3D Printer Buying Tips From the Experts

When it comes to buying a 3D printer, it isn’t as simple or as easy as you might think. There are plenty of things that you have to consider, and you also have to know what you are planning to do before you purchase a printer. The last thing you want is to buy something only to find out that it is incompatible with your projects. Here are some useful tips and tricks that will help to ensure that you are buying the right 3D printer.

Get the Right Printer for the Job

The first thing you are going to want to look at is the style of the 3D printer. There are plenty out there with the most popular style for hobbyists being a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer. These use hot materials and filament to create 3D objects. Other printers such as Digital Light Processing (DLP) will use liquid resin, and you will find other printers that make use of powders instead of resin.

How do you know which printer is for you? If you are planning on just working as a hobbyist, then you are going to want to use an FDM printer. The resin and powders can contain harmful chemicals, and they work best with industrial companies or companies that are focused on production. The next thing to consider with an FDM printer is the price. You don’t have to break the bank to get a good printer at home. Therefore, you can click here and do your research to ensure you are finding the best DIY 3D printer kits for your work. All the money that you save on the printing kit can be used to purchase more filament down the line. As soon as you start printing, you’ll notice yourself running out of filament quickly, and it can get rather expensive.

Safety Features

Even with a 3D printer, you should never be neglecting the importance of safety features. With FDM printers, they release extremely hot material which can cause burns if not handled correctly. Some printers have features that will cool the nozzle and heated bed once the job is complete to help minimize the risk of injuries. Other printers might move the nozzle away after a print job completing eliminating the risk of you touching it. With resin and powder printers, you want to make sure that the materials aren’t being released into the air either as they can be harmful in larger doses. Never neglect safety features when it comes to choosing the right 3D printer.

Resolution

The resolution of your printer matters as well. A 3D printer resolution is measured in microns with a higher micron count resulting in a more precise print. Your standard FDM printer is going to be on the lower end with about 25 microns with DLP printers reaching up to about 100. The precision of the laser also matters as your printer can never be more precise than the laser that is cutting everything. If you need a printer that is going to be extremely precise and able to do fine details with ease, you should consider a printer with a higher micron count.

High-Quality Features

Next, you are going to want to look at what features the printer offers you. While they aren’t necessities when it comes to printing, having a few qualities of life upgrades can make the experience that much better and easier. Things like a touch screen can make it very easy to change settings on the printer, dual filament support can make the printing go that much quicker, and even something with a higher build volume can help you out.

Look for Customer Care and Support

Finally, when it comes to choosing a 3D printer, take a look at the company that you are planning to purchase from. What is their policy on the warranty and are they going to help you if there is a problem? You don’t want to buy a 3D printer and then be on your own, especially if you are new to the hobby. Purchasing from a company that is willing to help you out is always a plus when it comes to these devices.

These are just a few things that you need to know about when it comes to buying a 3D printer. Always consider the projects you are going to be doing before purchasing one as it can help you save a lot of money and make the right choice. When you first get started, you are going to struggle to create objects, but with a bit of practice, you’ll quickly master 3D printing. What do you plan on printing out?