son’s 11th birthday... Assembles real easily and operation is simple... He’s anxious to learn and make his own creations so, if you’re looking to expand a kid's mind, this is a great tool.”
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US$179.99, Amazon4. Best Quiet 3D Printer for Kids—Artillery 3D Printer
It might be a touch pricier than some other options, but you get what you pay for with this Artillery 3D printer. This machine comes 95% pre-assembled and has a print bed stabilizing sensor to maintain a level platform, even while printing at rapid speeds. Some of its other perks are a filament sensor that pauses printing until it’s refilled, resumed printing in case of a power failure, power-saving mode, a print bed that heats in less than two minutes, and a durable and sturdy aluminum frame. It’s also one of the quietest printers on the market.
One satisfied shopper wrote, “It is wonderfully quiet, and with the volcano hot end, it prints super-fast.
The cable management is something you normally only see on printers costing twice as much, and the build volume is huge.”
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US$469.99, Amazon5. Best Budget 3D Printer for Kids— Nantfun
Its miniature size, price point, and easy-to-assemble design make this Nantfun/TTLIFE a good first 3D printer for kids. It’s so user-friendly that you’re able to finish assembling it in less than five minutes right out of the box. Its minimalist design, with just four control buttons, makes it a breeze for even young children to learn 3D printing.
Designs can be downloaded via a Google drive file and inserted directly into your printer for easy production. “This model may just be the perfect printer for a younger person looking to explore 3D printing or even an adult that wants to dip a toe into the possibilities,” described one pleased client. “It is an outstanding printer for under US$150 and can be made better with a little effort.
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US$74.40, Amazon6. Best Compact 3D Printer for Kids—FlashForge
Entirely covered for safety, without the risk of burns or damaging fumes, this FlashForge 3D printer has a smallish square 150mm printing space, along with many features you’d find on more expensive designs; an auto-leveler, removable plate, filament sensor, and full-color touch screen. What’s more, the releasable nozzle makes it easy to clean and unclog.
One of the many happy customers described this as an “easy budget printer for beginners,” adding, “This was my first printer and it was amazing I was able to use it straight out of the box and saw pretty decent build quality.”
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US$339, Amazon7. Best Beginner 3D Printer for Kids—Comgrow
With over 4,000 satisfied customers, Comgrow’s 3D printer is a simple way to enter the world of 3D printing. With an open-source network, your kids can learn, design, and share their creations with top designers.
With power loss recovery, a large print area of 220x220x250mm, and large, easy-to-move nozzles for leveling the printing bed, this is a simple printer that won’t overwhelm beginners.
Putting this printer together takes quite a long time, but with the manual, and the plethora of YouTube videos available, users have reported that it is rather straightforward. One buyer reviewed, “Overall if you're looking to get into the hobby, this printer is a great entry point… [It] has good print quality and speed, and so far, has been very reliable.”
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US$189 (Was US$249.99), Amazon8. Best Professional 3D Printer for Kids—ANYCUBIC
Sporting an 8.9-inch black and white LCD screen, with fast printing speeds, remote printing administration, and accurate printing, ANYCUBIC’s 3D printer is for professional 3D artists, but is intuitive enough for kids to use too. The WiFi and USB connectors provide access to unlimited designs, whereas the covered large printing bed provides safety while printing larger models.
One reviewer mentioned, “This is a great printer that is sturdy, well built, and produces excellent quality prints,” and another wrote, “The set up was quick and easy, and I was ready to begin printing in under an hour. Even dialing in the settings for a test print didn't take long.”
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US$449.99 (Was US$799.99), Amazon9. Best Quality 3D Printer for Kids—Flashforge
This sturdy FlashForge 3D printer has a metal frame, an aluminum plate, and a covered design that is perfect for families wanting an easy-to-use, safe, and tough 3D printer. This is a considerable upgrade from the brand’s previous wood frame model and is built to last. Compatible with almost any filament type, it also has dual spool holders that allow you to use two colors at the same time for attractive and creative prints.
