Best 3D Printer 2022 — The Ultimate Buying Guide [WINNERS]
]3D printers grant you the ability to generate anything you can possibly dream of. However, as they’re fairly complex pieces of kit it’s often hard to decide which one is best for your needs.
That’s where we come in. We’ve researched some of the best 3D printers on the market and broken them down by category. No matter your needs or budget, we’re positive that there’s a 3D printer right here for you!
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Zoom Out: The 15 Best 3D Printers For 2022
In the short buyer’s guide below we’ll explain a few things to look out for. This will help ensure that you find a printer that fits your needs and prevents you from feeling ripped off or otherwise disappointed in your new product. Now, before you spend any money, it’s important to know what the 3D printer’s specifications mean.
We know, we know, it’s a little boring but it CAN save you hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of buyer’s remorse, so taking a little extra time to compare different products is of grand importance.
Build Area
This one is really simple. The build area of a 3D printer refers to the maximum size of an object you can create.
Now, 3D printers come in all shapes and sizes, so some might have a taller or wider build area than others. You can still use most of the templates you’ll find online but you might have to rotate them first.
Generally speaking, bigger is better when it comes to the build area. Unfortunately, larger areas usually mean a higher price tag, so you should try and strike a balance between creating huge items and saving money in the long term.
Materials
Essentially, 3D printing works by heating a filament until it’s malleable and remolding it in the shape you need. However, there are several different filament materials on offer and not every printer can use every type.
The most commonly used filaments are ABS and PLA. These make durable, temperature resistant items, but there are many other types available. If you want to use one, in particular, make sure the printer supports it before buying.
There are even 3D printers that can use other materials, like clay or Sugru. The problem with these printers is that they’re usually less reliable than standard filament-based models. If you’re an artist or want to use a printer for experimental use then have at it, but most people will be better suited towards a standard printer.
Print Speed
Here’s the bad news: 3D printing is still very slow despite its many advancements.
Generally, most low-budget printers go at a rate of around 50mm per second. This means that larger models can take a long time to create. There’s another problem: very fast printers create thicker, more obvious layers in the final product. This proves that usually, slow and steady is the better option.
Some printers allow you to add an additional extruder (essentially a nozzle) to speed up the printing process. These have another upside too – you may even be able to use multiple materials at the same time. If this is something that you think you’d like, consider purchasing a dual-extruder model.
Best Budget 3D Printers
While 3D printers still aren’t particularly cheap, there are several that come with a relatively low price tag. We’ve located and thoroughly researched three of the best budget 3D printers on the market so that you don’t have to.
Take a look!
Monoprice Select Mini
Our first recommendation is the Monoprice Select Mini. At a little over $200, this model is an excellent choice for people looking to dip their toes into the world of 3D printing.
It has a 4.7” build area. This isn’t huge, but it’s still large enough to create models or little things for around the home. With a printing speed of 55mm/s, it’s slightly faster than others in this price range. Need a bracket for that cupboard door? No problem, just wait a few hours.
With its WiFi capability, MicroSD slot, and simple, intuitive interface, this product offers far more than you expect. Also, its price makes it an absolute bargain.
New Matter MOD-t
Next, let’s take a look at the New Matter MOD-t. This is a futuristic looking printer that comes with lifetime tech support and wireless printing functionality.
It uses PLA filament and can print at up 80mm/s, although its speed is adjustable. This allows you to spend a little longer to create a smoother, more professional looking product or just get the job done quickly depending on the situation. Good, right?
It has a slightly larger build area than the Monoprice, and accordingly, costs a little more money. That said, we believe that the versatility of this product more than offsets the increase in price.
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr.
Lastly, in this category, we have the XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. This model has a 5.9” build area and a maximum printing speed of 100mm/s, making it larger and faster than the two others we’ve seen.
So what’s the catch?
Well, this printer uses a uniquely sized filament.
It’s a little less expensive than you might think, but your options for buying filament are very restricted. This can, in turn, lead to slightly more expensive refills.
That said, in terms of performance, this product far outshines the others we’ve seen so far. It’s unfortunate that you can’t use standard filament with this model, but if this doesn’t bother you then the da Vinci Jr. would be an excellent choice.
Best Commercial 3D Printers
At some point, a standard 3D printer just isn’t going to meet your needs. Maybe you’re considering starting a printing business or just have exceptionally high demand. Whatever you need, we’re positive that one of the two following models will fit the bill.
Lulzbot TAZ 6
The Lulzbot TAZ 6 is very well-known in the 3D printing community, but it comes with a substantial $2500 price tag. So what does this product do to justify it?
Well, keep reading to find out.
Firstly, it has a massive build area of almost 11 square inches.
Secondly, with the TAZ 6, you aren’t limited to just the standard materials. In fact, it can handle more than 30 different types of filament including wood, metal, and stone composites.
Not only that but this model has a self-leveling and self-cleaning print head. This takes the hard work away and leaves you free to enjoy the design and printing process.
