Reddit best beginner 3d printer


Purchase Advice Megathread - August 2022 : 3Dprinting

Welcome back to another purchase megathread!

This thread is meant to conglomerate purchase advice for both newcomers and people looking for additional machines. Keeping this discussion to one thread means less searching should anyone have questions that may already have been answered here, as well as more visibility to inquiries in general, as comments made here will be visible for the entire month stuck to the top of the sub, and then added to the Purchase Advice Collection (Reddit Collections are still broken on mobile view, enable "view in desktop mode").

If you are new to 3D printing, and are unsure of what to ask, try to include the following in your posts as a minimum:

  • Your budget, set at a numeric amount. Saying "cheap," or "money is not a problem" is not an answer people can do much with. 3D printers can cost $100, they can cost $10,000,000, and anywhere in between. A rough idea of what you're looking for is essential to figuring out anything else.

  • Your country of residence.

  • If you are willing to build the printer from a kit, and what your level of experience is with electronic maintenance and construction if so.

  • What you wish to do with the printer.

  • Any extenuating circumstances that would restrict you from using machines that would otherwise fit your needs (limited space for the printer, enclosure requirement, must be purchased through educational intermediary, etc).

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of what can be included in your posts, these questions should help paint enough of a picture to get started. Don't be afraid to ask more questions, and never worry about asking too many. The people posting in this thread are here because they want to give advice, and any questions you have answered may be useful to others later on, when they read through this thread looking for answers of their own. Everyone here was new once, so chances are whoever is replying to you has a good idea of how you feel currently.

Reddit User and Regular u/richie225 is also constantly maintaining his extensive personal recommendations list which is worth a read: Generic FDM Printer recommendations.

Additionally, a quick word on print quality: Most FDM/FFF (that is, filament based) printers are capable of approximately the same tolerances and print appearance, as the biggest limiting factor is in the nature of extruded plastic. Asking if a machine has "good prints," or saying "I don't expect the best quality for $xxx" isn't actually relevant for the most part with regards to these machines. Should you need additional detail and higher tolerances, you may want to explore SLA, DLP, and other photoresin options, as those do offer an increase in overall quality. If you are interested in resin machines, make sure you are aware of how to use them safely. For these safety reasons we don't usually recommend a resin printer as someone's first printer.

As always, if you're a newcomer to this community, welcome. If you're a regular, welcome back.

Purchase Advice Megathread - October 2022 : 3Dprinting

Welcome back to another purchase megathread!

This thread is meant to conglomerate purchase advice for both newcomers and people looking for additional machines. Keeping this discussion to one thread means less searching should anyone have questions that may already have been answered here, as well as more visibility to inquiries in general, as comments made here will be visible for the entire month stuck to the top of the sub, and then added to the Purchase Advice Collection (Reddit Collections are still broken on mobile view, enable "view in desktop mode").

If you are new to 3D printing, and are unsure of what to ask, try to include the following in your posts as a minimum:

  • Your budget, set at a numeric amount. Saying "cheap," or "money is not a problem" is not an answer people can do much with. 3D printers can cost $100, they can cost $10,000,000, and anywhere in between. A rough idea of what you're looking for is essential to figuring out anything else.

  • Your country of residence.

  • If you are willing to build the printer from a kit, and what your level of experience is with electronic maintenance and construction if so.

  • What you wish to do with the printer.

  • Any extenuating circumstances that would restrict you from using machines that would otherwise fit your needs (limited space for the printer, enclosure requirement, must be purchased through educational intermediary, etc).

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of what can be included in your posts, these questions should help paint enough of a picture to get started. Don't be afraid to ask more questions, and never worry about asking too many. The people posting in this thread are here because they want to give advice, and any questions you have answered may be useful to others later on, when they read through this thread looking for answers of their own. Everyone here was new once, so chances are whoever is replying to you has a good idea of how you feel currently.

Reddit User and Regular u/richie225 is also constantly maintaining his extensive personal recommendations list which is worth a read: Generic FDM Printer recommendations.