The only assembly required is a simple installation of the door and glass top, and you’re ready to print. One professional, an inventor, wrote, “This machine has been rock solid for the past five years that I've owned it… I've used many 3D printers and I find that this one has the largest print volume and features of any machine in its price range.
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US$894.89, AmazonBest 3D Printers for Kids 2022—Summary
For kids and beginners looking for a safe and easy introduction to 3D printing, the Flashforge compact 3D printer (US$339, Amazon) is a top choice. For those who have dabbled in 3D printing and are after professional print quality, the ANYCUBIC Photon 3D Printer (US$449.99, Amazon) can’t be beaten.
We hope our review of the best 3D printer for kids has been helpful. For more similar suppliers, including suppliers of 3D printer filaments, 3D photographic printing services, specialty printers, and printer supplies, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/07/24/what-can-3d-printing-be-used-for-here-are-10-amazing-examples
- https://www.makersempire.com/top-10-stem-3dprinting-education/
- https://3dinsider.com/what-is-fdm/
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The 6 Best 3D Printers for Kids 2022 (All Price Ranges!)
Gone are the days where 3D printing was too technical for the average maker.
Some budget 3D printers are now usable for even young children, and parents are increasingly turning to 3D printers for kids to help them get ahead in engineering and math, while also having a great time!
A good 3D printer for kids needs to be super safe, and as easy to use as possible. Kids are curious – sometimes dangerously so – so it’s extremely important to keep any hot, sharp, or otherwise harmful parts away from them.
Best 3D Printer For Kids & Beginners
Toybox: 3D Printer for Kids
$299-349
Super easy to set up, comes with different filament colors to get started, and a huge range of 3D printable files (including licensed Batman models!) that your kids will LOVE.
Toybox Store here
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Simple and safe is better
All our recommendations are plug’n’play FDM 3D printers you can get straight to printing within 15 minutes of opening the box.
We haven’t recommended any resin 3D printers for kids. They’re more complex, and the resin materials and fumes can be irritant. We also don’t recommend any technical 3D printer kits as assembling them can be tricky and intimidating, and any 3D printer for kids should be as simple as possible to set up and use.
We also link to a few fun articles at the end for cool printing projects your kids will love.
The Best 3D Printers For Kids (In Every Price Range)
| Name | Build Volume (mm) | Price | Where to buy for the best price | Other purchase option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toybox 3D Printer | 70 x 80 x 90 | $299-399 | Toybox Store here | |
| Monoprice Voxel | 150 x 150 x 150 | $399 | Amazon here | Matterhackers here |
| Dremel Digilab 3D20 | 230 x 150 x 140 | $679 | Amazon here | |
| Qidi Tech X-Plus | 270 x 200 x 200 | $699 | Amazon here | 3DJake UK & Europe |
| Dremel Digilab 3D40 EDU | 255 x 155 x 170 | $1,519 basic / $1,699 bundle | Amazon here | |
| Ultimaker S3 | 230 x 190 x 200 | $3,850 | Dynamism Store here | Matterhackers here |
What makes a good 3D printer for kids?
- Closed enclosure: to filter out fumes and keep kids away from hot parts
- Quick assembly and simple to use: either comes pre-assembled or quick to set up, and simple to use 3D slicer software
- Auto-leveling: kids may be put off or be confused by manual leveling
- Lightweight and smaller size
- Lower print temperature: and no heated bed also prevents kids burning themselves
- Filament run-out sensor, WiFi, built-in camera: all these features make for an easier 3D printing experience
Probably the single most important feature for a 3D printer for kids is a closed enclosure, especially if the printer has a heated bed.
Heated beds make it possible to print tougher filaments like ABS and PC, but are very hot to touch and should be kept away from children.
- We also have a ranking of the best enclosed 3D printers.
- Also: the best auto-leveling 3D printers.
Closed enclosures keep the hot parts of a printer away from kids, removing the temptation to touch and keeping them safe. They can also keep fumes from filaments like ABS away as they can be smelly and unpleasant. (No research has been conducted to ascertain whether ABS fumes are harmful, but we recommend printing with PLA anyway).