So is it still as slow as all the rest? Well, it’s dual extruder compatible. This means that you can hypothetically halve the time it takes to complete a model, although of course, as we’ve mentioned above, this will affect the overall look of the finished result.
All things considered, we think that this printer will likely be too expensive and too high-tech for most people’s needs, but for commercial printers or organizations who plan to use it a lot, it’s actually very reasonably priced.
HICTOP Creality CR-10
The second commercial printer we’ve found is the HICTOP Creality CR-10.
This is far less expensive than the TAZ, at around $500, yet provides an even larger build area.
This is due to this printer’s open design. It’s not constrained by the same hardware and can freely create things much larger than most of its rivals could handle. This simple design means that this printer can be broken down into just three parts for easy assembly. What else is good?
This printer has a variable printing speed. At its base rate, it can run at 80mm/s but this can be boosted as high as 200mm/s if you’re in a hurry. Layers can be as thick as 0.4mm or as thin as 0.5mm so there’s a good degree of creative freedom with the CR-10.
You might expect the CR-10 to be a compromise considering its far more palatable price. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s a solid, fast 3D printer that can handle anything you throw at it.
Ultimately, if you don’t care about using anything except PLA then there’s no reason to spend any extra money on a fancy printer.
Simply put, this model has everything you need.
If you work in a creative field, you’ll probably have been asked to create a rapid prototype of something. What if you could remove the hassle from this and create an even higher quality item while you were away doing other things?
Well, you can. The following 3D printers are packed full of features that make them invaluable to designers and we’re confident that you’ll find one you like.
FlashForge Creator Pro
First up we have the FlashForge Creator Pro. This is a pretty pricey printer but it supports printing with a huge range of different materials including wood and nylon. So how is it to use?
It does have a fairly small build area, but this is offset by its high speed. This means that you can create several smaller items and combine them later at the same time that creating a larger object would have taken.
This printer supports tetherless printing via SD card, but there’s no WiFI functionality.
Considering it’s the kind of product that would be best suited to a computer lab, this really isn’t as big of an issue as it appears at first.
Overall, while the FlashForge can seem a little overpriced considering its small build area, it’s actually pretty good at what it does. We particularly liked its wide material support – this is something usually only found in far more expensive models and something we’re sure will come in handy.
QIDI TECHNOLOGY
There’s also a reasonably priced 3D printer from QIDI TECHNOLOGY. It costs around $400 and has a 5.5” build area. This is a pretty small chamber but considering this is a mid-budget pick, that’s to be expected.
So what is this printer’s best feature?
One of the things we really liked about this printer is its ultra-simple interface. 3D printing can get pretty technical so having something that’s easy to understand is a breath of fresh air and will help less experienced users feel more at home.
This printer supports both simple and advanced materials, although there are limits. You won’t be able to print with wood, for example, but less common plastic composites will work just fine.
All in all, the QIDI printer is a decent middle ground between the functionality of an advanced model and the price of a budget one. For that reason alone, it’s a strong choice, but when you take the versatility into account, this printer becomes a no-brainer for any designer.
Best 3D Printer For Hobbyists
Maybe the products we’ve seen thus far are way more than you’re looking for. Maybe you only want a 3D printer for occasional use or to help facilitate another one of your hobbies.
That’s okay too!
However, since you’re not going to be a heavy user, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money. Below, you’ll find two 3D printers that are as versatile as they are inexpensive.
XYZPrinting Mini
First up is another entry in XYZPrinting’s da Vinci line.
The XYZPrinting Mini is, as you might expect, a tiny little printer. It stands just 24” tall, 18” wide, and 15.5” deep. This makes it nice and easy to put away in a closet when you aren’t using it.
It has a build area that’s a reasonable size given this model’s sub-$200 price and 5.9” is plenty of space to create most of the things you’ll want, plus you can always combine components if you want to make something larger. So, let’s talk filament.
Like the da Vinci Jr., the Mini only uses a proprietary XYZPrinting filament. This is fairly standard PLA material but it’s a little narrower than other brands’. This does mean that filament is slightly more cost-intensive, but infrequent users will find that they don’t have to buy extra filament all that often anyway.
There’s a lot to like here. This product has an incredibly simple interface: it’s a single button with LED lights to indicate print status. This helps make the Mini an excellent choice for people looking to experiment with 3D printing for the first time.
This printer takes the stress out of setup by automatically calibrating itself and with a maximum speed of 120mm/s, it’s more than capable of getting things done quickly when necessary.
So it’s perfect, right? Well, not exactly.
We did find that the Mini is a little loud, but that’s to be expected at this price range. If you’re planning to print overnight, we’d recommend placing this product as far from the bedroom as possible because even if it seems quiet at first, it can quickly become distracting enough to keep you awake.
Apart from its noisy operation, the da Vinci Jr. is an exemplary little 3D printer. It comes with everything you need to get started and is unhampered by the extensive setup and configuration process that more advanced printers are.