Additionally, a quick word on print quality: Most FDM/FFF (that is, filament based) printers are capable of approximately the same tolerances and print appearance, as the biggest limiting factor is in the nature of extruded plastic. Asking if a machine has "good prints," or saying "I don't expect the best quality for $xxx" isn't actually relevant for the most part with regards to these machines. Should you need additional detail and higher tolerances, you may want to explore SLA, DLP, and other photoresin options, as those do offer an increase in overall quality. If you are interested in resin machines, make sure you are aware of how to use them safely. For these safety reasons we don't usually recommend a resin printer as someone's first printer.

As always, if you're a newcomer to this community, welcome. If you're a regular, welcome back.

How much does a 3D printer cost?・Cults

How much does a 3D printer cost? This question is asked by many beginners, hobbyists and enthusiasts. While the answer may be a little complicated, our goal is to simplify the process and help you choose the right printer for your skill level. There are many different 3D printers on the market. Some are small, cheap, and designed for do-it-yourselfers, others are full of features and cost much more.

However, this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune to get a good printer. The cost of 3D printers has come down a lot over the years and you can now find good 3D printers for under $300. While they may not have some of the features found on a $20,000 printer, you can still use them to create interesting projects. Many of these cheap printers are for beginners, hobbyists, or those who want to learn how to 3D print. nine0003

So how much does a 3D printer cost? Basically, you can find starter models for $200. Mid-range consumer models start at around $700, while commercial or high-end consumer models will set you back thousands of dollars. In this article, we will answer some questions about 3D printers and provide you with an informative guide to choosing the best printer for your skill level.

If you're an engineer, artist, inventor, hobbyist, or just a tinkerer, a 3D printer is definitely worth it. 3D printers are very useful for creating models of machines, parts, fixtures, gears, and other complex shapes. This technology is used in many areas, including aerospace, medicine, all kinds of mechanical engineering, etc. nine0003

If you love building, fixing and fiddling with things, a 3D printer can be a great addition to your equipment. However, if you're not into any of the above areas or hobbies, getting a 3D printer might not be worth it. In addition, before purchasing a printer, you need to make sure that you are technically literate enough to operate it. This is because such printers require regular updates/upgrades and the learning curve can be quite steep. nine0003

You will need to regularly buy filaments, learn how to design in 3D CAD or use other modeling software. Also, you may have to fiddle with your machine settings before you find the right fit. If you are completely new, using a 3D printer will take you a lot of time and you may end up spending a lot of money on filaments and other materials. However, once you get the hang of it, 3D printing can quickly turn into one of the most enjoyable activities or hobbies one can indulge in. nine0003

In addition to the initial purchase cost, the cost of using a 3D printer can quickly increase depending on the model you purchase. For the cheapest models, you will have to constantly buy printer upgrades. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a high-quality printer with better specifications so that you do not have to upgrade from time to time.

Another item that can increase the cost of a 3D printer is filaments. They usually sell for around $25 per kilo, so beginners are advised to buy them in small quantities. This is because you will need multiple colors to create models, and buying a kilo of each can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. Another thing you will waste is time. If you're just getting started, you'll have to take the time to learn about your printer, how to make great 3D prints, the right software and updates, color combinations, material composition, and many other important factors. nine0003

Definitely yes. In fact, there are many different ways to make money with 3D printers. Below are the top four ways to make money with these printers:

  • Prototyping and Selling : You can make money by offering to prototype for local engineering firms. Since 3D printing involves learning how to create 3D designs, you can sell your designs or create designs for engineering firms.
  • Sell your prints : You can sell your printed objects online. Create a website or social media campaign and sell your designs. You can also create custom prints for your clients; they will provide you with the design and you will print it for them.
  • Sell your designs : You don't have to print to make money. You can just sell your 3D designs and skip the whole printing process.
  • Teach others : Many people are interested in the knowledge you have about printing. Engineers, students, DIYers and hobbyists will be happy to learn from you. You can simply charge them and teach them how to use and set up their own printers, what materials to use, how to print, and so on. nine0024

As we noted above, the cost of 3D printers has dropped significantly because there are now models that have few features but are cheaper. Basically, there are five different types of 3D printers based on price. These are entry-level printers for hobbyists, enthusiasts, professional and industrial printers. The price of machines in each category depends on the functions, size and capabilities of the machine. Let's take a closer look at each of these categories:

Entry level 3D printers

Entry-level 3D printers designed for beginners. They are mainly used to climb the learning curve. You can buy these to learn how to 3D print before moving on to higher models. While you won't be able to create complex prints, you will be able to understand how a 3D printer works.