3DSourced is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Best 3D printers for younger kids
Toybox 3D Printer — Best 3D printer for kids
- Price: Starter Bundle $299 / Deluxe Bundle $349 — Available on Toybox’s site here
- Print volume: 70 x 80 x 90 mm
The ideal 3D printer for kids is super simple to use and navigate, completely safe to use, and creates hours and hours of educational fun.
Enter Toybox 3D printers, the pint-sized printer designed to get you started in no time at all: just find your favorite model (Toybox has plenty in their toy archive), and press print!
When you buy a Toybox 3D printer for your kids, you get access to their extensive toy library, so if you ever want to print some fun Easter egg-related goodies, mini F1 cars or tanks, you can do so for free, all at the press of a button. You can even print Batman action figures for Batman fans worldwide!A seal with movable arms that we 3D printed on the Toybox 3D printer to test it.
Read our review: we reviewed and tested the Toybox 3D printer.
We tested the Toybox 3D printer recently and were very impressed.
In speaking with Ben, one of Toybox’s founders, we discussed how 3D printers need to become more accessible for more people to adopt the tech, and the Toybox 3D printer for kids focuses on this simplicity more than most.
In fact, it would make a good 3D printer for teenagers, or any adult beginners to 3D printing who want a shallow learning curve.
Starting at $299 for the starter package, the Toybox offers great value for teaching your kids about design, color theory, and the basic principles of engineering, while printing their entire toy collection from their 3D printer!
Their PLA filament — affectionately called “3D printer food” — is cheap to stock up on, and you can even design your own models via their iOS and Android apps.
Best 3D Printer For Kids & Beginners
Toybox: 3D Printer for Kids
$299-349
Super easy to set up, comes with different filament colors to get started, and a huge range of 3D printable files (including licensed Batman models!) that your kids will LOVE.
Toybox Store here
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Monoprice Voxel — Simple 3D printer for kids under $500
- Price: $499 — Available on Amazon here / Available on Matterhackers here
- Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Flashforge Adventurer 3: Available at Flashforge here
The Monoprice Voxel is almost identical to another popular 3D printer kids, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite, so feel free to use the names interchangeably.
It’s small, sleek, and compact, doesn’t weigh much, and is perfect for kids learning 3D printing who want to take on small projects. It can print ABS or PLA with its heated bed, and most importantly for safety, the closed enclosure keeps any prying young hands from burning themselves.
Most low-cost 3D printers don’t come with auto-leveling features, a really nice bonus for the Monoprice Voxel. Manual leveling is generally a hassle, an ongoing annoyance, and if you’re an impatient child who just wants to get going and doesn’t want to mess with any of the boring stuff, self-leveling is nice to have. It also keeps the printer accurate.
The full-color 2.8” touchscreen makes printing easy, and for a cheap 3D printer the Monoprice Voxel has a few neat features, including a filament run-out detector to avoid any print errors. While less focused on kids, it has a larger build area than the Toybox, though it costs $200 more.
Overall, it’s a good starter 3D printer for kids who want to have a go at 3D printing without a large investment.
Fully enclosed (keeping the hot parts away), and easy to set up and get printing. What’s not to love about the Voxel?
Dremel Digilab 3D20 — Safest 3D printer for kids
- Price: $637 — Available on Amazon here
- Build volume: 230 x 150 x 140 mm
The first of two Dremel 3D printers featured on our best 3D printer for kids buyer’s guide, the Dremel 3D20 is easy to set up and use for kids (with the odd bit of help from their parents). It comes fully assembled and with 0.5kg filament to start with.
For a closed enclosure 3D printer under $1,000 it has a very large build volume. So, if you want to print big projects like huge action figures or other 3D printed toys, the Dremel could be the perfect printer for you. It’s reliable as a Dremel printer should be, and if you do run into problems, Dremel’s USA-based customer service will help you get your printer working again.
Another key advantage that makes the Dremel 3D20 one of the best 3D printers for kids is its safety.
It only prints PLA filament, and therefore doesn’t have a heated bed — so there’s no risk there for your child to burn themselves. The 3D printing software is also very simple to use – Dremel use their version of Cura – and if anything does go wrong, you have a 1-year warranty.