ALUNAR 3D Printer
If the Mini’s reliance on specific materials annoys you, you might be better suited to the ALUNAR 3D printer. It’s capable of using any standard filament plus some more advanced ones like wood or conductive materials.
This printer is a touch more expensive at around $210. That said, it comes with a 1000 hour motor guarantee, so you can expect it to work for a long time. So far, so good.
Now, a word of warning. This printer requires some assembly. For the most part, this is very simple but it does require some degree of common sense. For example, you’ll have to switch the voltage to either 100V or 220V depending on your input.
We really liked that this printer lets you pause your work at any time. This allows you to quiet it down after hours or catch any mistakes before they’re set in stone (possibly literally). You’ll have to be quick, though: this printer can go as high as 100mm/s.
Again, the ALUNAR has a slightly more complex user interface than the Mini. It has five buttons and an LCD display for navigating its menu system. Rather than complicating things, this actually makes the user feel like they have more control, and with this new wave of tech, that’s a benefit that can’t be understated.
This is a printer that provides the best of both worlds. On one hand, it offers far more creative freedom than its rivals, and on the other, it does require some construction. Nonetheless, we still recommend it.
Best Mid-Budget 3D Printers
The products above are great but let’s say you don’t fit neatly into any of our categories and just want to know what’s available. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve created a list of the best all-around 3D printers in the mid-budget range to help you out.
FlashForge Finder
Let’s take a look at the FlashForge Finder. It costs around $400 and has a 5.5”3 build area. But that’s far from all this product has to offer.
This printer is exactly what you imagine when someone says “3D printer”. It looks futuristic and sleek, featuring a small 3.5” LCD touchscreen interface. This keeps operation nice and simple while providing enough flexibility to navigate menus with ease.
The Finder offers two ways to import files.
The first is the standard SD care and flash drive support, but it also features WiFi functionality for tetherless printing. This can be especially useful if your computer is somewhere out of the way and you don’t fancy running cables through your home.
The only issue with this printer is that it’s designed to work only with FlashForge PLA filament. That said, it’s also possible to use Hatchbox filament if you run it in from outside. Either way, your filament options are limited which may lead to slightly increased costs down the line.
One of the things we really liked about this model is its filament refill alert. It automatically detects when you’re running low so you never find yourself halfway through a print and having to buy extra filament.
QIDI TECHNOLOGY 3DP-QDA16-01
Our second pick is the QIDI TECHNOLOGY 3DP-QDA16-01. What it lacks in a catchy name, it makes up for in terms of functionality.
First up, it has a slightly wider than average build area at 8.
8”. This gives you the freedom to create ever larger items and given its price (around $650) this size is excellent. So what else does it offer?
Well, it’s almost entirely metal. This not only looks good but lends the printer added stability and structure. This is more important than you might think – with temperatures up to 280° you need all the stability you can get.
It features a dual-extruder setup. This means that you can print models up to twice as fast as other models. There is very little range in terms of layer size, however. It ranges from 0.1-.2mm and while you might think that this makes layers noticeable, it’s actually not that bad.
We really liked that this model comes with 24-hour tech support and a turbofan cooling function to let you grab your items as soon as possible after it’s done.
Files can be transferred either via SD card or USB stick, and while there’s no WiFi capability, this is just a bonus and isn’t all that necessary.
Robo R1+
Lastly, in this category, we have the Robo R1+.
Sounds fancy, right? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that its functionality lives up to its futuristic name.
This printer has a quick-change extruder system and fast-feed filament setup. Finally – a printer that can keep up with the fastest print speeds, In many ways, it’s designed for professionals – with maintenance this simple, it’s no longer a chore.
Believe it or not, it gets better. This printer has an absolutely huge build area. For around $500 you can create items up to 10” x 9” x 8” in size. That’s incredible, but wait, there’s more.
Let’s say you run into trouble using the R1+. No problem – just use the free 24-hour tech support. Ah but wait, what if the problem is your hardware itself? Relax! The R1+ is covered by a six-month parts warranty, so you can have it fixed at no additional cost. Good, right?
Our last point is a big one: this printer can use more than 30 different materials including carbon fiber PLA, rubber, and stainless steel. This provides unparalleled flexibility in terms of what you can create and frankly at this price range, that’s amazing.
Best High-End 3D Printers
Okay, we’ve covered most of the popular basic 3D printers but what if you have a little more money to spend? You’ll likely want printers with functionality that you can’t find in lower price brackets, right? The printers below offer extra features, both in terms of ease of use and printing capability.
Robo R2 3D Printer
Our first high-budget pick is the Robo R2 3D printer. This is priced at around $1500 so it’s not going to be for everyone. Those that can afford it, however, will find that it offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Did you know that this printer can print very thin layers? They range from 0.02mm to 0.3mm which is frankly crazy. This is far finer than any other printer we’ve seen and will result in a much more professional looking finished piece.
The build area is large but not as big as some due to the closed nature of the printer. Still, there’s plenty of space available for those who like to create larger items.
