Deciding on your first 3D printer can be a confusing experience. There are so many different types of printer, technologies, materials, features, and price ranges to choose from that it’s hard to know which ones are important.
A 3D printer that is best doesn’t have to be the one that costs the most or the one with the greatest number of features; the correct choice will depend on what you intend to print, how much money you are prepared to spend, and how much time you are ready to spend on learning and maintaining your printer.
In the following 3D printer buying guide we look at seven things that are important to take into account when selecting a 3D printer that is suitable for beginners.
1. Determine what you want to print
Before considering particular printers, you should first decide on what you really want to produce.
Interested in printing out decorations and models? Would you like to produce some useful household items or functional components? Maybe you’d like to print miniatures, prototypes, or custom designs.
The kind of use you have in mind can make a big difference to the choice of printer for you. For instance, the requirements of a person who is mainly interested in printing simple household items will be quite different from those of someone who wants to make highly detailed miniatures.
If you know which feature you want to print first, you can stop yourself from paying for features that you really do not need.
2. Choose Between FDM and Resin
When picking a 3D printer, you need to decide between FDM and resin. FDM printers use melted plastic to build models layer by layer. They are usually cheaper and easier to use. FDM is a good choice for larger prints or when you want strong parts.
Resin printers use liquid resin that hardens with light. They make prints with much finer details. However, resin printers and materials often cost more. They also need more cleaning and safety steps.
Think about what you want to print, your budget, and how much work you want to put in. This will help you pick the right type of printer for your needs.
The first choice that you will have to make is between an FDM printer and a resin printer.
FDM 3D Printers
FDM printers produce objects by heating the plastic filament and then laying it down in layers.
Hobbyists and beginners like them since they are relatively affordable and there are a variety of filament materials on offer.
FDM printing is a suitable choice for those who wish to produce items like household objects, tools, organizers, prototypes, and larger models.
Resin 3D Printers
Resin printers cure liquid resin with the use of light. A major advantage of them is that they can produce prints with a great deal of detail and a relatively smooth surface, which is why they are especially useful for things like miniatures and detailed models.
Resin printing differs from FDM printing in terms of the way it is handled and the subsequent post-processing it needs.
For most people who are just getting started, FDM is a better choice, particularly when they want to learn the basics of 3D printing without having to deal right away with the extra requirements of resin printing.
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3. The build volume should be taken into account.
The amount of space that a printer can produce is known as build volume.
A printer having a bigger build volume is able to produce larger objects, whereas one with a smaller build volume has more limitations when it comes to the size of the prints.
Consider the kinds of objects you anticipate making. Should your main interest lie in small models and household accessories, then you probably won’t need a very large printer. On the other hand, if you want to produce bigger objects, build volume does become important.
It doesn’t follow that you should buy a printer with the largest available build volume; you should think about how you actually intend to use it.
4. Consider the materials you want to use.
Since different 3D printers work with different materials, it’s a good idea to check whether the materials are compatible before you buy one.
For FDM printers, some common materials include:
The PLA is easy to print and is a favoured option for those who are just getting started.
PETG offers a useful compromise between strength and ease of printing.
ABS is a durable material that can be useful for some functional parts.
TPU is a type of material that is used for items which require a certain degree of elasticity.
Instead of using filament, resin printers use liquid photopolymer resin.
For a beginner it isn’t necessary to have a printer that can handle every type of material, since it’s more useful to select one that performs well with the kinds of materials you actually plan to use.
5. Consider how easy it is to use
When selecting a 3D printer that is suitable for beginners, ease of use is one of the most important factors to take into account.
A 3D printer that is hard to set up, calibrate, or operate can make the process of learning 3D printing far more frustrating than it should be.
When comparing printers, consider things such as:
How much assembly is required
How easy it is to level the print bed
How simple the controls are
How easy the software is to use
How easy it is to troubleshoot common problems
Many modern printers have features which make the process easier, for example automatic bed levelling and a simplified setup.
A person who is new to printing might find that spending a bit more on convenience is sometimes more worthwhile than choosing a printer that has a long list of advanced features.
6. Think about reliability and useful features.
A printer may have impressive specifications and yet still be frustrating since it does not give consistent results.
If you are selecting a printer, you should take into account its record of reliability and the features which can make the printing process easier.
Some useful features can include:
- Automatic bed leveling
- Filament runout detection
- Power-loss recovery
- Enclosed printing
- Remote monitoring
- A simple user interface
It does not follow that a printer with more features is a better one.
Consider whether a feature actually addresses a problem you are likely to come across; a printer that is beginner-friendly should generally make the printing process more predictable rather than introducing unnecessary complexity.
7. Establish a realistic budget.
It doesn’t mean that the cost of the printer is the whole amount you’ll spend on 3D printing. You may also need to budget for:
- Filaments and resin
- Replacement parts
- Basic tools
- Maintenance supplies
- Storage
- Other accessories
For instance, it might not be cheaper to buy a very cheap printer and then spend extra money improving it than it is to purchase a printer with slightly better equipment from the start.
At the same time, it is not necessary to purchase the most expensive printer that is available.
Determine a budget according to how much you genuinely can afford and select the features that really matter to you.
How to Choose the best 3D Printer for you
No single 3D printer is the best one for every individual. Well, consider what is most important to you.
If your main interest lies in simple models and everyday objects, then an FDM printer might be a good choice for you.
If you are looking for miniatures that are highly detailed then a resin printer might be more appropriate.
If you’re printing big objects, then you should prioritise the build volume.
If you want the simplest possible experience, then look for a printer that has good automation and a straightforward setup procedure.
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3D Printer Buying Guide: A Quick Checklist
Before buying a 3D printer, ask yourself:
What is my intention regarding the printing?
Should I go for FDM or resin?
What sized build space do I need?
What materials would I like to use?
How simple is it to set up and operate the printer?
What features are actually useful to me?
What is the sum of my budget, taking into account both the materials and the accessories?
It is possible to considerably reduce your choices by answering these questions.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re choosing a 3D printer for the first time.
First consider what you want to print, then look at the printing technology, the build volume, the materials, ease of use, reliability, any useful features, and the total cost.
You have no need to purchase the most advanced printer if you want to get started; a printer that is reliable, easy to use, and appropriate for the kinds of things you wish to produce would in fact be a better option for a beginner.
Since the 3D printing market is still constantly changing, it’s advisable to take your time, compare the different options, and select a printer that meets your real needs rather than just going along with the most recent trend.