Qidi Tech X-Plus
- Price: $799 — Available on Amazon here / Available on 3DJake UK & Europe here
- Build volume: 270 x 200 x 200 mm
The ideal 3D printer for kids is one that is safe, reliable, filters out any fumes, and is affordable. The Qidi Tech X-Plus ticks all of these boxes, which is why it also features on our best 3D printer for beginners guide.
The closed enclosure not only keeps your child safe from the hot extruder and print head, but also keeps the printing temperature consistent so finished prints have a smoother surface area and less warping. The standard extruder it comes with is perfect for just PLA and ABS printing, though you can refit it with another extruder if you want to print at higher temperatures for filaments like Nylon or PC.
For those who want a 3D printer for kids that is also precise, this is perfect. The solid frame weighs the printer down so vibrations don’t affect your model’s surface finish, improving an already accurate 3D printer. The large 4.3” touchscreen is also great for kids and easy to use.
However, it doesn’t have a filament run-out sensor, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough filament left for your project. You can manually stop the print, change the filament, and resume, but it won’t automatically pause when filament runs out.
If you do have any problems, Qidi’s customer service pledge to respond within 24 hours, and the printer comes with a 1-year warranty. Overall, it’s very reliable, accurate, safe for kids to 3D print, and one of the best 3D printers under $1,000.
Best 3D Printers for kids (more premium & advanced)
Dremel Digilab 3D45 with lesson plans — Fantastic educational 3D printer for kids
- Price: $2,099 with lesson plans, $1,899 without — Available on Amazon here / Available on Matterhackers here
- Build volume: 254 x 154 x 170 mm
American legendary tool-producing company Dremel have recently ventured into the 3D printing industry and produced some of the best printers of the last few years.
The Dremel Digilab 3D45 is especially aimed at teaching younger kids 3D printing in schools, making it perfect for parents and their kids to have fun together while also learning about engineering and making things.
You can choose to buy the printer with or without the lesson plans and extra projects, with over 30 lessons included if you decide to go for the educational bundle. It’s also accurate down to a minimum layer height of 50 microns. Even if it is focused on kids 3D printing at home rather than industrial printing, it is still very powerful and precise.
Dremel 3D printers are known for their reliability, and with the ability to print over WiFi and remotely using Dremel’s Cloud printing, it’s also very convenient. Overall, it’s a great, reliable 3D printer designed specifically for kids.
Ultimaker S3 — high-end kids 3D printer
- Price: $3,850 — Available on Dynamism Store here / Available on Matterhackers here
- Build volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm
More expensive than the other 3D printers we recommend for kids, but the Ultimaker S3 is a premium machine capable of extraordinary things if you’ve got the money.
Firstly, unlike the other printers on this list, the Ultimaker S3 offers a dual extruder system, handy for teaching kids about printing two materials at once, or printing two different colors simultaneously. Moreover, it’s incredibly accurate, with up to 20-micron accuracy that is barely ever seen among FDM 3D printers.
The 4.7” touchscreen is not only large and therefore easy to navigate for 3D printing, but has also won major design awards. Unlike most printers, the Ultimaker uses 2.85mm filament, but has an open filament system so you can use other filaments that aren’t made by Ultimaker.
It’s also got a built-in camera for remote print monitoring from your smartphone or another device. You can also print over WiFi rather than having to keep plugging it into your computer, or using a USB or SD card.
The source files or previous Ultimaker printers have been made available as per their open source 3D printing philosophy, so anyone who wants to tinker with their printer may find this an advantage, too.
Overall, it’s a simple, sleekly-designed, and extremely accurate printer for kids who want to test the limits of their abilities.
Reasons to teach kids 3D printing
There are so many key skills young kids and teenagers alike can gain from 3D printing:
- 3D design skills: if designing the model to be 3D printed instead of downloading it. By using simple and free 3D software modeling tools such as TinkerCAD or FreeCAD, kids learn 3D printing, spatial and shape skills, engineering and prototyping skills. Engineering is one of the most lucrative careers around, and this experience is hugely beneficial.