This printer can actually save you time: models that would have to be done in parts on other printers can be done in one go with the R2.
More than 30 different materials are supported and because you can add a second extruder, you can even print two at once for a more attractive end product. If you’re not impressed yet, maybe this final point will change your mind.
The R2 comes with a year’s subscription to a professional level printing program, and there’s even 24/7 customer support, as well as a year’s warranty on parts. What’s not to like?
JGAURORA Printer
Next, we have the JGAURORA printer. It’s still considered a high-budget printer but costs about half as much as the R2. If you found the R2’s high price tag too hard to justify, perhaps this would be a better choice.
Let’s start with the basics. This printer works with any 1.75mm printing filament. That’s it – there are no other restrictions. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to build complex, multi-material pieces without spending over a thousand dollars.
It also features a switchable voltage so be sure to alter this based on your power source. The frame is made of metal for added stability, plus the temperature can be controlled either by changing it directly or by using the built-in fan. So how is it for printing?
In a word: excellent. The layer thickness can be adjusted from 0.1-0.4mm which allows for some exceptionally high-quality models. These can be pretty large too since the build area is 11” wide, 7.9” tall and deep.
While this printer can’t connect via WiFi it does come with an 8GB SD card and reader. To be honest, WiFi connectivity would have been a bonus, but it’s hardly essential. The only difference is that files have to be transferred across. On the plus side, an SD card can load data faster than WiFi so you can get started sooner.
Sindoh 3DWOX DP200
Our final recommendation is the Sindoh 3DWOX DP200. Now, you might be thinking “how can I justify spending all this money on a product with a 7.
9×7.9×7.3” build area. Well, this printer has a number of features that make it a strong contender, and we’ll outline these below.
Take connectivity, for example. It can use Ethernet, USB, WiFi, or SD cards. Better still, it has an internal camera that can be viewed remotely. Want to check on its progress while at work? No problem!
This model makes it easier to begin printing, too. It can automatically load and unload filament and uses specialized technology to assist you during the bed-leveling process. The only way this printer could make your life even easier is if it sprouted legs and plugged itself in.
Now, this printer supports fewer material types than some of the others we’ve seen. That said, it still accepts the standard PLA and ABS filaments so the most commonly used types will work. Considering the layers can be as fine as 0.05mm, you’ll be able to create truly stunning, professional looking items.
Overall, we believe this printer to offer a good middle ground between performance and affordability.
Although it has only basic material support, no other product on this list offers a camera or as many connectivity options.
6 Things You Should Know Before Buying a 3D Printer
When you learn about the many functions a 3D printer can perform, you can get pretty excited about getting one. 3D printers are fancy because of the many models you can get to print with them; figurines, smartphone cases, and an endless list of things.
There are different specifications of 3D printers, and they vary according to size, function, and technology. So, before you buy a 3D printer, read this article to learn things you should know about 3D printers.
1. Types of 3D Printers
Before buying a 3D printer, you should know the types of 3D printers that are available.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Printers
FDM technology was first developed by S. Scott Crump in the late 1980s and later commercialized in 1990. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is an equivalent term for FDM created to give a phrase that is legally unimpeded in its use.
In order to create an object with an FDM printer, the files have to be in a computer-aided design (CAD) format which must be converted to a set-up that a 3D printer can understand, in most cases the STL design. These printers use both modeling materials and support materials. The modeling material constitutes the concluded object while the support material holds up the object during printing.
These materials take the form of a thermoplastic filament which is uncoiled and directed through an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle then melts the filaments and places them on a build platform or base. The build platform and nozzle are regulated by a computer which helps generate the X, Y, and Z coordinates to be adapted during printing. The nozzle moves vertically and horizontally over the base forming a thin layer of plastic which after cooling hardens and binds the layer beneath it. The base is then lowered to enable the formation of the next plastic layer, this process continues until the whole design is complete.
The final part of the printing using the FDM technology is removing the object from the printer once it is complete. This is done by soaking the object in a detergent and water solution or by breaking off the support base by hand. To improve the appearance, the object can be painted, sanded, or lacquered as desired.
Stereolithography (SLA)
The SLA printing process creates a model by illuminating a UV light beam on resin or any other photosensitive liquid to harden the area and create the desired model. This method makes the object of higher quality than that of FDM printed objects.
SLA printing uses similar technology to other minor 3D printing processes like Digital Light Processing (DLP) and LCD.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
The SLS printing model also uses a process similar to that of SLA. However, the only difference is that SLS uses lasers instead of Ultraviolet light beams and powders instead of photosensitive liquid. The laser melts and fuses the powder to create a solid model.
SLS printing process is the 3D printing process that can print metal objects and models.
2. Your Budget
When you know about the price of 3D printers and the cost of running them, you might reconsider getting one. However, do not panic; you can get a 3D printer for as low as 180 EUR- a simple model like Creality’s Ender 3.
The FDM printer price ranges from 500 to 1500 EUR, while an SLS price ranges from 6000 to 18,500 EUR. Here you can get the best price from best buy 3D printers.
