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Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review

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The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer turns out great prints, but it's pricier than many novice models

(Image: © Polaroid)

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer offers a lot of features and performance for the price, making it a great pick for home users curious about 3D printing.

Pros
  • +

    High-quality prints

  • +

    Good print speed

  • +

    Simple, usable interface

Cons
  • -

    Smaller print area than similar models

  • -

    Software is not very flexible

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Polaroid isn’t a name that springs to mind for 3D printing — at least not for U. S. shoppers — but the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer might change that. Polaroid has built a simple device that produces excellent quality prints using a variety of materials, as we discovered during testing our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review.

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer costs $599. Like the Polaroid 3D Play Pen we tested for our 3D pen face-off, Polaroid's 3D printer is an exclusive at craft retailer Joann , currently offering the printer at an attractive discount as of this writing.

Without that discount, you’ll find less expensive choices for novice users among our list of the best 3D printers. But the Polaroid name and the quality output from the PlaySmart make this device worth a look if you want a 3D printer for the home.

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer specs

3D Printer Type: FFF
Layer Resolution: 50 - 300 microns
Materials: PLA, P-Wood, PETG
Controls: 3.5-inch LCD color touchscreen
Build Volume: 4. 7 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
Printer Size: 12.6 x 11.8  10.6 inches
Printer Weight: 11 pounds

Polaroid’s better known for its instant cameras, and the PlaySmart takes some design cues from that iconic product, using white and black plastic and the Polaroid logo. The printer might come across as dated to some, but it didn’t look out of place next to one of my vintage 1970s Polaroid cameras. 

The print area of the PlaySmart is rather small, at just 4.7 by 4.7 by 4.7 inches, for a total of 103 cubic inches. That’s a lot less than comparable printers like the Monoprice Voxel (329 cubic inches in total), but it’s the same as the Da Vinci Nano. Printing area is less of an issue than you might first suspect, though: it isn’t difficult to cut objects into parts and print one at a time if need be. 

(Image credit: Polaroid)

Above the PlaySmart’s print area is a small camera, used to monitor prints in progress and to produce timelapse videos. The filament is stored on a separate holder that also monitors how much filament you have left. It’s a nice touch, but one that feels somewhat redundant when you can clearly see how much filament is left on the roll. The PlaySmart works with filament from either Polaroid or third-party manufacturers.

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review: Controls

Next to the print area, the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer features an LCD controller, which is a small but easy-to-read touch screen. It is also responsive, and picking out on-screen options is easy to do. 

Still, you’ll find it easier to control the PlaySmart with the Polaroid PLAYSmart app, available for iOS and Android . This free app allows you to start prints from the library of manufacturer-supplied models, monitor a print in progress through the camera or run maintenance tasks. If you’re printing your own model though, you’ll need to use the control panel and the Polaroid SmartPrep software for Windows or Mac.  

(Image credit: Polaroid)

This simple 3D modeling program can load existing models in the .STL and .OBJ formats. You can resize, move, combine or otherwise manipulate your models, saving them and preparing them for printing. The print file can’t be sent directly to the PlaySmart printer, though: you have to save the print files to a USB drive, then connect this to the printer yourself and select it for printing. That seems like an odd requirement as the PlaySmart supports Wi-Fi.

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review: Print speed

The PlaySmart is a pretty fast printer: it cranked out a 4-inch high print of our Thinker model in 3 hours and 56 minutes in Draft mode. Changing the settings to Fine mode lengthened the print time to 10 hours and 13 minutes. That means the PlaySmart can quickly produce a rough print when required or produce a finer, smoother print overnight. 

The PlaySmart is a little faster than most printers we have tested, producing a draft print quicker than the Monoprice Voxel, currently our favorite 3D printer for beginners.

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review: Print materials

The PlaySmart can print using three different materials: PLA, P-Wood and PETG. PLA, or polylactic acid is the standard printing material that most 3D printers use. PETG, or Polyethylene terephthalate, is a plastic that is commonly used in plastic bottles and the like. It is lighter and stronger than PLA, but is also more expensive. P-Wood is a form of PLA that is mixed with sawdust to produce a wood-like feel. 

(Image credit: Polaroid)

These materials aren’t expensive: a 1KG reel of PLA costs $38 , while a similar amount of PETG  costs $48 and P-Wood is $55 for half a kilogram. You aren’t limited to these filaments, though: the PlaySmart can also use third-party filament, making this device more flexible than 3D printers restricting you to their manufacturers’ filaments.

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer: Print Quality

As fast as the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer created prints, we also were impressed by the print quality of those models. The PlaySmart 3D printer yielded prints with clean, smooth details and very few issues. 