- Experience with rapid prototyping: rapid prototyping with 3D printers has become a mainstay in engineering, and early experience with creating models, tinkering with them and playing with them puts kids at a massive advantage.
- Having fun in real-life while learning: instead of spending hours on a screen, kids using 3D printers gain all these great skills, while seeing the effects of their designs appear in real-life, rather than just on a screen.
You may also like:
- The best 3D printers for miniatures
- The 7 best 3D printers for schools and education
- Our top 10 3D pens
- 30+ coolest 3D printed toys you can print at home
- 50+ coolest things to 3D printer (and useful prints!)
- 50+ 3D printed cookie cutters you can print at home
Best 3D printers for kids
This article will help you choose the best 3D printer for your child. The criterion that was used to determine these 3D printers is the age of the children. The printers discussed below will provide you with the opportunity to introduce your children to 3D printing and perhaps further interest them in engineering or a similar field.
Introducing children to 3D printers from an early age gives them hands-on experience making models to scale. Your kids will love creating their models and watching them take shape right before their eyes.
Below are only the best 3D printers based on both objective and subjective criteria, the final choice is up to you, but we will provide you with as much useful information as possible.
Is your child ready for a 3D printer?
If you have already mastered the technology of 3D printing, you have probably noticed that this is no longer something from the future. It's already here. 3D printing is useful for everyday use, from smartphones to cars, jewelry to medicine and more.
Kids should be early on about 3D printing technology. And with the 3D printers below, your kids will not only learn the theory, but also get hands-on physical experience in 3D printing.
Price should not influence your decision when buying a 3D printer for a child. Instead, think about the benefits your kids will have in terms of hands-on experience using it.
3D printer develops creative thinking
With 3D printing, you can get a small physical 3D model of plastic or other material in just a couple of hours. This technology not only speeds up simulation, but also significantly reduces the tedious development cycle of product development, design, production, testing, and product improvement.
For children who want to make a career as an engineer, a 3D printer will definitely help in their development. A 3D printer will give your child a hands-on physical experience of making their own products. This is what engineers live for.
Coming up with a design and having it in your hands in a few hours is a very exciting process. It can also be a good way to show your kids that engineering is fun.
The future of manufacturing is 3D printing
The introduction of new technologies in schools is relatively slow. This is usually due to the fact that schools do not receive sufficient funding and must follow the existing curriculum. Do not be surprised to learn that schools are still teaching children what they taught more than 10 years ago.
If your children are lucky, they can be taught to work with metal or wood anywhere from elementary to high school. Even though they are learning these skills, it is very unlikely that they will touch a 3D printer.
If the institution has a 3D printer, it may not be the latest model.
3D printers have changed a lot in the last 10 years. Today, printers have become much more affordable, and the choice and competition are quite high.
3D printer XYZPrinting Da Vinci miniMaker
First impressions of XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker
XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker looks like you will definitely like. Not only that, the bright appearance of this 3D printer will also impress your child. Instead of seeing a boring gray box, the first impression will be like a new toy.
A similar Da Vinci Mini is more orange and will cost about $30 more. However, it does have Wi-Fi.
The build quality of the DaVinci miniMaker is excellent. It is a rugged and reliable 3D printer with compact dimensions (15.75 x 13.23 x 14.25 inches).
Specifications XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker
Age group: 14+ (8+ with adult supervision). An adult will need to unpack it, set it up, remove the pre-assembled parts, and clean the 3D printer after each use.
- Price range: Budget
- Material type: PLA (non-toxic)
- Resolution: 1 mm - 0.4 mm
- Workspace: 9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
DainciMaker DainciMaker software
MiniMaker does not use the industry standard G-code. Instead, it uses the included XYZware software. This is the limiting factor for young hungry minds. However, the 3D printer is guaranteed to work immediately after purchase.
The XYZware software is a fairly simple program. However, there are problems in terms of feedback. For example, there will be no expected error warnings, etc.