Note that the cost of the 3D printer does not cover all the materials you will need to print the models and objects. The cost of the material varies directly with the cost of the 3D printer. The prices of filaments change regarding the materials that were used in their production.
So, do not just consider the initial cost of getting the 3D printer; consider the subsequent amount you will need to 3D print objects. Spare parts are very affordable, and the price of 1 kg of the most popular filaments is around 20 EUR.
With 1kg of filament, you can print a huge amount of 3D products. The consumption of filament depends on several different factors, so it is difficult to determine the exact number of models you can make with 1000g of material. Consumption is affected by model fullness, layer thickness, product size,…
3. Features
When you decide what type of printer you would like to get, you should check out the features you want your printer to have. Some FDM printers can cool the nozzle when you are done printing, and some other printers can move the nozzle away after printing to prevent overheating or the production of excess filament.
Apart from these safety features, be sure to check for other features like:
- type of plate,
- touchscreen interface,
- build volume,
- print bed size,
- sensor filament,
- bed leveling,
- how many extruders have,
- Does it have a direct drive extruder or a Bowden tube system,
- Wi-fi connection,
- Diameter of filament (1,75mm or 2,85mm), …
4.
End Result 3D model/ Which 3D material is best to use?
What you intend to print will determine the type of material and the 3D printer you will use. Each type of 3D printer has different kinds of material it supports. 3D filaments are very different from each other in their properties. If you want beautiful, aesthetically pleasing filaments, then SILK or PLA will be the right choice for you. However, if you need a strong and light filament, you will print the PAHT filament with carbon fiber. It is important to know the properties of the materials with which you will 3D print;
PLA FILAMENT (Polylactic Acid)
PLA filament is one of the most popular materials in the 3D world. It is used to create household items, figures, vases, phone accessory cases, holders, and home plastic materials. You can get it in full and transparent colors, with the addition of wood (PLA WOOD), glitter (PLA glitter), a special pearl gloss (PLA Pearl), …
Pros
- It is eco friendly and biodegradable
- It cools quickly, which prevents model warping
- Suitable for non-heated print beds and adhesives
Cons
- It has a low melting point which sometimes causes models to deform when you subject them to high heat.
- It is not suitable for making joints or interlocking parts.
ABS FILAMENT (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS filament is also a type of plastic made from petroleum-based substances. It is known for being flexible and strong. It is suitable for outdoor products because it can withstand harsh conditions.
Pros
It is very adaptable, making it easy to use to create joints and interlocking parts.
It does not deform when subjected to high heat because it has a high melting point.
Cons
Its high melting point makes it cool slowly and can cause model warping.
It emits fumes that can be dangerous to one’s health.
PETG filament (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is a thermoplastic polyester modified with glycol. It has a combination of PLA’s ease of use and ABS durability. It is used to make mechanical components, food containers, and water bottles.
If you need a hard, strong piece and you are deciding between PLA and PETG filament, choose PETG and you will not be disappointed. In addition to its durability, it is also important to mention that is made of eco-friendly materials, as it is one of the few filaments that can come into contact with food. However, always ask the manufacturer for a food safety certificate.
Pros
- It is FDA-approved that it is suitable for edible consumption containers.
- It does not cause model warping
- It is heat and water-resistant
- It has good electrical properties
Cons
- It is not biodegradable
- It is more expensive
5. Goals
This is also one of the most important factors to consider before buying your 3D printer. Your goal will determine the type of 3D printer to get, the features it should have, and what filaments should you use.
It is important to think about the conditions in which you will use the printer.
Outdoor use might require the printer to be waterproof and UV-resistant. And if you want it for indoor use, it must fit into your home. It is important to consider that if you are going to print ABS filament you will smell it during printing since it has a specific odor and is not the safest choice for your bedroom or your kids’ room.
When deciding where a 3D printer will be placed, you need to think about what print size suits you; how big do you want your 3D printed items to be? If you are looking to print small items such as figurines, phone accessories, car accessories, useful items for your home, etc. you can look at the Ender 3 or Ender 5 series printers. However, if you need larger models, the CR-10 series will be right for you, as it offers a larger print area and consequently larger prints. The CR-10 MAX printer is considered one of the largest on the market, offering prints up to 450 x 450 x 470 mm.
6.
Safety
You should look out for safety features before getting your 3D printers, primarily if you use them in your home or areas accessible to children. 3D printers work with heat, and you will need to take extra care to avoid bad burns.
Some 3D printers have enclosures around the print areas, while some take the nozzle away once you pause or stop printing.
Safety also extends to how environmentally friendly the 3D printer is. Some 3D printers use materials (like ABS plastics) that produce fumes. This type of 3D printer might not be suitable for indoor use or in a place that is not well-ventilated.
In addition, know what material is suitable for specific products. If you want to produce kitchenware or consumables containers, you must ensure the material is food-safe. Note that an FDM-type 3D printer can collect bacteria with its porous surfaces, making it unsafe for food containers.