We test print quality by printing three models: a scan of Rodin’s Thinker sculpture, a geometric sculpture and a set of gears. Our first test model came out very well: the Thinker sculpture had excellent detail and smooth, organic-looking surfaces. The printer did a great job of reproducing the curves of the sculptures back and muscles. The layers of the print were rather obvious in all of the print modes, though: the print lacked the polished smoothness of SLA printers and some more expensive FDM printers. 

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Our second test model uses a geometric sculpture that really showcases the ability of a 3D printer to produce clean, sharp edges. The PlaySmart struggled a little here, with a print that had a lot of thin filaments of PLA between the edges of the print. Those filaments were produced by the material stretching as the print head moved between the different parts of the print. These are not difficult to trim off, though, and once removed the PlaySmart’s geometric sculpture print had sharp, smooth edges and well-defined points. 

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Finally, we printed a set of gears that are designed to snap together to form a set of hand-cranked planetary gears. The PlaySmart handled these without too many issues, producing a set of gears that fit together with only minimal cleaning. We did have to trim off a lot of the brim that held the print onto the print bed, though. 

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer review: Verdict

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer offers a lot for $599: it can produce high-quality prints and churn out quick draft prints very rapidly. It also supports a variety of materials and doesn’t lock you into one supplier for your filament. 

But when comparing this device to other 3D printers aimed at novices for our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer preview, Polaroid’s offering is relatively expensive. The Monoprice Voxel, for example, can produce prints that are nearly as good while costing $200 less.

Even at its regular price, though, you're getting a high-quality device for your money with the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer. And if that price drops below $599, then it becomes a very good deal indeed. Even when not on sale, though, the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D printer is a very good pick for home users who want to get started with 3D printing and want the very best prints, regardless of how much they have to pay upfront.

Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.

Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site .

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Everything you NEED to Know Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer!

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Learn Everything You Need to Know about the New Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer Available at JOANN.

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of JOANN. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve been secretly testing the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer for the past few months and I’m SO excited to finally share it with you.

I first previewed this machine at the JOANN NYC event I attended over the summer, ever since then I’ve been not so patiently waiting to get my hands on this machine and start creating ALL the things.

3D printing is on the rise and this home friendly model is the perfect way to get in on the action. 

With Christmas coming up soon, this printer launched at the perfect time for a techie-friendly Christmas gift.

The Polaroid PlaySmart is easy to use and can create an amazing variety of 3D objects! JOANN is currently the exclusive US retailer of this machine.

This affordable, lightweight 3D printer brings you the ability to easily print in your home, classroom or workspace.

Let’s get a little bit techy for a minute and discuss the details on this 3D Printer.

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer uses Fused Deposition Modeling which means that it builds models in layers. It does this by feeding the filament through the PTFE Tube into the heated print head and prints one layer at a time. 

This 3D printer uses .STL files to print all of its models. The .STL file is what tells the print head exactly where to move. You can choose your .STL file from a library of free files provided by Polaroid, or you can create or purchase your own file.

The PlaySmart machine has the ability to print by SD card, USB or App. I love how user-friendly the app is. If you need more control over the fine details you can switch over to the computer.

The printer includes a video camera that allows you to record the printing process and also monitor the progress while you’re away from the machine. It’s so nice to be able to set the printer and walk away while it does the work for you!

The PlaySmart machine can print with three different types of filament; Premium PLA (made from cornstarch), P-WOOD, & PETG. Each of the Filaments sold by Polaroid is universal and can be used with any brand of 3D printer.

The PlaySmart machine comes with a free download of Polaroid’s Smart prep software. This is a computer-based program where you can design, slice and adjust models.

The print size of the PlaySmart is 4.7" x 4.7" x 4.7”. Models are printed onto a glass heated print bed which securely adheres to each model for the best results.

Included with this machine is a 3.5-inch full-color LCD touch screen allowing you to easily print models at the touch of a finger.

Polaroid is a trusted household brand name and you can expect the same quality from this machine as you’ve come to know with their other products.

Now that we’ve covered all of the details, l wanted to share some photos of the models I’ve created with this machine. 

I’m constantly in awe of what this machine is capable of! I decided to use my PlaySmart to create a variety of colorful Christmas ornaments for my Christmas tree.  

3D Snowflake Ornament Tutorial

  • Polaroid 3D PlaySmart Printer
  • PLA Filament
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon

Using the Polaroid PLAYSmart app, select "Model Library" located at the bottom of the screen, then select PLA. Scroll through the available projects until you come across the ornaments. Choose from 15 different designs to print. Select your model and press print.

The printer will take a few minutes to heat up before the printing begins.

Once the model has been printed completely, allow it to cool completely before removing it from the glass bed.

Cut a 15-inch piece of ribbon and string it through the hole located at the top. Tie a knot with both ends of the ribbon and hang your ornament on the tree.

I can't wait to see what you create with the Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer.

Be sure to share your SRP crafts with me on Instagram or in my crafting Facebook group!