XYZ MiniMaker Kids 3D printer displays useful information. For example, there is information about how much material the 3D model will use and how long it will take to print. Children usually lose patience when they have to wait a long time. So it's great that this 3D printer gives an estimated production time.
The program does a great job of automatically preparing your 3D models for production.
Unfortunately, there are limitations in terms of adding support materials in case of complex 3D models, so that the child will not be able to master this area of 3D printing.
XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker setup and print quality
DaVinci miniMaker is easy to set up. All you have to do is plug in the USB cable and power cable, install the printhead, feed in the 3D printing material, and you're done. Calibration is not required.
This 3D printer comes with setup instructions that are a little vague at times. However, you won't have any problems setting it up, even if you're seeing a 3D printer for the first time.
XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker 3D printing process
There are several models in the XYZ program that can be used for 3D proofing. If you need more models, I suggest you check out Thingiverse. Or, for example, you can download Pokemon characters and print their models.
The level of detail you get with DaVinci miniMaker 3D printing is commendable given how cheap this device is.
MiniMaker runs quietly. That's impressive considering it's an open design model.
Disadvantages of XYZprinting DaVinci miniMaker
The biggest disadvantage of the miniMaker 3D printer is that it can only use the exclusive XYZ filament. The problem is that filament is more expensive than conventional brands available on the market. The manufacturer of this 3D printer probably doesn't want entry-level users to put the wrong filament in the printer. Therefore, only one type of media is used in printers. Inside this 3D printer there is a chip that checks the markers on the material. By checking, he can find out how much material was used up. Therefore, if you insert a different brand of media, the printer will indicate that there is no media and therefore it simply will not work. The only way to get this 3D printer to use a different material is probably to change the main board. So keep that in mind when you're shopping for this 3D printer.
However, the inability to use other manufacturers' filaments should not deter you from buying a DaVinci miniMaker, as the filament spool can last quite a while.
In addition, the 3D print quality of this printer is exceptionally high.
XYZprinting Conclusions DaVinci miniMaker
The XYZ miniMaker is a great 3D printer for young children and non-technical parents. Finished 3D models are very highly detailed and of excellent quality.
However, the simplicity of this printer can be a disadvantage because your children can outgrow it quite quickly, especially when they reach their teens. In addition, this 3D printer will not be able to 3D print more complex models.
If you are interested in a 3D printer, you can check out an alternative review of the DaVinci miniMaker, in which it is considered not in the context of a device for children, but as a full-fledged 3D printer.
Monoprice Select Mini 9 3D printer0009
First impressions of the Monoprice Select Mini
The Monoprice Select Mini V2 is a very durable 3D printer. The steel construction of this printer is quite simple, but it looks reliable and there can be absolutely no complaints about it.
Important parts of the 3D printer are well sealed to avoid damage or injury during use. This 3D printer gives the impression that it should be operated by a white-coated lab technician.
Enthusiastic teens will love this 3D printer with a full color display. Although the display is not touch-sensitive, there is a thin control wheel next to it on a fancy polished steel plate.
The great news is that you can use PLA plastic from any manufacturer to print on this 3D printer.
Specifications Monoprice Select Mini
- Age Group: 14+
- Price Range: Budget
- Material Type: ABS, PLA, XT Copolyester, PET, TPU, TPC, FPE, PVA, HIPS, Jelly, Foam, Felty
- Resolution: 1 mm
- Working space: 7 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
Monoprice Select Mini 9 software0037
Monoprice recommends using Simplify3D, Replicator-G, Repetier or Cura software. All of these slicers are 3D printer compatible. Cura is the recommended software for Monoprice.
One of the benefits of using third party software is that they have advanced settings and more options for preparing a 3D model. All of the programs listed above are also used with professional 3D printers.
Monoprice Select Mini 9 setup and print quality0037
Monoprice Select Mini V2 does not come with installation instructions. However, you can download instructions from the Monoprice website.
This 3D printer comes with some default settings. However, it is worth figuring out and tweaking these settings.
The material feed to the printer is not very well implemented and can cause problems, but in general these are tolerable little things that you will encounter in most 3D printers.