Building vs. Buying a 3D Printer
3D printing technology leaves a chance for you to be a 3D printer maker or creator.
You do not necessarily have to buy a 3D printer because you can build one for yourself. And even though making a 3D printer might be more time-consuming and hectic, it is cheaper than buying a new one.
If you decide to go with building your 3D printer, you can get the 3D printer kits where you will find an instruction manual, or you can check online to find available tutorial videos. When building your 3D printer, it is better to use a combination of videos and instruction manuals so that you do not make mistakes.
And if you do not have the time or energy to do this, get a pre-assembled 3D printer. The 3D printers you can buy these days usually come with a few parts that need to be assembled. It is definitely easier and less time-consuming, so if you can’t wait to start with 3D printing, is best to buy a 3D printer.
Extra Tips for Getting a 3D printer
Get an Auto-levelling 3D printer.
If you are into the 3D printing service, it is better to go for an auto-leveling 3D printer rather than a manual-leveling one.
Manual leveling requires pre-leveling knowledge and a few DIYs. And in cases where the print bed is not leveled, it can cause scratch marks on the prints, poor adhesion, and nozzle clogging.
Get a decent filament.
The level of quality of your final product is of the essence. If you want to get the best final product, do not go cheap on the filament, as it determines how well the final product will be.
Conclusion
Getting a 3D printer requires your money and attention; you need to pay attention to the details to get the appropriate one for the intended purpose. Consider what you want to print, look out for the features you want in it, and determine if the quality of the final 3d model presents what you want.
Follow these tips diligently, and you will choose the 3D printer you want and need.
Large Area 3D Printer
Create functional plastic items up to 2.5 meters!
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Discovery 3D Printer is a range of industrial 3D printers made in Spain for creating large-sized products and prototypes using FFF/FDM technology.
Discovery 3D Printer additive machines produce objects from high-strength thermoplastics and are designed for industries ranging from shipbuilding and automotive to architecture and medicine.
Problems solved
Replacement of spare parts or lost parts in engineering, shipbuilding, oil and gas and energy enterprises
Production of small and medium series of products as an alternative to injection or molding of plastic parts automotive, shipbuilding and oil and gas industries
Creation of objects of exterior and interior design and design products for construction, production of facing materials
Production of functional prototypes for R&D and design bureaus in mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and aircraft construction
Production of large-sized wax or burnt master models for metal casting and metallurgy or trolleys)
Looking for a 3D printer for your needs?
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Solutions catalog
3D printers
3D printer DISCOVERY 3D Printer 2021
Compact solution for 3D printing of large-sized products
Read more
3D printer Super Discovery Compact
Combination of compactness and high performance of the performance
Learn more
Super Discovery 3D Printer Hybrid
Advantages of granule and filament printing in one machine
More details
Super Discovery 3D Printer 3D Printer
Large build chamber and print speed up to 6 kg/h
More details
Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation
9000 unique2 2 in 1 combination printers and milling systems
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Your unique 3D printer
Do you need to print an item larger than 6 meters?
We will develop an individual solution with any build chamber for your needs.
tasks — for printing products of any size!
Choose the right solution for you — compare
specifications by model
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3D Printing Consumables
Do you have questions about 3D printing media?
Set
them to our experts online!
Discovery 3D Printers work with all thermoplastics,
including:
- PLA / PLA
- biodegradable polymer provides a smooth and gliding surface
products. Designed to obtain detailed and ready-to-use objects - ABS /
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene - impact-resistant material is able to withstand heavy loads and high
temperature, resistant to heat, moisture and various alkalis - PET / polyethylene terephthalate
- is a hard and strong material with high abrasion resistance.
Great
suitable for making gears, carriages and guides - PA / polyamide
- hard engineering plastic with excellent mechanical properties
characteristics. Widely used in various industries - ASA / acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
plastic - analogue of ABS, characterized by increased weather resistance, minimal
shrinkage and high impact strength - Nylon
- is elastic, wear-resistant and remarkably durable. Fine
suitable for printing functional parts and mechanisms - HIPS / polystyrene
- Lightweight, alkali and acid resistant polymer. deserved
popular in traditional manufacturing due to its impact resistance
Advantages of Discovery 3D Printer Solutions
ISO 9001 certified products
3D printers with the largest build chamber in the world
Ability to design a custom printer
The only 3D printer on the market with an integrated CNC system for finishing milling a part after printing
Accelerate the creation of new products thanks to the dual extrusion system
Repair and replacement of products faster and more economically than contractors
Ability to use a large number of third-party materials
Self-leveling platform function for automatic compensation of irregularities
Case Studies
FDM Airbus Spare Parts 3D Printing
| Industry: | Aircraft industry |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | CFRP SABIC LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ AM EZ006EXAR1 |
Created a strong mold for autoclave forming parts with a sealed surface and a low thermal expansion coefficient.