This type of printer has its limitations. First, you won't be able to print more than 3-4 inches in any dimension, be it height, width, or length. Also, many of these printers do not allow you to use more than one media at a time. In addition, they are slow and noisy, and the quality of their products is not as beautiful as that of expensive models. Also, the highest resolution that most entry-level printers offer is 100 microns. nine0045 In addition, entry-level printers are not very durable. However, they are a great learning tool and can serve as a good stepping stone to dive deeper into the world of 3D printers. Now to answer the question, how much does a 3D printer cost? A typical entry-level printer will cost between $200 and $400.

3D printers for hobbyists

Hobbyists are those who have plunged into the world of 3D printing a little, fell in love with it and were carried away by it. They just want to improve their 3D printing skills by making models just for fun. Although 3D printers in this category are slightly better than entry-level models, they still cannot offer a result that goes beyond fun creativity. Their build volume is larger and you will be able to make more models with these printers. 3D printers for hobbyists allow you to create designs as small as 5-6 inches. Prints are thinner than entry-level printers and usually have better software. nine0003

They are faster than entry-level models and allow more flexibility in material selection. This means that with machines in this category you can be even more creative. However, it is important to note that while they may be better than entry-level models, they are not very durable and their performance is not reliable. This means that they may not be able to withstand too much load, and you will not be able to use them for a long time. So how much does a 3D printer cost? They usually cost between $300 and $1500. There are many different products on the market in this price range and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. We recommend taking a look at this guide to 3D printers under $500 from HotRate. nine0003

3D Printers for Enthusiasts

Becoming a 3D printing enthusiast means you've decided to level up and now consider it more than just a hobby. This is a big leap that requires better and more powerful hardware than those in the hobbyist category. Printers in this category are known for their reliability and high build volume. They are quieter and slightly faster than hobbyist machines. In addition, they can print up to 12 inches in any dimension and allow for a wider choice of materials. nine0003

However, they also have their downsides. Some of them only work with branded media, which means you can't just buy any type of media and run it into the printer. Also, while their prints and output are usually better than hobbyist printers, they cannot be used for production. This is because they are not professional machines and cannot be used for a long time.
You will need regular maintenance and repairs. Enthusiast 3D printers are ideal for regular use, but can break down with constant use. How much does a 3D printer in this category cost, you ask? Be prepared to spend $1500 to $3500. nine0003

Do you consider yourself experienced enough and would like to monetize your 3D printing skills? Or maybe you just want to take your hobby to the next level by creating professional models? Be that as it may, a professional 3D printer is one that is capable of working for you. The print quality on them is first class and they are capable of printing up to 12 inches in any dimension. In addition, they are flexible regarding materials. You can use a variety of media in the machine without worrying about color or texture. They can also print faster than the categories we talked about earlier without sacrificing quality. nine0003

The price of a printer for a professional printing press is quite high. Therefore, to ensure that you are purchasing the best 3D printing machine, be sure to read real user reviews. Consider the pros and cons of the machine you want to purchase. Read up on how to maintain it, what materials to use, how best to set it up, etc. Make a list of important factors and go through them one by one.
The price of a printer for machines in this category is expensive, so checking all the right boxes before making a purchase decision is very important. So back to our original question, how much does a 3D printer cost in this category? A typical professional 3D printer costs between $3,500 and $6,000. They are commonly used by robotics clubs, schools, and businesses large and small. nine0003

Industrial 3D printers designed for serious print businesses. They are simply the best and fastest cars in all categories. Their characteristics are at the highest level, they are very durable, as they are made of metal. In addition, their interfaces are user-friendly and they are very efficient. Industrial 3D printers are large and can accommodate many different types of custom prints. They also come with a hefty price tag, but that's to be expected given the fact that they're made for businesses and their construction is top-notch. nine0003

Industrial 3D printers are large and heavy, which can be a problem if you don't have enough space. In addition, the cost of 3D printing with these machines can run into the thousands of dollars over time. Obviously, these machines consume more electricity, materials and require a high level of maintenance than printers in other categories. That is why they are recommended only for enterprises and manufacturers. So how much does a 3D printer in this category cost? The price of a printer for industrial 3D machines ranges from $20,000 to $100,000.