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The best 3D printers: recommendations from 149.99 euros for professionals and for personal use

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They have been with us for many years, decades that I would dare to rely on, but 3d printers It was not possible to reach all the houses, although the reason seems obvious and logical: not all of us need to create items at home. However, in professional sector These articles are given so many uses and usefulness that one could write long paragraphs about it. If you are itching curiosity on this subject, here we will show you 3d printer selection .

3D printers can be a great resource for businesses and individuals. PK Mag

  • Factors to consider
  • Our selection of products will help you select the most suitable printer for your needs.

Factors to consider

Since we are facing a product that is not too well known to the general public and who you are certainly not too familiar with, we thought it appropriate to bring you some basic keys of to know the aspects in which should pay attention to time to buy one of these printers. If you want we start solve any of them .

Printing materials: plastics, resins and metals

Company 3d printers They use, as is the case with conventional ink, the main ingredient of to give life to the creations of their users. Generally, the most affordable printers that can be purchased at any specialty store usually use flex materials as well as PLA filaments which is a biodegradable thermoplastic or ABS threads, commonly used in pipes or in the famous LEGO. However, resins and metals these among professionals are also materials to consider, depending on the project you want to undertake.

Printing system: how our new device

will print When we are faced with the purchase of a 3D printer, it is convenient to know about how to create objects. We don't want to get into technical details, but you should know what you can do inkjet , just like regular printers work, except that layers of the selected material will be superimposed here. There is also photopolymerization , which turns a liquid polymer into a solid under the action of ultraviolet light or absorption of photons. Finally, stereolithography also known as SLA, is used with resins.

Ultimate packaging: keep an eye on the product you receive at home

Buying one of these devices might seem like bringing it home and plugging it in to start using it, but it's not. You should notification is very good in description manufacturer because some models yes they come is almost ready to use from the first minute, but others need an almost separate process to finish building the printer from scratch. Be careful with this item because it can ruin your mood.

Connectivity and functionality: things to consider before you get started with your new 3D printer

Finally, it is obvious that you must consider factors typical for the time buy any technology product . Take a look at the features of and find out if the printer you are interested in has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, Touch screen adjust every process, security system to avoid accidents or what resolution they work with, so that your creations have as many details as possible. nine0006

Our selection of products will help you choose the most suitable printer for your needs.

We don't want to spread too much, so here we leave you products what we think might be tools both to people who want to start in the exciting world of 3D printing, like those professionals who want to improve the advantages of their current team and strive to give a leap in quality to .

March 2,

The first item comes with innovative design for what these types of products usually are, as it presents us with a printer with two powerful tones, red and black, and color touch screen, 6.08 inch in size, which will allow you to easily handle device. Also included is the CHITUBOX Slicing software, which will allow you to create and upload your own models so that you can later shape them in our reality. There are printing speed is 30-50mm/h, you can load designs with external drive and photopolymer resin It will give you excellent performance.

Anycubic Cobra

We return to restore the rough aspect in this type of device, although it is also easy to assemble the first time you want to use it. This article, thanks to its metal frame gives excellent stability to the device during printing. By the way, he has Touch Screen 4.3 inch LCD display and compatible with flexible materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG or TPU. It has an average speed of 80 millimeters per second and has a ramp up volume of 220x220x250 millimeters.

Creative Ender 3 Pro

Although the design of this product is far from the sophistication of the previous model, the features of the device must be taken into account. In this case, we are talking about a printer with high heat capacity of the material you want to use, 's ability to resume printing in the event of any problem such as a power outage, and although it comes unassembled, it is very easy to put together and start using. This model also allows the use of flexible materials as well as threads .

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

If you're looking for a printer to impress locals and strangers alike and take your first steps into 3D printing, this is one of them. nine0116 of the best options . UV radiation what it has in common and its 6.23 inch screen makes it special. The stem is adjustable and allows you to increase the build volume up to 132x80x165 millimeters. The print speed of this printer is admirable, reaching 5 centimeters per hour , which could print a 12 cm object in two and a half hours. this printer accepts all kinds of resin can regulate UV from 30% to 100%.

Anet Morpilot Storm G1

We continue with the large printer with dimensions of 44.1x42.4x49x2 centimeters, but which in turn offers the user the ability to create large objects, reaching 22x22x25 centimeters. you can use filament What is material which powers your creations and them Touch Screen It will help you adjust print settings, nozzle temperature or build speed. It turns out printer easy to install and that it fits the purpose of little can discover a world of printing that will surprise them.

Polaroid PlaySmart

The company photo company the most popular in the world also has a place in its catalog to offer its users the possibility of to create amazing objects , as you can see in the video that we leave you on these lines. Is 3D printer weighs less than 5kg has 3.5 inch LCD screen and is compatible with filament PLA, PETG and P-Wood. You can transfer your creations via the SD slot via the USB port or via your mobile app .

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