3D printed car bumper
| Industry: | Automotive |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
Prototype car bumper printed, measuring 1800 x 600 x 4500 mm and weighing 12 kg.
Large format 3D printed chair
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | 3D850 |
Printed design armchair measuring 45 x 50 x 95 cm and weighing 18 kg.
3D printed architectural statue
| Industry: | Architecture |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | ABS with cellulose fiber |
The solid statue is printed and is 1.
87 m high and 45 kg in weight.
3D printing of railway components
| Industry: | Railway industry |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | plastic |
The front part of a tram for CAF was made in one printing session.
Helicopter seat 3D printing
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
Printed helicopter seat measuring 120 x 70 x 45 cm and weighing 20 kg.
3D printed internal combustion engine
| Industry: | Engineering |
| Equipment: | Discovery 3D Printer 2021 |
| Material: | Premium PLA |
Prototype of an internal combustion engine was created, the dimensions of which were 100 x 60 x 50 cm and the weight was 5.
5 kg.
3D printed exclusive piece of furniture
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation |
| Material: | ABS |
A custom and exclusive chair created without the need for any further finishing.
Architectural 3D printed in durable ABS with cellulose
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation |
| Material: | ABS |
A street sculpture has been made that fully implements the initial decorative idea of the project.
Dior boutique window dressing
| Industry: | Advertising |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation |
| Material: | plastic |
Huge bottles 3D printed for exclusive display at Dior’s flagship stores.
FDM Cap Prototype
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Discovery 3D Printer 2021 |
| Material: | 3D850 |
Prototype cap printed at 29 x 19 x 4.5 cm and weighing 146 g.
A prototype of a modular toilet has been printed, measuring 2200 x 1700 x 1200 mm and weighing 250 kg. At the same time, the weight of the product was reduced by almost 50%.
3D printed marine ventilation grille
| Industry: | Shipbuilding |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
Ventilation grill printed 59 x 89 x 4.
5 cm and weight 3500 g.
Printed motorcycle part measuring 42.5 x 16.5 x 4.5 cm and weighing 165 g.
Prototype printed with support measuring 10 x 9 x 2.5 cm and weighing 18 g.
Created a square mold that measures 10 x 10 x 2 cm and weighs 67 g.
Printed fender for a wheel measuring 55 x 16 x 20 cm and weighing 645 g.
3D printed and post-processed a high-strength mold for wind turbine blades.
3D printed car wheel
| Industry: | Automotive |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
A wheel for a car was made, the diameter of which was 440 mm, and the weight of the product was 5 kg.
3D printed designer vase
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
Printed vase in ABS for excellent interlayer adhesion and minimal warping.
Geometric 3D printing
| Industry: | Design |
| Equipment: | Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation |
| Material: | ABS with carbon fiber |
Pyramid printed with an 8mm extruder with a smooth surface thanks to the built-in milling system.
More projects and examples of 3D printing in production — in the blog
3D experts
Go to blog
Useful materials
Webinar on 3D printing large objects with complex geometry
- How can 3D printing help you optimize production?
- Features FDM-technology for printing products up to 2.
5 meters
- Benefits of using 3D plastic printing
- Real cases
Large Format Plastic 3D Industrial Printing Brochure
Benefits of FDM Technology, Overview of Equipment and Consumables,
industries and implementation examples — this and much more in one material!
About the manufacturer
CNC Barcenas / Spain
is one of the leaders in the European market for large format 3D printing.
The company specializes in the production of industrial 3D printers Discovery 3D Printer for printing large-sized products and prototypes based on FFF/FDM technology.
discovery3dprinter.com
Take a closer look at Discovery 3D Printer solutions — take a virtual
tour of
companies!
3D TOUR OF COMPANY
About us
iQB Technologies is a Russian distributor of 3D printers, consumables,
3D scanners
and software from the world’s leading manufacturers.
We develop complete 3D solutions, provide printing services
And
scanning, as well as training specialists in the use of 3D technologies in their work.
iQB Technologies is the exclusive distributor of Discovery 3D Printer solutions in Russia.
3D printers are available for order
in this section .
iqb.ru
Why order a 3D printer from
iQB Technology?
The best prices for this class of equipment
Training on how to use 3D printers
A wide range of integrated solutions: 3D printer + 3D scanner + software
Provision of services for the implementation, maintenance and repair of 3D equipment throughout Russia
Participation in public procurement and tenders
Still have questions?
Our experts will advise you free of charge on Discovery 3D Printer solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which technology to choose: the method of fusing granules (FGF) or polymer filaments (FFF / FDM)?
What are the kinematics and mechanics of the Discovery equipment?
In this respect, all Discovery equipment differs from budget additive solutions.
The products are based on the kinematic diagram of a CNC machine. Gears, pulleys, lead screws, no belts. HIVIN rail guides are used. The entire structure is made with European quality from advanced products in the machine tool industry.
What consumables can be used with Discovery products?
