5 common questions before buying a 3D printer
Not every 3D printer is right for everyone. The market offers a wide selection of 3D printers, among which you need to find the one that suits you best. Which 3D printing technology is suitable for your hobby or business? Are you a beginner or an advanced user? How much are you willing to spend on a 3D printer? These are some common questions users ask themselves before purchasing a 3D printer.
1. WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS OR GOALS FOR 3D PRINTING…
What is your goal with 3D printing? Will you be printing smaller or larger parts? Will the prints be simple or challenging? What material do they need to be made of?
Before purchasing a 3D printer, you should also evaluate which 3D printing technology is most suitable for your projects. These include:
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling),
- SLA (Stereolithography),
- DLP (Digital Light Processing),
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering),
- SLM (Selective Laser Melting),
- MJ (Material Jetting),
- DED (Directed Energy Deposition),
- LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing).
2. TYPE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A 3D PRINTER
3D printers are divided according to technology and type. Some 3D printers offer industrial-grade 3D printing, while others are designed for home use. The former are generally larger and more robust, while the latter are desktop-sized and easily portable.
Of course, 3D printers also have different characteristics. Recently, print volume has become increasingly important, and with our 3D printers it reaches up to 400 × 350 × 500 mm! Most models offer a touchscreen, a filament runout sensor, and a camera for remote print monitoring, but they differ in chamber and build plate temperatures, the number of extruders, and build plate calibration.
3. 3D PRINTER AND COMPATIBLE MATERIALS
Do you need high-performance end-use products or simpler ones? Of course, there is also a difference in the quality of the final surface, where resin 3D printers are definitely superior. For prototyping with FDM 3D printers, a simple PLA material is sometimes more than sufficient, while some users require extremely strong materials such as PEEK and ULTEM. For 3D printing a wider range of materials, you will also need a more advanced 3D printer with nozzles that can reach significantly higher temperatures.
4. YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF 3D PRINTING…
Do you want to get familiar with 3D printing, or are you already an advanced user of your 3D printer? If you fall into the first category, you will most likely not choose a professional 3D printer, but instead select a beginner-friendly model when purchasing a 3D printer.
If you are worried that you might not be able to handle 3D printing, don’t worry. We offer training opportunities, from beginners to the most advanced users. Learning 3D printing is not as complicated as it may sound.
5. YOUR BUDGET FOR A 3D PRINTER…
Of course, budget affects every purchase, even when it comes to a 3D printer. The price range of 3D printers is wide, from a few hundred euros to several thousand. A lower price does not necessarily mean that a 3D printer will not meet your needs. In any case, more expensive models are usually more precise, offer a larger printing volume, and support a wider range of compatible materials, but at the same time they may completely exceed your actual needs.