3D printing process on Monoprice Select Mini
The Monoprice 3D printer is quite loud compared to the other 3D printers in this review. Moreover, it has the ability to use an SD card.
My 3D test model printed quickly and without problems. The quality of the model was excellent.
However, test model settings can be optimized. The speed of 3D printing was also low, since the resolution in the Z coordinate was set to high. But this is the expected price that you have to pay for high-quality 3D printing. These shortcomings are corrected by the correct settings in the slicing program, as well as on any other 3D printer, so it's hard to say that this is a shortcoming. And the many options for print settings on the Select Mini will let your child (and probably you) learn even more about the 3D printing process.
Disadvantages of Monoprice Select Mini
Although Monoprice claims that you can use ABS plastic for 3D printing, you will definitely run into problems when using this material. This is because ABS requires a table temperature of 220°F while Monoprice's maximum table temperature is around 140°F. If you want to use ABS to build your models, consider buying another printer. However, before thinking about using ABS plastic in principle, read the information about its toxicity and only then make a decision.
Especially considering that a child will use this 3D printer. At the same time, it is worth noting that the quality of your PLA plastic products will be good, so this disadvantage should not play a decisive role in your choice of a 3D printer for a child.
Monoprice Select Mini Conclusions
Basically, if you're looking for the ultimate 3D printer for teenagers, the Monoprice Select Mini V2 is the perfect buy at an affordable price.
The disadvantages of this 3D printer can be overlooked, especially if you just want to buy your kids their very first 3D printer.
If you are interested in a 3D printer, you can check out an alternative review of the Monoprice Select Mini, which does not consider it in the context of a device for children, but as a full-fledged 3D printer.
Flashforge Finder 3D Printer
FlashForge Finder First Impressions
Unlike the other 3D printers for kids featured in this review, the FlashForge Finder 3D printer is more suitable for home 3D printing or an ordinary apartment environment.
This model matches perfectly with all your other gadgets.
The front of the machine has a nice, clear, full color touchscreen display. In general, the 3D printer looks bright and at the same time concise and fits perfectly into a discreet but thoughtful interior.
FlashForge Finder Specifications
- Age Group: 11+
- Price Range: Budget
- Material Type: PLA
- Resolution: 0.8 - 0.4mm
- Working Space: 5 x 5.5 inch
FlashForge Finder Software
FlashForge Finder uses FlashPrint software to slice 3D models. The software allows you to fully automate the slicing, the support generator for complex 3D models works well. In manual options, you can change the temperature and speed of 3D printing for kids who want to take their part design to the next level. Standard features such as the amount of material used are also included in the software.
When you use the manual setting, you will notice that the FlashPrint software is more advanced than the XYZware that comes with DaVinci miniMaker.
The software also has several advanced options, such as 2D to 3D, which allow you to create an approximate 3D model from a 2D image. For example, you can use the settings to turn a face into a 3D model and print it out.
FlashForge Finder 3D Printing Process
FlashForge Finder comes with a USB stick containing a user manual. When you turn on your 3D printer for the first time, the touch screen will guide you through the initial print bed calibration. You will see instructions on how to fasten the adjusting nuts and adjust them to the correct height. The guide is user-friendly and makes setup that would otherwise be frustrating for a novice as simple and straightforward as possible.
Feeding material to the 3D printer again can cause problems. You will need to apply some force to pull the filament through the extruder. You will definitely not succeed the first time, but it is a solvable task.
With this 3D printer, you can easily print almost any 3D model.
The printer heats up quickly and is relatively quiet.
Frustration with this 3D printer is low; very close to zero according to consumer reviews, even after a few weeks of use.
FlashForge Finder Disadvantages
Although the FlashForge Finder 3D printer can be used with a variety of PLA filaments, the onboard filament container is slightly smaller than a standard 3D printer. So if you are using other brands of PLA, keep the spool away from the printer, such as on or right above a bookshelf.
FlashForge Finder Conclusions
The FlashForge Finder 3D printer is a couple of years ahead of its time. Surely in a few years this 3D printer can be bought in any store, just like you do now with 2D printers.