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Best resin 3D printers of 2022

Buying a 3D printer can be quite intimidating, especially if you don't know much about this hobby. Best polymer 3D printers cost between $200 and $2,000, so it's no coincidence choice. Before you make a purchase, you need to think about what exactly you want to use it, as it will greatly influence the choice of printer. For example, if you plan to create large miniatures or prototypes tools, you will need a printer with a large build volume. you also you need to decide what level of detail you want from the printer, as this greatly affects its value. While a 4K-capable printer in our days is quite affordable, 6K will raise the price significantly. nine0003

Build volume is a measure of how how big a product a 3D printer can produce. If you want to do something large, you will need to purchase a printer with a large (or even very large) print volume. Generally speaking, printers with large build volumes require a bit more fiddling (and can be more error prone user) than their equivalents with standard volumes.

3D printer LCD resolution will determine the level of detail of your beautiful miniatures. Printer 4K in these days is considered the standard for all but ultra-budget models, and its more than enough for most projects. nine0003

Monochrome 3D printer LCD masking is better than a printer with RGB (or color) masking LCD display. Monochrome transmits UV light better than their color alternatives, which means each layer is scanned much faster.

Ultimately, it's up to you which of the above features is more important to you. Each of the following polymer 3D printers excel in one area or another, often several.

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K

Elegoo Mars 3

Prusa SL1S Speed ​​Bundle

ANYCUBIC Photon M3 Max

Creality HALOT-ONE

Assembly volume, mm:

192x120x250

132x80x165

143x89x175

127x80x150

300x298x164

130x82x160

Resolution:

nine0089

3840×2400 (4K)

3840×2400 (4K)

4098×2560 (4K)

2560×1620 (2K)

6480×3600 (6K)

2560×1620 (2K)

Print speed:

nine0087 60 mm/h

50 mm/h

50 mm/h

1. 3 to 2.4 seconds per layer

60 mm/h

1-4 seconds per coat

Printing accuracy, mm:

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

0.01

Resolution along the XY axis, mm:

0.05

0.035

nine0087 0.035

0.049

0.040

0.050

LCD, inch, monochrome:

6. 23

6.23

6.66

5.96

13.6

5

MSRP, US$:

480

250

380

2000

1300

200

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X offers the best vital features for the price of any 3D printer consumer grade polymer-based.

Premium feature set, reasonable price, speed. But the disadvantage may be that it is not as easy to use as entry level models.

Mono X function set for head above normal. With dimensions 7. 5x4.7x9.8" Mono X build area more than enough for any thumbnail you might want build. It also offers high speed, 4K resolution and better Z-axis support than similar models.


ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K excellent copes with the creation of standard thumbnails quickly and easily, and it is not difficult master.

Among the advantages are the price, speed and ease of use. Cons - standard build volume and possible problems with the touch screen. nine0003

He may be smaller than his older brother, Mono X, but it still packs a punch.

Excellent 4K resolution and standard build volume make it a very good option for users, who want to make a large number of standard miniatures without much fuss. It is fairly easy to set up, even for beginners, and its compact size means he can stand at the small end of the table without attracting a lot of attention.


Elegoo Mars 3 is perhaps the most a well-known 3D printer among beginners and experts.

Pros: very popular and intuitive, good resolution, slightly larger build volume. Minuses: more expensive than analogues.

Overall, Mars 3 lives up to its reputation as the easiest-to-use resin printer, and offers a robust set of features. Mars 3 is slightly better than its main competitor Mono 4K, in almost all significant categories, especially in terms of volume assemblies. However, reviews show that over time it is not as fast as the Mono 4K. However, due to its popularity on Reddit and YouTube, one can find absolutely a ridiculous amount of tutorials on how to use Mars 3 and that gives it slight edge in the beginner-friendly category. nine0003


Best high-end: original Prusa SL1S Speed ​​Bundle.

Pros: speed, really professional level, supports simple post-processing. Cons: price, some deprecated features.

The world of resin 3D printing has hobbyists and small businesses. If you want to make serious money by selling your thumbnails or other products on stores like Etsy and you already have some resin printing experience, the Prusa S1LS Speed ​​is a good option.


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