Any material (other than PEEK and PEKK) sold in bars or pellets. First of all, thanks to the heating of the table to 175 ° C and vacuum fixation, as well as due to the installed nozzles made of hardened steel.
How is such a large print platform heated?
A matrix of separate equidistant heaters is built into the platform from the bottom side; these modules provide uniform heating of the surface of the printing platform. The maximum recorded temperature difference over the entire area is 3°C.
How to speed up printing on such large dimensions?
There is a special method for properly emptying the internal volume, which you can learn more about from our technical experts.
This procedure will have very little effect on the strength and elasticity of the print object, but will still reduce the time by up to 60%.
It is important to consider that with a large range of large-sized products, it is better to consider Super Discovery 3D Printer or Super Discovery 3D Printer Workstation with a capacity of up to 11 kg / h (depending on the material used).
Is it possible to upgrade this equipment for a specific enterprise?
Yes. Most of the Discovery machines can be upgraded for a specific production project. This is possible, since the equipment was designed for the tasks of Production 4.0, and our specialists will help to integrate it correctly.
What is the warranty for this equipment?
24 months, which is 1.5 — 2 times more than analogues from Europe, Russia and China. Permanent customer support is provided directly by the vendor or iQB Technologies specialists.
How to get a high quality product so that it can be handed over as a final product?
3D printing is basically a high quality preform process.
If you need to get the final product, it is suggested to use milling or turning equipment, manual machining, priming, painting or varnishing.
This is often not necessary as the product is not visible.
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4 reasons why it’s a waste of money / 3D printers, machines and accessories / iXBT Live
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Are you interested in 3D printing? Do you have a 3D printer? If you answered yes to both questions, then it can be assumed that you understand the advantages and possibilities of using a 3D printer.
ru.pinterest.com
Knowing how to use a 3D printer helps you create your own prototypes, designs, or samples of accessories and other products. Given all its benefits, does that mean everyone should get one? Not necessary.
https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/297659856593251184/
There are several good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a 3D printer. Below, I will detail four reasons and explain why buying a 3D printer is not the best decision.
At the time of this writing, there are many different types of 3D printers on the market. While many of them have been around for almost a decade, the technology is in a state of flux.
www.slav-dvor.
ru
The best 3D printers of today will be significantly different from the 3D printers of a decade ago, but they still can’t give good results without pre-configuration, while most people buy 3D printers because I heard they are easy to use.
This may be true, provided that you are already familiar with the technology firsthand, 3D printing is still at a relatively early stage, and even the most expensive models will not give you perfect results right out of the box, which is an additional expense on the material for the duration of the training and it depends only on you how quickly you master 3D printing and stop translating the material for printing.
3D printing is great technology, but not for everyone. If you are an engineer or «creator» you might be a great candidate for 3D printing. But if you don’t plan on making a living as a designer, or just love making things, it might not be worth investing in a 3D printer.
The cost of a 3D printer is significant.
Although the price of consumer-grade 3D printers has dropped significantly over the past few years, they are still a luxury. If you just want to occasionally create products for your personal use or print souvenirs for your family, it’s best not to invest in a 3D printer.
We all know that 3D printing is a relatively new product. This can lead to the misconception that you can just buy a 3D printer and print whatever you want. But it’s not.
The only way to know if a 3D printer is right for you is to explore different models and then buy the one that suits your needs. For many people, this means buying a basic 3D printer with the features you need.
ru.pinterest.com
This does not mean that you should buy the printer as cheaply as possible. You just have to make sure the printer has the features you need. This may mean investing in a printer with a high print volume, that is, the maximum distance at which an object can be printed.
We all know that 3D printing can be used to create amazing things.
However, many do not use the full potential of their 3D printer. Many people, for example, see 3D printing as a way to print plastic guns. Although this is far from the only high-quality application of 3D printing.
stockimg.net
One of the best uses for 3D printing can be found on Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a site where creators can post projects they are trying to fund. These projects can range from new products to new ideas and new technologies.
Taken from https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rocket1/kirin-ultimate-dsp-4k-light-engine-for-3d-printing?ref=discovery&term=3d%20printer
Projects posted on Kickstarter often are inspired by someone’s immediate needs: a designer who needs funds to create a product, a scientist who needs funds to create a new product, or a person who simply needs funds to help bring their idea to market.
ru.pinterest.com
These projects are also a great way to learn what kinds of products are made with 3D printers. By studying the types of products people create with 3D printers, you can get a better idea of what a 3D printer is capable of.
3D printing is a great technology. But she’s not for everyone. If you just want to make «fun stuff» use a 3D printing service instead of buying a full 3D printer if you don’t have a clear goal, you’ll just be wasting your money on training materials and the 3D printer itself.
stockimg.net
What do you think about this issue? Write in the comments.
Also recommended reading:
Cheap and Toxic: ABS Plastic Review
Hi-Tech Plast Filament Review: Cheapest PLA Plastic I’ve Seen
Is colorless PLA stronger than colored PLA? How the color of the PLA filament affects its physical properties .
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