The 3D printer is quite simple and given the manufacturer's warranty, this is the perfect option if you need to introduce your family to the world of 3D printing.
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 3D Printer
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 First Impressions
The Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 3D Printer looks more like a home appliance than a 3D printer.
The printer looks like an innovative microwave oven with a transparent front opening.
Media and print engine are inside the printer. The plastic parts inside the printer are solid to the touch, so the workmanship is clearly at a high level.
Since the material for 3D printing is inside the 3D printer itself, it is slightly larger in size than its counterparts. However, the printer's cubic shape makes it easy to install, unlike other open design 3D printers that require space to access removable covers and material.
DP200 is a large printer. 8.3 x 7.9 x 7.3 is one of the largest models in the home 3D printer market. If you are looking for a large 3D printer for kids, then Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 is your best choice.
Specifications Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
- Age group: 13+
- Price range: Expensive
- Material type: ABS, PLA 4 inches
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 software
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 comes with its own 3DWOX Desktop software for slicing 3D models.
The software has two modes: advanced and simple, and also provides adequate control when preparing a file for 3D printing.
Simple mode has an intuitive interface and in most cases allows you to get reliable and high-quality 3D models.
When you get comfortable with this 3D printer, you can switch to advanced mode and start experimenting with settings to improve the preparation of files for 3D printing and the quality of your 3D models.
Setup and print quality Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 is delivered already assembled. All you have to do is plug it in, add some material and calibrate the table to start printing. When you turn on the printer for the first time, the color display will guide you through the calibration process.
One advantage of the DP200 printer is that you can insert a filament cartridge into it just like you would with a regular desktop printer. The media container system that the printer uses makes changing media much easier.
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200 3D printing process
After you have sent the file to the Sindoh 3DWOX printer, press the 'Start' button to make the machine start creating your model. If you have other things to do, you can step away from the printer and continue to monitor the printing process through the printer's built-in webcam.0003
Once your 3D model is printed, it is easy to take it out of the printer thanks to the flexible table.
Disadvantages of Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
The DP200 3D printer only works with Sindoh filaments. So your 3B models will be limited by materials and colors. The good news is that Sindoh filaments are of high quality. Moreover, they are affordable.
DP200 can print with ABS. Therefore, you should consider ventilation as the fumes are toxic to some extent. Make sure the room where your 3D models will be printed is well ventilated.
Conclusions on Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
If you don't mind spending money on a 3D printer for a child, then this printer is for you.
This machine produces high-quality 3D models, and its design is simple and concise. The installation and process of 3D printing will also not cause difficulties.
If your kids have experience with 3D printers or want to learn a little more about them, then definitely buy them this 3D printer, which can give them the joy of implementing their ideas with a minimum of time spent on 3D printer maintenance.
Children's 3D printer for printing toys (7 photos + video)
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In our childhood, we sculpted creatures and objects from plasticine, at best from clay. Our children have more opportunities, take at least the Toybox children's 3D printer. According to the drawings and sketches, he will print any toy that is not afraid to stain his mother's favorite dress or father's business suit, and the homemade product will not break if accidentally dropped. Toybox, being a kind of factory for the production of toys for children, uses the usual PLA plastic with a filament diameter of 1.75 mm as a consumable material, the environmental friendliness of which is ensured by two parameters: it is biodegradable and non-toxic, which allows you to be sure that the products made from it are safe for the younger generation .
Toybox will be interesting for children from the age of five. However, you should not leave the child unsupervised during the operation of the 3D printer, since there are no protective screens in its design), and therefore there is a risk of injury if the child touches the created model during operation.
Creation of various 3D printing objects is carried out through an application for iOS and Android devices, which catalog contains over 500 models of toys, decorations and other items, and projects are constantly updated in it. The authors also provide the ability to download 3D models from other sources, and the creative implementation of their own ideas by the owners.
For pre-orders, the standard Toybox 3D printer kit with one reel of PLA plastic is available for $249, with eight for $299. Perhaps it is after getting to know this gadget that the child will wake up creative and desire to create on their own, and not ask their parents to buy another variation of the same type of doll or car.
